Cloud9 vs Evil Geniuses

Next up, we have a very fascinating match-up between Cloud9 and Evil Geniuses. On paper, this is pretty much a one-sided beatdown, but in actuality, it might be a lot more competitive than most people expect. The boys in black and blue, one could argue, are entering the 2021 season with the most hype and momentum out of all ten competing teams.

The answer why, is quite simple: Luka "Perkz" Perković, of G2 Esports fame. one of the best and most dominant mid laners in the history of the game (and a shoo-in for Western GOAT status) has decided to move across the pond and compete for the only North American organization that has even left a mark internationally. It's a match made in heaven, one could argue, but it's also a pairing that'll need a bit of time before it can truly shine. Assimilation, after all, doesn't happen overnight.

By the same token, they're entering 2021 without Licorice -- arguably the best top laner in North America. Instead, they've oped to promote their Academy top Fudge who, while undeniably talented and brimming with potential, cannot stand shoulder to shoulder with a veteran like Licorice. Well, at least not right now. And yet he'll have to deliver sooner rather than later, given the depth and talent of his peers. Saying that he'll face an uphill battle would be an understatement. Still, if Cloud9 thinks he's ready for the big stage, it's impossible to argue otherwise, at least not this early on into the season.

Overall, as a whole, Cloud9 is one of the biggest favorites to win the whole split, should the stars align. Team Liquid and 100 Thieves will have something to say about that, but it's a fair assessment.

Evil Geniuses, on the other hand, didn't exactly enter 2021 with the roster they were hoping for. We know for a fact that they wanted to pair IgNar with Johnsun (formerly of Team Dignitas, current FlyQuest marksman). Instead, they've ended up with none other than Deftly. That's not exactly a back-up you want to exercise, but hey -- he'll do for the time being. They've also brough Impact over from Team Liquid who's a huge upgrade over both Kumo and Huni from last year. Still, they've kept (for reasons that still elude us) Svenskeren and Jiizuke, two of the most volatile and inconsistent junglers-mid duos in the West. They were so darn bad last year, in fact, that one could truly argue against them starting on the LCS stage. They were that underwhelming (to say the least). Now, we know for a fact that they're insanely talented, but if they can't maintain a certain level of play over a longer period of time, then they're more of a detriment and a hindrance than the veteran leaders EG so desperately needs.

In any case, there's more than enough talent and experience packed within this line-up to warrant a fair bit of respect. That needs to be underscored and highlighted. They don't have a ton of hype or momentum (with good reason), but they'll fight their hearts out and they definitely have a puncher's chance. Cloud9, of course, is heavily favored, but they have (potential) issues of their own. In any case, we simply have to side with the boys in black and blue on this one as they have all the right tools to compete and eventually overcome Evil Geniuses in today's match.