Rogue vs G2 Esports

The end of the 2020 LEC Summer Split is finally here. What an exciting ride this has been, and it’s still not over yet as we have two exceptional Best of 5s ahead of us, each of them unique and entertaining in their own right. Before we witness the LEC grand finals, G2 Esports — the defending LEC champions, mind you — and Rogue will duke it out on the Summoner’s Rift for bragging rights and the chance to face the former “Kings of Europe” and potentially hoist the LEC throphy. Needless to say, there’s a lot on the line, but you wouldn’t really notice, given the current state of the world and competitive League, in particular.

Teams are still competing in an online only setting. There’s no confetti, no audience, no stage fright — nothing, really. These matches are in no way distinguishable to the average scrim block, and these teams know it, too. Because they aren’t performing in front of thousands upon thousands of roaring fans, certain players have stepped up immensely. With that oh-so-important factor out of the way, Rogue, for example, are much more competitive than one would expect. Their more seasoned colleagues, however, aren’t quite as clutch, seeing how they thrive in those high pressure situations when everything comes down to the wire. Resetting mentally after a rough loss is now a lot easier, and the same goes for preparation. It’s a completely different setting, one that is void of any actual, palpable pressure. It’s a strange thing, for sure, and it’s just not as hype as the regular LEC playoffs. Still, it’s better than nothing, and at least we’re getting a bit of top-tier League in these strange, trying COVID times.

Right away, one thing needs to be said: G2 Esports are the favorites in every way, shape, and form. That’s pretty much a fact, and they know it too. Still, Rogue have quite a lot of momentum behind their backs after dismantling and outclassing the MAD Lions last week in what was one of the most one-sided Best of 5s in recent LEC history. It looked like a clash between a championship-worthy team and a bottom-tier dweller, rather than a fight between the two best teams from the regular season. MAD Lions imploded, they did nothing right (including both their drafts and in-game play) and were unable to mount much of an offensive, regardless of what Rogue decided to go for on the Rift. It was as if they froze in time, unable to make a decision and ultimately succumbed to an opponent much more fierce and cohesive.

In that regard, it’s hard to really explain what happened. Did MAD Lions implode beyond reason, or did Rogue really play so darn well? It’s easy to look good against a team that fails to set up in any way, shape, or form. Rogue obviously did what they had to, but there’s still a small asterisk next to their win. And against a team like G2 Esports — regardless of their current form — the margin for error is literally non-existent. Make just a single mistake and they’ll capitalize on a moment’s notice. They don’t need much, really, just a small error in judgment, a call made in haste, or a spit-second misposition that would’ve been missed by almost any other team. They’re that good, and they’re at their strongest in a Best of 5 format. Granted, they make mistakes too, but they aren’t as severe and they always play like they’re ahead (i.e. like a top-tier LPL team). They only need an inch to take a mile and they’re so darn aggressive and talented, both individually as well as a five-man unit. And, the thing is, they’re hungry for redemption after dropping the ball against Fnatic recently. They want to prove their worth and defend their LEC throne; fortunately, they have all the right tools for the job and are bound to dominate regardless of the opponent.

The question is: can Rogue compete on even footing? They’re not as dangerous, nor are they quite as flexible. They’re not stronger in any lane although they’re darn close in terms of talent and overall competitiveness. Finn is more of a role player and a utility-oriented top laner when compared to a world-class individual like Wunder. The gap between them is vast, and the same can be said for the rest of the line-ups as well. G2 has the edge in every way, shape, and form. They’re more flexible as well and they should definitely be able to eke out huge advantages in the pick and ban phase, given that their inherent bravado doesn’t take over. Rogue aren’t known as a strong laning team (although they’re far from bad). Instead, they shine brightest in the mid and later stages of the game; they’re fast to react on the map and they excel in those hectic five-on-five skirmishes. G2 Esports, on the other hand, can pick and choose how they want to go about their ways. They can play through any lane and still find a ton of success. Perkz, in particular, hasn’t been all that great over the last couple of months, but he’s been improving, and has done admirably well given what was going on in his personal life. G2 always finds a way to win when it matters the most, and this Best of 5 should be no different. They’re able to bend the rules of the game seemingly at will, and with Caps in the mid lane they’ve looked almost as good and dangerous as in 2019. There’s just nothing to fault them for, although they’re oftentimes too cocky and arrogant. Not to mention their penchant for theatrics and chaos. Still, that’s why we all love watching them — they’re the best team ever assembled on LEC soil.

That said, Rogue are exceptionally dangerous when they manage to start off well, and they have all the right tools to compete from start to finish. Regardless of the final outcome, expect a Best of 5 for the ages.