FunPlus Phoenix vs Royal Never Give Up

The 2021 LPL Spring Split finals are a mind-blowing spectacle just waiting to happen. Perhaps that's a no-brainer, but it's still worth mentioning. Despite the fact that DWG KIA (formerly known as DAMWON Gaming) are currently atop the world of competitive League, the many LPL titans (motivated beyond belief, no doubt) are still more than worthy of our undivided attention. Heck, we're putting it mildly here — they're competitive titans in every way, shape, and form. It's fair to say that the LCK isn't the strongest region in the world right now — that prestigious title has to go LPL's way; the LCK just so happens to have the best team, but as a region Korea is pretty darn underwhelming at the time of this writing. Then again, maybe that's a by-product of just how dominant and insanely good DWG KIA actually are: they make everything look like child's play.

The LPL, however, is packed to the brim with mind-blowing challengers and bona fide superteams. And it is a region that is in a constant state of growth -- there's always a brand-new rookie to talk about, or a veteran player who's once again stringing wins and dominating beyond measure. This is why so few LPL teams have been able to ascend the throne and actually defend it: there's always a stacked, motivated challenger awaiting around the corner. This, of course, has resulted in one of the most entertaining and competitive regions in the entire world. And, frankly, you just love to see it. Not a single LPL team can be underestimated, and anyone from the Top 6 has the tools to mop the floor with basically 99% of competitive League teams regardless of where they might come from.

Today, however, we're looking at FunPlus Phoenix (2019 World Champions) and perennial LPL giants Royal Never Give Up. On paper, this is basically royalty vs. royalty, so it's impossible not to get hyped for what's to come. These two teams are fielding some of the best line-ups in the history of the LPL (this is primarily true for FPX, but RNGU are no slouch either), which means a skirmish-heavy spectacle is all but guaranteed. Then again, in all fairness, that's been the norm with the LPL for many years now.

There is, however, one important fact, and it's the main reason why we're siding with FunPlus Phoenix on this one: they've already beaten Royal Never Give Up just a couple of days ago. And, perhaps more importantly, they outclassed RNGU like it was nothing. FPX simply had their number from start to finish, and while RNGU did fight back to the best of their ability (and even made things somewhat competitive) it just wasn't enough — FPX had too big of a lead and they played immaculately. Even when that wasn't the case, when they made egregious mistakes and perplexing fumbles, RNGU lacked the tools and cohesion to punish and capitalize, so it's impossible to fault FPX for anything. After all, is it really a weakness if no one can exploit it? Interesting stuff, no doubt.

If FunPlus come out the gates swinging (arguably their default state and method of choice), they shouldn't have too big of a problem in taking RNGU down. It probably won't be a clean 3-0 sweep like the first time around, but they're definitely favored and there's a good reason why that's the case. Four former World Champions and another one in the top lane that has yet to defend his throne (the one and only Nuguri, arguably the best top laner in the world right now). They might not beat DWG KIA, but over anyone else they simply have to be favored almost by default. It's the only logical option, frankly.

All of that said, RNGU are not to be trifled with. They're dangerous in every sense of the word and are more than worth everyone's respect -- regardless of their relatively shoddy performances throughout the 2021 LPL Spring Split playoffs. If they've managed to shore up a couple of their most egregious flaws they should, by all means, be able to trade blows with FunPlus Phoenix and potentially even go the five-game distance.