FunPlus Phoenix vs Top Esports

The LPL was, is, and probably still will be the most exciting region in the world of competitive LoL. Their teams are the craziest and their players the most talented. And, well, it's been like that for *years*. The LCK shows up from time to time, and so does the LEC, but their representatives -- even on a good day -- are still a notch below the many Chinese giants who've graced the biggest of stages over the last few years.

One such giant is Top Esports, a team stacked from head to toe with some of the best and most capable Chinese players who have ever taken flesh. They've started Summer off in a tremendous way, with three wins and just a single loss to their name. Their sole defeat came at the hands of LNG Esports, a loss that can, by all means, be justified and excused. Top are back in form and are as dangerous as was the case back during their heyday.

The same, however, cannot be said for FunPlus Phoenix. They, too, are incredibly capable and talented but you really wouldn't be able to tell based on their abysmal performances thus far. To put it simply: they've been dreadful in every sense of the word. Heck, they've yet to get any wins on the board! That's simply astounding for a team of their caliber and experience.

What's happening and who's to blame is up for debate, but it's not a good look and it's hard not to be worried at least a little bit given just how awful they've been.

This is not the FPX we all know and admire, and we sure do hope they'll be able to correct course and step up in time for it to matter. LPL splits are a much longer and more taxing than those in, say, the LEC and LCS, so FPX still have enough time to bounce back and mount an offensive. Whether they'll succeed in their efforts still remains to be seen though.

In any case, Top are surging and are playing some truly incredible League of Legends. FPX, on the other hand, are not. Our choice, therefore, is clear as day.