SK Telecom T1 vs Samsung Galaxy

After over a very hardcore month filled with high level League of Legends, we are finally at the verge of the grand final. When SKT T1 took down Samsung Galaxy last year after a hard fought five game series they looked unstoppable. No team has ever achieved what they did - win the World Championship back to back. They did so without breaking much sweat. They adapted, they persevered, they demolished their opposition and arguably had the best players in each and every role.

Fast forward just a single year, and we are bound to watch a rematch. A rematch that is by far the hardest match to predict. If you hadn't watched SKT's games during 2017 Worlds you would have bet without hesitation - after all they've lifted the trophy three times but things aren't that clear-cut. SKT has never looked this vulnerable and this weak in the early game. Even though they're still a powerhouse come late game, the leads they give up are a worrying sign. That said they managed to get this far, and even take down Royal Never Give Up - a team known for it's nonrelenting aggression and pressure.

The Korean giants have struggled highly to get to the finals, however the same could be said for Samsung Galaxy. They're riding high on their strong showing against Longzhu Gaming and while that was a big achievement they're not invincible nor are they perfect in their strategy and execution.

In essence, both teams are incredibly inconsistent at the moment.

Tomorrow's series will develop based upon three elements:

1. The draft - Korean teams are notorious for their ingenious drafts and these two teams are no exception. It will be a game of chess from the get go and the outcome of the games will most likely depend on the draft.

2. Preparation - Samsung has a tougher task of preparing as SKT has two phenomenal junglers in their roster. That said, Peanut hasn't been performing that well overall and Blank while a more supportive, team-oriented jungler is a lot more obvious in his pathing and playstyle - something that both Misfits and Royal Never Give Up managed to exploit. Samsung's Ambition on the other note has been performing very well. That said these teams know each other inside and out. They already know what every player is capable of.

3. Adaptation - this is SKT's biggest strength. It cannot be overstated enough, their mind-blowing ability to adapt mid series regardless of the meta and opponent. It's an amazing trait that helped them turn the tides in many Best of 5 matches, and most recently against both Misfits and Royal Never Give Up.

Both these teams have obvious strengths and weaknesses, but it is their history that is most exciting.

With SKT there is the age-old cliche: No matter how dire things look, they will find a way to come out victorious.

That said, this is the weakest SKT has looked at a World Championship. We're betting on SKT here more by our hearts and their pedigree. There is some underlying logic as well - they were always the better team on the Rift when it mattered the most.

However that might be a case of selective amnesia. We are so used to seeing SKT win that we often forget the facts - Samsung dominated SKT during the regular season, winning both of their clashes in Summer 2-0. SKT ended the regular season with a 13-5 record and at a record low fourth place. Regardless, they went through the regional qualifier and they demolished Samsung Galaxy 3-0 in the semifinals.

All of these facts tell a very unified narrative - Samsung was better overall, but SKT always dominated when under pressure. This is a Best of 5 series, and SKT is best when they have ample time to prepare and adjust. They went through thick and thin during the group stage and they persevered, they endured every single obstacle - the surprising off meta picks and innovative strats.

In their match against Misfits, they were up against Leona and Blitzcrank - IgNar was on fire and brought multiple surprising strategies in order to surprise SKT and what did SKT do? They replied with Tahm Kench, they went deep in their pockets and played like the meta was that from Spring Split rather than Summer. Even with their backs against the wall, they managed to reverse and win 3-2. They're all seasoned veterans, and their coach Kkoma is the most respected and effective coach in the world.

They were always able to adapt and outplay the opposing team and this series should be no exception.

That said it will be close - unnervingly close and it will surely go the distance. Samsung Galaxy are surely empowered after witnessing SKT struggle during the entirety of the tournament and they want the win, they want their revenge. Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen.

Regardless of the outcome, don't bet too much as it could go either way. Nevertheless, SKT's ability to adapt and to improve mid-series paired with their in-depth knowledge regarding Samsung's play should be deciding factor in tomorrow's match.

We are in for some insane, high level League of Legends.