exceL vs Misfits

Next up, we have a somewhat confusing fight between Misfits Gaming and Excel Esports. On the one hand, this is certainly a match-up worthy of your time and attention. On the other, it's somewhat confusing that *this* is what we're deeming as an exciting clash, considering just how much momentum both teams had coming into 2020. Or lack thereof, rather.

Just mere weeks ago, both teams were considered as pretty meek challengers, as two line-ups that had *some* potential, but wouldn't be able to make much of a splash. Whether or not that pans out still remains to be seen, but it's fair to say that both teams already accomplished more than anyone ever expected. Excel Esports is not synonymous with any amount of success. They've been bad and at times even worse than that over their entire (relatively short) LEC history, so naturally no one expected much from them in 2020 either. Still, with a seasoned veteran coach to lead the charge and multiple roster upgrades, it was only natural for them to improve and rise in the standings. Right now they're a pretty solid mid-tier challenger and they're fighting for each win like their lives depend on it as they're literally sitting just outside of the playoffs. For Excel, every single win going forward matters as it could be the determining factor between reaching Top 6 or waiting it out on the sidelines. They're not favored to succeed either, but they're not the kind of team that'll shy away from a challenge.

They're aware of the odds and will fight their hearts out to earn a spot in the playoffs and, frankly, they also have all the right tools to make that goal into reality. That doesn't mean they'll succeed, but at least they have a shot.

Opposite them, we have Misfits Gaming. Had someone told you that Misfits would be considered as a top-tier team, you would've probably laughed them out of the room. But here we are, against all odds. It's still too early to give them any overwhelming amount of praise or recognition, but they've won more often than not and have definitely proven their worth over the last six weeks. Their win aren't flukes either but are earned in blood and sweat. They also don't look like much of a challenger and yet they're playing like one, and no one's quite sure why or how. Razork and Febiven are definitely the two stand-out performers and their synergy and in-game impact are quite spectacular.

They're Misfits' biggest catalyst although the rest of the roster is carrying a good chunk of the weight as well. When they draft well and play to their strengths, they're definitely a force to be reckoned with and they have multiple avenues for success. Excel, on the other hand, aren't quite as consistent and they're drafts often leave a lot to be desired. They're not giving Patrik enough resources and yet he's their biggest and most important player. They're also not that good when it comes to transitioning from the mid to late game and they aren't as skilled when it comes to snowballing and building their own leads. Because of this, we're siding with Misfits Gaming although it's definitely going to be a competitive, even skirmish.