G2 Esports vs exceL

As far as match-ups go, G2 Esports taking on EXCEL isn't exactly going to light the world on fire. Still, there's quite a lot to like, and you can bet that both teams will be playing their hearts out in an attempt to prove their doubters wrong and start 2022 off with a bang! In other words: fireworks are all but guaranteed!

First of all, one thing needs to be said: this is not the G2 we've all become so accustomed to, not the titan of unparalleled strength nor the most feared five-man line-up around. They still have Jankos and Caps so they'll no doubt be able to compete with the likes of Vitality and Fnatic, but they're not going to be quite as dangerous as was the case in the past. Flakked and Targamas are mighty capable, but they're no Rekkles and Mikyx, that's for sure. Be that as it may, they'll bring something unique to the table and could, by all means, end up being a boon for G2 and their chances of leaving a mark.

Last but certainly not least, we have Broken Blade, one of the best top laners in the LEC (and an LCS champion, no less). While his highs might not be as impressive as those of Wunder's, he'll nonetheless bring a stable presence to the top lane and a varied champion pool as well.

There's quite a lot to like with G2's 2022 line-up. It might not be as hype as we had expected, but it's nonetheless well balanced and should, by all means, be able to do some damage to the LEC status quo.

As for EXCEL, there really isn't anything we can say that hasn't already been said -- both by us *and* others as well. They're a severely flawed team with a tangible skill ceiling. Now, make no mistake: they're not bad, they just aren't talented enough. That's the reality of it all and there's no reason for us to sugarcoat it. They've made two changes to their starting line-up and neither of them will make a big enough difference. They're the only organization that has never reached the playoffs and that isn't going to change any time soon.

We're at the very start of the competitive season so they could definitely pull off a few upsets, but we just don't see it happening against a team as stacked and experienced as G2. If the former "kings of Europe" play their cards right, they won't struggle much to get the "W".