This thrilling series capped off the LEC Winter season with a shocking twist nobody saw coming! After a near-flawless regular season performance, many people were expecting G2 Esports to get to the Grand Finals without breaking a sweat, which makes sense when you take into account their history of dominance.
However, the outcome proved anything but predictable, leading to a nail-biting series. Compared to the last year LEC 2023, this one was a true show to watch.
G2 Esports – Simplicity yet Skillful
Fans who were expecting a smooth and easy victory from G2 were in for a rude awakening. They underestimated the potential of MAD Lions KOI. This team was mostly dismissed because it was filled with inexperienced and untested ‘rookies’ from the ERLs (European Regional Leagues).
But now it’s clear this team had a lot to prove and a burning desire to defy all expectations.
While many were expecting a G2/BDS final, MAD Lions KOI stunned viewers with their performance. They relentlessly pressured G2 in ways not many teams had managed throughout the entire season.
Ultimately, they proved themselves and showed that they weren’t just any old rookies in G2’s hard-fought Winter Split victory.
As it always is in the LEC, G2’s victory in the Winter Split Playoffs grants them an automatic qualification for the prestigious Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). This marks their first international tournament appearance of the year and a chance to compete against top teams from around the world.
MSI 2024, held in Chengdu, China, is an exciting return to the country for the first time since way back in 2016.
Breaking Down the LEC Winter Finals
After their victory over Team BDS on the 11th, G2 Esports were able to get some well-deserved rest and had a week to recharge their batteries but also prepare to face their final opponent. And so, they patiently waited for their chance to prove themselves on the Grand Finals stage.
And it’s obvious they play to win, seeing as how they had a near-perfect regular season, despite a minor setback against Fnatic.
Unlike G2 Esports, MAD Lions KOI had more setbacks. Even though they had a respectable regular season performance, they hit a major roadblock when they lost against Fnatic in their first playoff match and moved to the unforgiving Lower bracket.
But despite this initial defeat, they clawed their way through the lower bracket, securing two clean 2-0 victories and two grueling 3-2 wins, and found their way to the Grand Finals stage.
When the time came to play in the finals, MAD Lions KOI surprised G2 with their drafting choices, including a key Yasuo and Zac pick in Game 1.
This move forced G2 to react and adapt their own strategy. MDK’s aggressive approach paid off and brought them a victory in the series’ opening game.
Games Recorded
Game 2 was a fierce battle, featuring another surprise Zac pick and the introduction of Gnar. However, G2 managed to recover and secure a crucial win, evening the score. As the series progressed, G2 Esports regained its momentum and managed to dominate Games 3 and 4.
With this victory, G2 Esports defeated the underdogs and won their third championship in 2 years.
