A weekend at the LCS

🎮League of Legends is not only a game

The weekend of September 2nd and 3rd, took place the European championships of the online popular game League of Legends, otherwise called « EU LCS Summer Split ». It was the first time that I personally assisted to this kind of events, and you may as well say that back to reality was hard. A crowd composed of 10 000 crazy people, excellent hosts and players who made us shiver, in very beautiful matches. In a word, it was a weekend largely exceeding my expectations. And to those who think that League is a simplistic battle arena for retarded gamers only, just know that no overflow happened, and if it was to be only a game, then how do you explain the following picture :

The crowd taken by @lolesports

🎮A very close 3rd place match

On September 2nd, Fnatic won 3-2 the 3rd place against H2K. The team previously World Champions in 2011 and three years in a row European champions, saw losing 1v3 against Misfits in semi-finals. FNC went through the mill during the 1st game, dominated 15 kills to 3 by H2K. The awakening will be hard but FNC will not have made their last word, because in the two following games, they won’t let anything pass. However tiredness is making itself felt during 4th game, when Fnatic didn’t have any turret but many kills. Finally, FNC overcome the game in 25mn and win their 3rd place.

For both teams, European championships would have been well carried out. It was an occasion for Febiven, old Midlaner for Fnatic, to show to his former mate Rekkles, that he can dominate too. 11 Wins for Fnatic against 9 for H2K, the EU LCS made the ground of Paris shake. We now hope that Fnatic will take back their trophy, because according to the fans, this team remains by far one of the best in Europe. Below, I made a recap tab of the 3rd place match, with main stats of all the combined games.

🎮The domination of the « Kings of Europe »

It’s not surprisingly that G2 are crowned European champions, in an overwhelming victory 3-0 against Misfits. Though the rabbits were the top favorites of the crowd of the Arena, I was almost the only one of my row to shout G2’s name. MSF included the only French player of the finals, Hans Sama, who celebrated his 18 years birthday the day before. As soon as his name was pronounced by the host, the great majority of the fans got up from their seat, intoning in rich voice a Marseillaise, waving baguettes. Well, we had to deal with this wonderful cliche of the winning combo « béret-baguette », that Romain Bigeard, Manager of Unicorns of Love showed with his… special outfit. Judge for yourself, it was a big show !

2nd game G2 vs MSF, pick & ban phase

Concerning the matches, G2 stands out with a large gap of 11 kills to 2, 3 drakes, 7 turrets and a Herald. When we see the scores, we guess that no Baron was necessary. Then Misfits climb back, even if the difference remains globally the same, Duracell rabbits find themselves out of battery. Finally the 3rd and last game was the hardest. Several times, Misfits took the advantage, before being surpassed again by the Samurai. The latter wave the LCS trophy, while the rabbits jump up quickly towards their den. But don’t get fooled, PowerOfEvil and his whole team prepare themselves for a futur confrontation. For a team born in 2016, it’s a promising start and we look forward to see them again on stage.

#G2WIN, a beautiful victory ! GGWP !

🎮The opinion of the Project Conquerors

Several of us from PCS came to the LCS, and I took care of collecting the opinions of my teammates.

Nichois (Coach) : Magnificent, a great atmosphere, a lot of memories, gifts and shares, and a very good animation from Rito. On top of that, so many nice meetings and girls !

Wendella (Support) : I have never been bored, finals were really incredible, whether it is for the quality of the matches, or for the atmosphere and the place. The players and the crowd were full on. We can thank Romain for warming up the spectators with his boundless energy. Everyone is accessible, streamers, casters and players.

Narkange (Toplaner) : The atmosphere was crazy, I had almost no more voice and I think it’s the same for everybody. The crowd was at a 100% behind the frenchie of FNC and same for Rekkles. He even received the MVP title at the end of the day. Songs and applause from the audience, moved in tears the one who will finish 3rd. Next day, the presence of Hans Sama made the difference, and Romain knew how to enjoy people. I hope that the LCS will go back in France a day. But if next year they’ll become regionals, there’s a way that an event like this could happen once again.

Lexy (Photograph) : Exceptional and unique moment, in which boredom doesn’t exist and where suspense is endless. To make it simple, a fantastic event.

Taekoth (Midlaner) : Gorgeous ! We succeeded to set the mood during both days, it predicts only positive things for E-sports.

Ràven (Jungler) : What I remember the most, is that compared to other sports, fans from one team won’t hesitate to support the opposing team. ‘Cause in the end, what everbody wants is show, nice actions and close matches. Despite the French chauvinism, the winning team (without any French player in it) was even acclaimed by the crowd. Then I find funny that an audience that is known to be toxic in-game, is so fairplay IRL.

Interview with Sjokz and Deficio

🎮Next step, Worlds in China

According to the results of the Gauntlets, a team joins G2 and Misfits in the World Championships. Gauntlets correspond to regionals competitions. The four teams which have the highest score combining Spring and Summer Split, fought during three days. This event took place just one week after the Play-Offs, and the third team which will represent Europe is Fnatic !

Romain Bigeard's back, posted on his Twitter

Until then, we say GGWP to all and especially GLHF for the next !

The baguette God, Romain Bigeard on Twitter