Golden Guardians vs Cloud9

It might sound impossible, but it seems as though Cloud9 somehow found a way to improve even further from their Spring Split level of play, despite the fact that they had no competition to speak of. Is there anything this line-up can't do?

It's like every time they step foot on stage to compete, they find a way to amaze and blow our minds with such staggering ease. There's just no one in North America who can compete on even footing at this point in time. They're simply too good, and will remain on top of the region for many more splits to come -- barring any mind-blowing meta shift.

The Golden Guardians, on the other hand, have shown quite a lot of potential over their last couple of games. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, that's for sure, but they've earned our benefit of the doubt going forward. If they synergize in time, they're bound to become a dangerous dark horse and eventually challenge for a spot in the playoffs. But that's a big "if" and after watching them drop the ball against Counter Logic Gaming mere days ago, it's important not to imbue them with too much hyper or momentum. They're taking things one game at a time and that's the right way to go.

Unfortunately, they're facing Cloud9 tonight, which is pretty much a "death sentence." Still, the Golden Guardians should take this inevitable loss in stride and consider it as a test of their current power and overall potential. Trading blows with the best team North America has to offer is a soul-crushing experience only if you let it be; it can also become a catalyst for growth. There's no other team in North America that can punish your mistakes in such clear, commanding fashion, so there's always a lot to learn as well.

Expect a fun game that should, by all means, end in Cloud9's favor.