CLG vs Team Dignitas

Oh boy. Where does one even begin with this one? Coming into the second half of 2021, no one in their right mind thought that this sort of match-up would be of even the slightest interest. But right now, given the way things have unfolded in the LCS, this clash might end up being one of the more entertaining ones of the day.

Strange stuff, to say the least.

Both teams have had huge ups and downs throughout the year and, frankly, throughout the last two and a half weeks as well. Dignitas had recently decided to field Yusui instead of Soligo and, well, it's a somewhat baffling decision because it doesn't make a whole lot of sense -- we're at the halfway point of the season and bringing in an Academy-level mid laner isn't going to instantly turn them into a title contender. They're good but far from great, and a couple of brilliant flashes are in no way enough to warrant anyone's benefit of the doubt.

But CLG? They're an even bigger enigma. They're currently riding a two-game winstreal which, in itself, is quite commendable. But the real kicker is whom they were able to beat to attain it: 100 Thieves and Evil Geniuses. The former is one of the best teams in North America and a front-runner to win the whole thing, with the latter being a severly flawed but still incredibly capable contender. And CLG beat both of them to a pulp using basically the exact same team comp. They went for the simple possible strats and were able to accomplish wonders. Galio for Pobelter, Vi for Broxah, and Rakan for Smoothie at at the crux of their success and boy has it been fun watching them play.

They've been looking mighty incredible ever since the third week of play began, but it's impossible not to wonder: what'll happen once Vi and Galio are banned? Have they become a one-hit wonder, or do the boys in black and blue have a backup plan? It's an interesting question, and we're bound to see it answered sooner rather than later.

Dignitas are not to be trifled with. They're a feisty, dangerous challenger with many tools to work with. Still, it's impossible not to side with Counter Logic Gaming on this one after seeing the fashion in which they disposed of both 100 Theives and Evil Geniuses. They've hit their stride and are riding quite a big momentum wave, so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt on this one and hope for the best!