G2 Esports vs exceL

For our first match of the day we have a rather interesting clash between the defending champions G2 Esports, and an unlikely challenger -- Excel Esports.

Now, by all means, this is not a must watch clash. There's nothing on the line for either team, and they're literally fighting from opposite ends of the spectrum -- G2 Esports is in sole possession of the number one spot whereas Excel have no chance of improving in the standings and are currently the worst team in the region, by far.

So, if you skip this one out no one's going to blame you. Not in the slightest. That said, both teams love to skirmish and should be more than capable of entertaining in today's opening match.

But even though there's nothing concrete on the line, both teams have a reason to fight. First of all, G2 Esports needs to win this game in order to remain at the very top of the region. While they would still get a playoff bye regardless, they probably want to end the split on a high note and finish as the number one team. They had their fair share of troll games and probably don't need to tryhard much in order to get the win tonight.

By the same token, Excel don't want to end with a loss. Sure, they've lost many times before, but ending the season on a high note would do wonders for everyone involved. That said, taking G2 Esports down is always a tall task, if not an impossible endeavor (depending on their drafting tendencies).

As for Excel Esports, even though they have been able to cause a bit of chaos at one point during the split, they have quickly fallen back into mediocrity and are once again considered a bottom-tier dweller. And with good reason. They're currently on a four game losing streak and even though they're still fairly strong and dexterous, they simply don't have the right tools in order to compete for a spot higher up the rankings.

They have solid moments, moments when you think they might even improve and become a mid-tier gatekeeper, but those quick flashes of brilliance are too few and far between. When the going gets rough, Excel Esports falters. That's a given at this point. That said, their potent early game and solid team fighting are not to be taken lightly. We've seen them challenge many LEC titans over the last couple of months and they definitely have the capacity to upset.

In the end, we simply have to side with G2 Esports. There's no good reason not to. That said, it's obvious that they want to have fun. A lot of it. They're going for picks like Kha'Zix and Soraka in the top lane and there's no telling what they'll end up picking tonight. They want to have as much fun as possible and it's hard to blame them, but it does make betting on (or against) them somewhat of a nightmare. Regardless, even with the trollest of team comps, they should be able to emerge victorious against a team of Excel's caliber.