Weeks three through six of the European League of Legends Championship Series brought a myriad of changes in the standings, with Fnatic, G2 Esports, and H2K being the highest risers during that time.
Fnatic shake off the cobwebs
Fnatic have finally found their midseason form after starting the season off 3-3. With six straight wins since placing them atop the standings at 9-3, Fnatic have looked dominate in their resurgence. Not only has the draft been better, but a clear shift has occurred within the team’s shot-calling, which now appears to be more crisp and productive. This was the Fnatic that many thought were a top two contender before the season started, yet their early up-and-down play concerned many as they looked unable to integrate new Support Hylissang properly into the lineup. Fnatic, like the others on the list, have also benefited from a few teams taking surprising steps back during the past four weeks; notably Vitality and Schalke 04.
G2 back in contention
After opening the year with an underwhelming 1-3 start, G2 Esports have now won seven of their last eight, with their only loss to the aforementioned high-flying Fnatic. Perhaps even more shocking than Fnatic’s early struggle was that of G2, given their overall talent and expectations entering the season. However, after the slow start, the team has adapted well to the meta, continually placing jungler Jankos on a tank while allowing budding superstar top laner Wunder to have more flexibility in his role. Wunder is statistically the best top laner in the region, continually providing an avenue for the team to succeed. Coupled with the general improvement from the likes of Hjarnan and Wadid, G2 have now risen to a top two team in the region. G2 should continue to improve, especially with the quality drop-off that occurs from second place to the lower teams.
H2K have momentum
Without a doubt, H2K Gaming’s rise in recent weeks is the most unexpected development of the EU LCS thus far. H2K looked dead in the water after week four with their 1-7 record, but two key roster changes to players with mixed success in the past have completely revitalised the squad. First, the addition of mid-laner Selfie appeared to make little sense, as it forced one of the only decently performing members, Caedrel, to become the jungler. However, soon after H2K benched Caedrel in favor of Shook, who was previously a free agent, the side began to find success, which it has continued to build on ever since. With only a loss to Fnatic, H2K have looked decisive and dominant in their two-week rise. This ragtag gang has somehow found decent form, and currently look like a top four team in the League. If H2K can keep this up, they become an incredibly dangerous team should they make the playoffs.
Team Vitality stumble
The two unfortunate teams that took major steps back recently were Team Vitality and Schalke 04. Team Vitality were the story of Europe in the first couple of weeks, dominating their opposition on their way to a 7-1 first-place start. However, the last two weeks have not been kind, as Vitality currently possess a four-game losing streak. The team have continued their innovative ways, but it appears now that the other sides have finally figured out a way to strategise against the feisty young outfit. Things do not get any easier next week for the freefalling Vitality, as they have Fnatic as one of their opponents.
Schalke 04 were supposed to take a massive step forward these past four weeks, as ostensibly their talented squad members just appeared to need time to gel. However, Schalke 04 have thus far been the epitome of inconsistency, continually playing up and down to their opponents’ level. The MVP talk for mid-laner Nukeduck has cooled with the overall lowering of expectations of the squad. Given their overall skill, Schalke are still a dangerous squad, but they must find consistency within their game should they look to both make, and succeed, in the playoffs.
The cream is now rising to the top in the EU LCS Spring Season, with expectations that Fnatic and G2 will continue to dominate. With six teams set to make it to the playoffs, however, there is still a lot to play for.
