Team Vitality vs Rogue

This is where things get interesting. Heck, that's an understatement! Rogue vs. Vitality has all the hallmarks of an absolute barnburner and, frankly, no one ever expected such a thing. On the one side, we have Rogue, arguably the second-best team in Europe or, at worst, third-best. They're exceptional in more ways than one and can play a myriad of different styles, all at a very respectable level. On the other, we have Vitality, the tenth-ranked team from Spring. Still, they've made three changes to their starting line-up, two of which have been absolutely massive.

LIDER and Selfmade are exceptionally talented, and they have more than enough mechanical prowess and bravado to match as well. They're perhaps not the most strategically layered of players, but what they might lack in depth they more than make up for in sheer aggression and willingness to trade blows regardless of the odds. That's why all love watching them and, if their opening game against Schalke 04 is any indication, they're bound to challenge the long-established LEC status quo in very concrete ways.

Interestingly, they never went haywire despite having a big enough lead. Instead, they showed control -- not to be confused with reluctance. They wanted to snowball at their own terms and pace, and it was quite a refreshing sight, especially when contrasted to the Team Vitality of old. They cool, calm, and collected, and really did look like a top-tier team in the making. Whether they'll be able to replicate the same level of play against a top-tier challenger like Rogue still remains to be seen, but they've definitely earned our benefit of the doubt. Moreover, it's nigh impossible not to get excited for what's to come. They're not going to hoist the LEC trophy but they have all the right tools to compete at the highest of levels and truly challenge the upper echelon.

What more could we ask for given the position in which they found themselves in coming into the second half of 2021? If they reach the playoffs and give the LEC titans a run for their money that'll already be considered as a seismic triumph, and it'll definitely give them a bit of momentum coming into 2022.

Rogue, though, are a proven quantity. They're the real deal and have done more than enough over the last couple of splits to truly warrant everyone's respect. Will they win against Vitality? Almost certainly, but they mustn't underestimate Vitality. Otherwise, they'll be in for a rude awakening!