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Featured Article
All-Star Shanghai 2013: A Clash of Regions
Shanghai Showdown
League fans, we're in the midst of a lull.The North American and European LCS matches have ground to a halt, suspended between Spring and Summer Seasons until mid-June. What are we to do? Watch StarCraft? Start a meaningful relationship with someone who shares our hopes and dreams? Don't be ridiculous, the All-Star matches start on Friday, May 24 at 3 AM EDT (note: stream link has yet to be announced). Five teams, each representing a different region of the world, will compete for glory and prestige. Fans in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Korea, and China have all voted for the five players they want representing them at the international showdown.
- Click Here for full information about All-Star Shanghai 2013.
(23rd May 2013)
All-Star Shanghai (24th May - 26th May)
All-Star Shanghai 2013: A Clash of Regions
Shanghai Showdown
League fans, we're in the midst of a lull.The North American and European LCS matches have ground to a halt, suspended between Spring and Summer Seasons until mid-June. What are we to do? Watch StarCraft? Start a meaningful relationship with someone who shares our hopes and dreams? Don't be ridiculous, the All-Star matches start on Friday, May 24 at 3 AM EDT (note: stream link has yet to be announced). Five teams, each representing a different region of the world, will compete for glory and prestige. Fans in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Korea, and China have all voted for the five players they want representing them at the international showdown.
- Click Here for full information about All-Star Shanghai 2013.
(23rd May 2013)
NA LCS Summer Promotion (10th May - 12th May)
North American LCS Summer Promotion Qualifier Previews
Things have been rather quiet here in the Western Hemisphere. It's been two weeks since we last saw a North American LCS match, and the silence was a welcome reprieve from the chaos that transpired in the playoffs. But as silence tends to do, it's starting to drive us mad. We crave action. Thankfully, the Summer Promotion starts this Friday, May 10 at 11:00 AM PDT. Heavy consequences will befall the defeated, particularly if they are Team Dignitas and Counter Logic Gaming. The very foundations of the League of Legends pro-scene could be altered, or even shattered, if they fail to qualify for the Summer Split. Team MRN and compLexity Gaming are also on notice to shape up or ship out.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(9th May 2013)
EU LCS Summer Promotion (3rd May - 5th May)
EU Summer Promotion Qualifiers - A Detailed Review
Fans witnessed a dramatic ending to the EU Spring LCS Split, with the Copenhagen Wolves rising from the dust to almost catch the Evil Geniuses in fourth place, coupled with the excitement of the playoffs, which saw a Best-of-Five Championship Series between Fnatic and Gambit Gaming go the distance. Following these events, EU LCS fans had one more event to look forward to before the break: the EU LCS Summer Promotion Series. against All authority, Copenhagen Wolves, GIANTS! Gaming, and DragonBorns stood on top of the hill, waiting for challengers to rise up and attempt to take them down from their LCS spots. No one, however, could have prepared for the amount of drama that the weekend brought.
A look at the four teams that made it through:
 Team ALTERNATE
Team Alternate qualified for the EU LCS Summer Qualification Series by placing second in Lille, losing to MeetYourMakers in the Final. Then Alternate overcame the odds to qualify for the Summer Season of the LCS
Alternate began by battling the Wizards e-Sports Club, who won the first game of the series. After tying it up 1-1, Alternate had to wait two days before they played again. At the end of the technical problems, Alternate defeated Wizards and proceeded to face GIANTS! Gaming.
JimB0wnz, Exterminare, and co. handily took the first two games in the Best of 5, putting Alternate on the brink of elimination. Slowly but surely, ForellenLord’s  Orianna and Araneae’s  Nocturne made headway into the deficit and forced the set to a fifth game.
JimB0wnz and the GIANTS! took an early gold lead, but the game dragged to a 6:6 score with more than half an hour gone. Despite having nearly a 20k gold lead, the GIANTS! could not quite pull away. A massive Shockwave from ForellenLord pulled all five GIANTS! into Kerp’s Equalizer. This led to a four-for-one trade that allowed Alternate to pick up Baron Nashor and complete a dramatic comeback.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European Summer Promotion.
(8th May 2013)
Best Riven NA Tournament Preview
Would the real Best Riven NA please stand up? Leaguepedia’s first 1v1 tournament will be a knock-down, drag-out affair as top-notch top laners duke it out until only one remains. On May 4 at 1:00 PM PDT, 64 Rivens will gather. By the end of the day on May 5, 63 Rivens will be standing on the sidelines, and the world will finally know how many bites it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Wait. No. ...and the world will finally know which player can truly call himself North America's #1  Riven.
- Click Here for more information about Leaguepedia's Best Riven NA Tournament.
(3rd May 2013)
Europe LCS Summer Promotion Qualifier Previews
With the conclusion of the Spring Season, the top four LCS teams have rightfully solidified their status as EU Powerhouses. However, for the four teams in relegation, it is time for a reality check. They have to defend their claims to the LCS in the Summer Promotion Qualifiers (SPQ). Eight up-and-coming teams, who are hungry for LCS action, will start to do battle at 2:00 AM PDT on Friday, May 3. Best of 3s will determine who among them can challenge the relegated teams for a piece of the LCS pie. The winning teams and the LCS veterans will then go to the mattresses, starting at 2:00 AM PDT on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. Best of 5’s will showcase their determination to net the elusive qualification. Expect to see 12 teams pursuing an LCS membership with the sort of fervor usually reserved for Warwick’s rush to nail a low-health target. In this preview, we will be looking at each of the four brackets that constitute the qualifiers and highlight what you, the spectator, should be watching for and should know.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(2nd May 2013)
Spring Season Playoffs (22th Apr - 28th Apr)
One Last Look: EU LCS Spring Playoffs 2013
With the European LCS Spring Season and Spring Playoffs over, Fnatic have seated themselves on the victors' thrones. To the victors go the spoils: $50,000 for their time and dedication. Cyanide and crew can also claim the honor of defeating both Evil Geniuses and Gambit Gaming during the Playoffs. However, a champion's work is never done, what with enemies to slay and towers to dismantle. The Summer Season draws nearer.
The Spring Playoffs were riddled with monstrous plays from all teams. EG faced Copenhagen Wolves in the quarterfinals, and the matchup went to round three. Despite netting one kill against EG in game three, CW were only one kill behind after three matches. EG ended with 29 kills and CW with 28. The teams also had less than a 10,000 total gold difference. EG's Wickd picked  Zac for the first time in Season 3 but was delayed goopy glory when the clever Wolves lane swapped.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(30th April 2013)
One Last Look: NA LCS Spring Playoffs 2013
The LCS Playoffs are behind us, and we now have a champion! Team SoloMid slugged through a season of highs and lows to come out as the champs in the North American Region. They crushed the burgeoning Cinderella story of Good Game University after decommissioning the upstart Team Vulcun in the quarterfinals. TSM walk off into the sunset with a cool $50,000 in their pockets. Their journey is not yet complete, and they set their sights on the Summer Season of the LCS.
How did we get here? The playoffs were ripe with upsets and startling turns. Juggernauts found themselves overthrown by new blood that barely avoided relegation to sneak into the postseason. Early season jokes became forces to be reckoned with, and the pro scene is changed forever by the outcome of this LCS block. HotshotGG of Counter Logic Gaming laid out an ultimatum to his team and fans: CLG will disband if they do not make it into the Summer LCS. Meanwhile, members of Team Dignitas shy away from questions regarding their predictability in games.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(30th April 2013)
North American LCS Spring Playoffs Previews
The first 10 weeks of Riot's inaugural LCS season has been a roller coaster ride. We've seen undefeated titans fall farther than anyone expected, and familiar faces ostracized by their teams. You watched Team SoloMid race to the top in the final week of the Spring season and laughed as NyJacky described his lack of experience against  Quinn.
The journey concludes here. The teams that started this season are a shade of who they once were; their identities twisted and molded by 10 weeks of battle on Summoner's Rift. Whether the change is for better or worse will be determined by upcoming matches. The LCS Playoffs are about to start.
The playoffs function like this: The top six teams from the LCS Spring Season are competing for $100,000 in prize money. First place wins a smooth $50,000, second place secures $25,000, third place takes home $15,000, and fourth settles for $10,000. Though ineligible for the playoffs, seventh and eighth place (Team MRN and compLexity) are automatically entered into the 12-team Summer Promotion Qualifier (SPQ). The teams that lose the quarterfinals in the playoffs are also dropped into the SPQ, and are forced to compete with eight other teams for one of the four spots up for grabs in the LCS Summer Season.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(19th April 2013)
Europe LCS Spring Playoffs Previews
It's been a long time coming. Ten brutal weeks on the Summoner's Rift can change a player, change a team even, but the European group that started this season remains largely untarnished. They haven't been afflicted with as much drama as their North American counterparts. It's more pure on the EU side of things. There are no reality TV shows or stunning roster changes for the top teams to worry about; there is only the game.
The focus and purity that is brought about by this serene setting will create some incredible matches. The EU Playoffs have finally arrived, and this is how they work: The top six teams from the LCS Spring Season will be competing for $100,000 in prize money. First place wins a smooth $50,000, second place secures $25,000, third place takes home $15,000, and fourth settles for $10,000.
Although not eligible for the playoffs, seventh and eighth place (GIANTS! Gaming and DragonBorns) were automatically entered into the 12-team Summer Promotion Qualifier (SPQ). The teams that lose the quarterfinals in the playoffs are also dropped into the SPQ where they will compete against eight other teams for one of the four spots up for grabs in the LCS Summer Season.
Expect the quarterfinal games (SK vs aAa and EG vs CW) to be intense with potential relegation on the line for the losers. The winners of the quarterfinals will clinch their Summer Season qualification, but they will face a challenging semifinal match against first place Fnatic or second place Gambit Gaming, who each earned a bye through the quarterfinal round as a result of their Spring Season performances. The winners of the semifinals will battle for the $50,000 prize pot and the right to call themselves the LCS Spring Champions.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(25th April 2013)
Week 10 (15th Apr - 21st Apr)
Europe LCS Week 10 Matchup Previews
On Friday, April 19, EU LCS Spring Season enters Week 10 - the second and final Super Week. Some teams ride on calm seas, but others struggle to stay afloat in rough waves. Fnatic and Gambit Gaming point and laugh at the other teams, but glare at each other in their tied ranks. GIANTS! Gaming and against All authority also have their eyes on the same placement before the start of Week 10. SK Gaming gained a berth for the Playoffs last week, when they crushed GG with a well-thought-out team composition. Evil Geniuses shut down the other half of the top two teams, Fnatic, with well-played, yet uncharacteristic, aggression early game. SK and EG proved in Week 9 they are still not to be taken lightly.
GIANTS! and aAa end their stare off and plow into each other, flinging magic blasts, swinging blades, and singing war cries on Friday at 16:00 CEST. GIANTS! came out ahead 2W-1L in Week 9 after they defeated aAa and EG in deadly serious battles. However, despite against All authority's crippling loss at the hands of the GIANTS! in Week 9, their confidence rides high going into Week 10. aAa took on GG in an awesome back-and-forth fight, and lost only by two kills and 15,852 total gold.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(19th April 2013)
Europe LCS Week 10 Power Rankings
After nine weeks of nail-biting competition, the Spring Season of the 2013 European LCS is coming to a close. Our Week 10 Power Rankings might be our last chance to see some of these teams before they head into potential relegation. We look forward to seeing the other teams at the League of Legends Spring Championship playoffs. For now, it is time to gaze into the looking glass one last time. The grand finale awaits. Welcome to the Week 10 EU Power Rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1.  Fnatic (Previously #1) Current Record: 18W-5L
While Fnatic are essentially tied with Gambit for first place in the EU table, we still give Fnatic the edge. Gambit have been in excellent form since Week 5, but a few doubts still linger. Our reasoning? Fnatic avoided the communication and meta struggles that hit Gambit hard during the first half of the season. Instead, the LCS has melded the Fnatic squad into a fearsome force, more intimidating than any of their individual parts. Their map pressure, gank coordination, and team fighting have grown throughout the season.
Despite a loss to the unpredictable Evil Geniuses for a 1W-1L record in Week 9, Fnatic look ready for anything. Fnatic battle SK Gaming, Evil Geniuses, Copenhagen Wolves, DragonBorns, and GIANTS! Gaming in their last week of the Spring LCS. Assuming they avoid a total meltdown, the Summer Championship is right around the corner.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(17th April 2013)
Taking the Pulse of the LCS (Week 10)
I am Adel Chouadria, aka: Hype Algerian--a passionate Frenchman who is on a mission. My passion is for anything connected with League of Legends: the game, the tournament scene, the gossip... you name it. My mission, and I choose to accept it, is to elevate the heart rates of my fellow LoL fans by dishing out the skinny, the dirt, and the hype on last week’s fait accompli and this week’s fates in the balance of the European and Northern American LCS.
It’s going down to the wire, baby!
If, in the beginning of the Spring Season, I had been told that the playoff spots would be determined on Week 10 for both servers, I would be surprised only for the NA scene.
The one thing that, in retrospect, surprises me concerning the European circuit is that the DragonBorns are not in the running (bar successively rolling perfect 20s on all fronts). Still, three teams are competing for both fifth and sixth place: The Copenhagen Wolves, against All authority and GIANTS! Gaming. The Wolves could even seize the fourth spot out of Evil Geniuses' hands--but they could lose it all as well. The top two seeds are a lock: Fnatic and Gambit Gaming made sure there would be no other contenders throughout their performances in the nine previous weeks.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(17th April 2013)
North America LCS Week 10 Matchup Previews
The last week of the Spring LCS Regular Season is upon us, and 20 matches are all that remain before the Spring Playoffs. Curse Gaming, Team Dignitas, and Team SoloMid have clinched a berth in the playoffs but are still squabbling over the top two spots. Curse will lock in their top place finish and guarantee a spot in the Summer LCS if they secure three more wins or if TSM and Dignitas lose multiple games. TSM and Dignitas each have four more matches to bolster morale before marking one another for defeat. They will close out the season with a match that may decide the winner of the playoff bye and a position in the Summer LCS. For the remaining three spots in the playoffs Counter Logic Gaming own the safest spot, requiring only two wins (or two losses by either Team Vulcun or Team MRN) to cinch a top six finish. compLexity Gaming are caught in a more precarious position, forced to win while teams on the borderline lose the majority of their remaining games. Vulcun, MRN, and Good Game University have five more games each to claw for a seed, and any misstep could be costly.
 Good Game University vs. Team Vulcun
Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 PM EDT, Good Game University and Team Vulcun face off for the final time this season. If any two teams have experienced the highs and lows the LCS has to offer, it would be them. From preseason expectations to roster breakdowns, from crushed dreams to renewed hopes--these two groups of players were tested over the past ten weeks. Both have a grand opportunity to fuel their push through to the Spring Playoffs with their recent experiences and challenge the consistent names in the pro League of Legends community. Five games separate them from this possibility, including one game in which they must break the others' will to win.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(16th April 2013)
Secrets in the Statistics (Week 10)
Super Week marks the departure of the Regular Season, but don't fret. The League of Statistics is here to break down the K/D/A of your favorite players. 110 champs. 22 turrets. 2 Draven axes on Teemo. 4 Dr. Mundo skins. 1 scarra making calls. 7 players with numbers in their names. Will these change after the grueling 40 matches to come? Tune in this weekend to find out.
Let's take a closer look at some of the finer details of kills, deaths, and assists:
- A player on a winning team finishes with 0 deaths nearly 25% of the time. Froggen has evaded death in 9 games, the most of any player.
- Players have finished with 0 deaths in a loss only 16 times. BloodWater and DontMashMe have both done it twice and are the only players to do so more than once.
(16th April 2013)
North America LCS Week 10 Power Rankings
The end of the Spring LCS Regular Season is here. It seems like only yesterday we were arranging our pre-season Power Rankings. Now we are making our final compilation before the Spring Playoffs. Luckily, Riot saved the best for last. We have twenty incredible games to look forward to in our Week 10 finale. Welcome to the end of the beginning of the League of Legends Spring Season of the LCS, folks. Welcome to the Week 10 NA Power Rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1.  Curse Gaming (Previously #1) Current Record: 18W-5L
Topping the NA table for the third week running, Curse Gaming look confident in their prospects. Along with TSM and Team Dignitas, Curse are one of three teams virtually guaranteed a return in the Summer LCS. Curse could perform terribly in the Spring Playoffs and be OK. We liked Curse’s prospects headed into Week 9, and their 2W-1L record upheld our predictions. Barring a roster catastrophe, Curse have good reason to consider themselves as the favorites for the top of the LCS Spring Ladder. Curse face Good Game University, Team MRN, Dignitas, compLexity, and Vulcun in Week 10.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(15th April 2013)
Week 9 (8th Apr - 14th Apr)
Europe LCS Week 9 Matchup Previews
The end of the LCS Spring Season is nigh, and the EU teams are gearing up for Week 9 of the tournament. Gambit Gaming and Fnatic find themselves sitting at the top, but the other teams must fight for their placement in the Spring Playoffs. SK Gaming and Evil Geniuses seem secure in place, but nothing is certain--especially with another Super Week following Week 9. The next four places fluctuate week by week, as Copenhagen Wolves, against All authority, GIANTS! Gaming, and DragonBorns pit tooth and nail against each other to secure placement in the playoffs.
Evil Geniuses acquire a third try at taking down Fnatic in the second match this week. EG left Week 8 with 1W-2L and likely hope to pick themselves back up again. However, GG defeated EG and Fnatic last week, and Fnatic will not want to be shown up more than once. Each team has much riding on the line, be it scores, pride, or both.
Fnatic and EG are not the only teams of the top four to face off in Week 9; Gambit Gaming and SK Gaming are also matched up. GG remain in second place, behind Fnatic by only one win. Every game matters at this point if they want to reach the top. SK will not make things easy for GG; they are in third for a reason.
Week 9 matches begin on Saturday, April 13, at 18:00 CEST. Whether in desperation or in confidence, the EU teams will shake up the Rift in these final two weeks of the LCS Spring Season.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(12th April 2013)
North America LCS Week 9 Matchup Previews
There are two weeks left in the Spring LCS, and the results are starting to become clear. Curse Gaming, Team Dignitas, and Team Solomid have clinched spots in the spring playoffs, but the race is on to lock up the top two positions which would earn a bye week for the playoffs and a guaranteed position in the Summer LCS. The real fight to watch is whether or not Counter Logic Gaming will recover from their recent stumbles and fend off the hungry foursome hot on their tails. Team MRN and compLexity Gaming have turned things around in recent weeks and are in position to make the storybook late season surge. Team Vulcun and Good Game University have pulled off many upsets throughout the weeks and will try to shake things up to keep their seasons alive.
 Dignitas vs. Counter Logic Gaming
It is the tale of two teams this week as Team Dignitas and Counter Logic Gaming face off Thursday at 5:00 PM EDT. Over the past few weeks, CLG and DIG have been trending in opposite directions; one has risen to meet and exceed their expectations, and the other has fellen into the crushing despair of disappointment. Dignitas is only a few wins away from a bye week in the playoffs. However, they still have a match against Curse Gaming which may decide who gets to sit atop the final regular season standings. CLG is now in a position such that they could miss the playoffs entirely if they do not right the ship.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(11th April 2013)
Taking the Pulse of the LCS (Week 9)
I am Adel Chouadria, aka: Hype Algerian - a passionate Frenchman who is on a mission. My passion is for anything connected with League of Legends: the game, the tournament scene, the gossip... you name it. My mission, and I choose to accept it, is to elevate the heart rates of my fellow LoL fans by dishing out the skinny, the dirt, and the hype on last week’s fait accompli and this week’s fates in the balance of the European and Northern American LCS.
Could people on Reddit and Facebook stop holding pitchforks in EG’s faces?
When SK ocelote initially released his statement that Reddit was starting to dispense negative vibes, I raised an eyebrow. I was aware of the phenomenon but treated it as a one-time occurrence. However, I now know that I should not have raised a quizzical eyebrow.
While Evil Geniuses have been sitting at a solid fourth place at the European LCS, some of their fans (or dissidents) have been bashing their team quite often. I would like to think that this was a result of the All-Star Game votes in its early stages (Wickd, Snoopeh and yellowpete were all in the roster), but it went way out of bounds. Snoopeh, in particular, has not been spared on Reddit, Twitter, or Facebook.
Let us hope that Wickd’s Facebook post can summon more positive energy.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(11th April 2013)
North America LCS Week 9 Power Rankings
The LCS finale countdown continues to tick. For some of our NA contestants, as few as seven games stand between them and the end of the season. Qualification for the NA LCS Fall Season is on the line, and only four teams will make the cut. At the top of the NA ladder, Curse, Dignitas, and Team SoloMid are starting to look very secure indeed. The battle for fourth, and the last qualification spot, is a three-way run off between CLG, MRN, and Vulcun, with CLG slightly ahead going into Week 9. Rounding out the bottom of the NA ladder, Good Game University and compLexity continue to battle on, now for pride more than anything else. Welcome to the Week 9 NA Power Rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1. Curse Gaming (Previously #1) Current Record: 16W-4L
With the end of the NA LCS Spring Season in sight, Curse continue to maintain a tenuous hold on first place. A 2W-1L record in Week 8 was only good enough to tie the bye-week Dignitas in wins, but one fewer loss (and a game in hand as a result) boost Curse ahead. Cop and Voyboy remain the pillars of Curse’s success. A rare series of positioning mistakes pushed Saintvicious off our list as he reached “only” a 3/10/25 KDA in Week 8. Curse face MRN, compLexity, and Team SoloMid in Week 9, and we see no reason to expect anything other than a continuation of the status quo: at least a 2W-1L record.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(9th April 2013)
Week 8 (1st Apr - 7th Apr)
Europe LCS Week 8 Matchup Previews
 SK Gaming vs. Evil Geniuses
The match between SK Gaming and Evil Geniuses at 18:00 CEST showcases two well-known teams that last clashed at the IEM Season VII World Championship in early March of this year, when EG's win over SK knocked both teams out of the World Championship. In their previous LCS matches in Week 1 and Week 2, they took one match apiece. In their Season 3 meetings to date, EG and SK have been evenly matched, and their parity will make this game especially interesting.
SK were victorious in the first game, but it was not easy. EG switched up their typical late-game strategy and came out swinging, dropping a turret early at 4:35 due to the heavy pressure from Froggen's  Jayce. SK was caught off-guard and was put in a tough spot because of the pressure, but they stalled EG's momentum long enough to claw back and take the Nexus at 49 minutes.
The chips would fall in EG's favor in the second meeting of these two teams. The match saw the first inner turret fall at 23:50, but the passivity worked better for Evil Geniuses. Froggen's  Lux was especially effective at vaporizing members of SK. The kills were even at 40 minutes, and EG had taken the lion's share of objectives. SK was unable to hang on this time, and their Nexus fell at 45:30.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(6th April 2013)
Europe LCS Week 8 Power Rankings
With only three weeks of competition remaining in the EU LCS, every match counts. Evil Geniuses are now in a desperate war to hold off assaults for fourth place from Copenhagen Wolves, against All authority, and GIANTS! Gaming. Gambit and SK Gaming are in close contention for second place. And sitting at polar extremes, Fnatic and DragonBorns watch the rest of the EU LCS unfold between them. Welcome to the Week 8 EU Power Rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1. Fnatic (Previously #1) Current Record: 15W-3L
It’s not easy being king, but you would not know that from watching Fnatic recently. Breezing to victory in their lone Week 7 matchup versus against All authority, Fnatic continue to rule the EU LCS with an iron fist. The pressure of their current position does not seem to bother xPeke or sOAZ in the slightest, as the duo delivered another stellar performance. xPeke pulled in an 11/3/8 KDA, and sOAZ was right behind him with a 7/1/8 KDA. Fnatic will come back to defend their crown in Week 8 with matches against SK Gaming, Gambit Gaming, and aAa.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(5th April 2013)
Secrets in the Statistics (Week 8)
Another awesome week has come to an end for the LCS, but that means another chance to visit the League of Statistics! 30 seconds for a new wave spawn. 4 wraiths, 3 wolves, 3 melees, 3 casters, 2 golems, 1 siege, ? super.
Let's take a closer look at creep killing...
(Note: CS10 = creep score at 10 minutes and CS20 = creep score at 20 minutes)
- Evil Geniuses has the highest average creep score with 245.81 at the 10 minute mark. On the other hand, CompLexity has the lowest average CS10 with 231.4.
- Gambit Gaming has the highest average CS20 with 565.5. CompLexity has the lowest average CS20 with 490.
- The North American LCS barely edges out the European LCS with 246.79 to 246.65 CS10; however, with 540.62 CS20, the EU LCS is a wave ahead of the 532.1 CS20 for the NA LCS.
- The difference between Blue and Red side CS10 and CS20 is nearly dead even; Red side wins by a little more than 1 with 247 CS10, but loses by 2.4 for CS20.
(5nd April 2013)
North America LCS Week 8 Matchup Previews
The eighth week of the North American League Championship Series is upon us, and the final games of the spring season are right around the corner. Team Dignitas, Curse Gaming, and Team Solomid are all one to three wins away from clinching a definite spot to finish in the top four of the standings which would earn a guaranteed place in the summer season. On the other hand, compLexity Gaming, Good Game University, and Team MRN are all on the brink of falling out of mathematical contention. Counter Logic Gaming and Team Vulcun are locked between these two groups, dancing around each other for the final spot in the top four. Every passing match means fewer opportunities for guaranteed survival, and teams on the brink of elimination may bring unusual strategies into their Week 8 games. If so, Week 8 promises to be an exciting experience for League of Legends fans everywhere.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(4th March 2013)
North America LCS Week 8 Power Rankings
Only three weeks of LCS competition remain in the Spring season. TSM and CLG plot new strategies to pull themselves into contention for first place. At the top of the ladder, Curse and Dignitas continue to trade wins with neither able to secure first place for more than a week at a time. Meanwhile, relegation threatens to send MRN, Vulcun, GGU, and coL kicking and biting out of the LCS completely. It is time for the end game. Welcome to the Week 8 NA Power Rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1. Curse Gaming (Previously #1) Current Record: 14W-3L
Let's be honest, Curse had a mediocre Week 7, going 2W-1L. So why are we still awarding them first place? Curse still get the top spot because they beat their chief competition, Team Dignitas -- even on a down week. Additionally, Dignitas have a bye in Week 8. That means Curse have, potentially, three more wins to add to their lead at the top of the NA LCS. That could put Curse in a very good spot heading into the final two weeks of competition. Curse will face off against Good Game University, Team SoloMid, and Vulcun in Week 8.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(2nd April 2013)
Week 7 (25th Mar - 31st Mar)
Europe LCS Week 7 Power Rankings
Three weeks are all that stand between four EU teams and relegation from the LCS. Four more teams stand on the precipice of mid-season playoffs and the chance for championship victory. Two distinctly different battles are shaping up in the EU LCS. One at the top of the table, and the other at the bottom. We're here to tell you which teams are poised to seize the moment. Welcome to the EU Week 7 power rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1. Fnatic (Previously #1) Current Record: 14W-3L
What does it take to stop the Fnatic pain train? They are netting clean sweeps so regularly in the EU LCS it’s almost becoming stale. Almost. The big news for Fnatic in Week 6 was a victory over their closest competitor, Gambit Gaming. The result solidifies Fnatic’s standing as top dogs in the European league, as well as keeping them at the top of our power rankings. Fnatic only have one match in Week 7 versus against All authority. It could be a cracking match as aAa have a lot more to lose than Fnatic.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(30rd March 2013)
Europe LCS Week 7 Matchup Previews
The teams head into Week 7 of EU LCS with fire in their eyes. Some show great promise, while others hope to get back into the line-up. Week 7 begins Saturday, March 30 at 14:00 CET.
The Copenhagen Wolves barreled into fifth place, making major progress from their record before Week 4. In Week 7, CW will face the second place team in EU LCS, Gambit Gaming, for the final match of the week. It could possibly be one of the most exciting matches in LCS thus far; the rising stars against the Russian super stars.
Also this week, DragonBorns and against All authority have at each other. The two teams are close in score, so their fight should generate much enthusiasm among fans. Week 6 saw disappointment on both sides, without DB, nor aAa seeing a single win. Neither hope to repeat their mistakes in Week 7.
As Week 7 ensues, close and distant rivals will combat. Every player will have to be at their best this week, otherwise they will have to fear the worst.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(30rd March 2013)
Five Minutes with Groove
LP: What was your life before joining Gambit Gaming?
Groove: My eSports career started in 2003. At that time I had been team leader of Team E Max. After that, in 2004, I had joined Team Veritas Pro. I was the leader of this Counter Strike team for two years, and at that time our team was one of the best in the world. In 2006 I left professional eSports, and I worked as the chief of an eSports magazine. One year after that, I was the chief leader of a huge Russian eSports website. Also at that time I was the manager and coach of Veritas Pro multi-gaming. We had a DotA division, CS division, and Need for Speed team. In 2009 I was the coach of the Kazakhstan national team k23. It was also a CS project, and I had been an organizer for the Arbalet Cup Series in CIS countries, EX-USSR and also in Europe. So 2010 was, for me, like a break: I left eSports at that time. But in 2011 I joined the Moscow Five project and this year I joined Gambit Gaming. So, for the last 10 years I’ve been in eSports as a player, manager, coach, organizer, editor-in-chief. So I’ve been in almost all roles in eSports.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(29rd March 2013)
Taking the Pulse of the LCS (Week 7)
I am Adel Chouadria, aka: Hype Algerian - a passionate Frenchman who is on a mission. My passion is for anything connected with League of Legends: the game, the tournament scene, the gossip...you name it. My mission, and I choose to accept it, is to elevate the heart rates of my fellow LoL fans by dishing out the skinny, the dirt, and the hype on last week’s fait accompli and this week’s fates in the balance of the North American and European LCS.
Teams of the Week:
- Team SoloMid (3W-0L): TSM Xpecial wanted to calm part of the community down as some of them (Doublelift included) hopped on the WildTurtle train. Rather than a potential threat to Chaox, it gave WildTurtle the occasion to prove his worth. It also gave TSM confidence in their sub’s abilities as said substitute is now a full-time starter.
- Team Dignitas (3W-0L): With MLG out of the way, Dignitas recaptured their flair and plowed through their games of the week.
- Copenhagen Wolves (3W-0L): Such an amazing run this week. They are now fifth place in the EU LCS. This is not the team that went 0W-8L anymore. Since Bjergsen joined them, they have gone 6W-3L despite having a rough schedule on their way to this result.
- Fnatic (3W-0L): With their win against Gambit Gaming, they have established themselves as the clear leaders of the EU LCS bar some unforeseen happenings.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(29rd March 2013)
North America LCS Week 7 Power Rankings
We're past the midway marker on our way to Graceland as Week 7 cranks up the pressure to survive in the NA LCS. The end of the Spring Season is in sight, and the bottom four teams in the rankings may or may not be able to return for the Summer Season. Nobody wants to be in the basement Relegation is staring compLexity and Good Game University in the face so hard even Snoopeh is jealous. Vulcun and Counter Logic Gaming are preparing to do battle for a crucial fourth place spot. Curse, Dignitas, and Team SoloMid are all straining for first. The real battles begin now. Welcome to the NA Week 7 power rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1. Curse Gaming (Previously #1) Current Record: 12W-2L
Curse had a bye in Week 6, so they are holding their number one spot purely on season-long performance. Looking back, they’ve really earned their pole position. Voyboy has a 5.1 KDA, Saintvicious has a 4.8 KDA, and Cop has an astounding 17 KDA. When Voyboy appears to be an average player in your lineup, you know you are doing something right. Curse face Dignitas, Counter Logic Gaming, and Vulcun in Week 7. With only four weeks of competition left, Curse need to earn as many victories as possible to keep Dignitas out of first place in the leaderboards. Either way, it is hard to imagine them doing worse than second place.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(29rd March 2013)
North America LCS Week 7 Matchup Previews
Four weeks remain in the LCS, and the playing field is growing ever clearer. Team Solomid, Team Dignitas, and Curse Gaming continue squabbling over the top three positions, while only one game separates fourth place Counter Logic Gaming from the surging Team Vulcun. Meanwhile, Team MRN, compLexity Gaming, and Good Game University still have more than enough time to make waves and shock the League community. At this point in the season, none of the teams can afford to make mistakes if they want to have a lasting impact.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(29rd March 2013)
Secrets in the Statistics (Week 7)
I can't believe it's been six weeks already! The first half of this season has gone by fast, but in the League of Statistics every week that passes makes for more interesting digits. 111 Champions: 73 males, 38 females. 11 Noxians. 10 Demacians. 4 Ninjas. 3 Imprisoned. 2 Fish. 1 Mummy.
Let's take a closer look at champions in the LCS...
- The most commonly used champions in Week 6 by (W-L) were:
 Nasus (9-3),  Lulu (5-7),  Thresh (7-3), and  Zed (7-3).
- GIA Babeta has played a female champion in 14 games thus far making him the girliest player in LCS. Next in line are CW Deficio, CLG LiNk, EG Froggen, and d scarra with 12 female games each.
(26rd March 2013)
Week 6 (18th Mar - 24th Mar)
Five Minutes with yellowpete
Leaguepedia's Adel Chouadria was on the spot in Lille, France for the Week 6 EU LCS. On Sunday, he hung out with yellowpete of Evil Geniuses and found out about yellowpete's gaming career and what he thinks of Teemo trolling.
Adel: I know that you just lost a game against Copenhagen Wolves, but did it feel as fun for you guys as it was for the viewers?
yellowpete: Well, the game itself was very interesting. In a way, like, a lot of uncommon split-second decisions had to be made, and that was, eventually, what defeated us. We didn't have the same mindset in some situations. Yeah, it was definitely a very interesting game for us.
Adel: Now, talking about you: what games did you play before League of Legends?
yellowpete: I played a multitude of single player titles. I eventually got into Warcraft III, but I mostly played DotA. From there, I eventually got to League.
Adel: Can you tell me what the difference between DotA and League is, from someone who has made the switch?
yellowpete: I can’t say about the game right now, because I haven’t played it in a few years. When I switched, it seemed like League was a more casual game than DotA. It wasn’t as complicated, but at the same time it was customizable. The concept for summoners skills, runes, and masteries was very interesting.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(25th March 2013)
Five Minutes with Sjokz
Leaguepedia's Adel Chouadria was on the spot in Lille, France for the Week 6 EU LCS. On Sunday, he chatted with Eefje "Sjokz" Depoortere - the perceptive and enthusiastic hostess of ESL's European LCS broadcasts. Sjokz shared her love of games, her love for her work, and some good advice about how to succeed in eSports journalism.
Adel: Hello everyone on Leaguepedia, this is Adel and with me is Sjokz. We’re here to just get to know her a little bit. Now tell me, what was your background as far as gaming is concerned?
Sjokz: I started of playing Unreal Tournament in 1999, so that’s a long time ago. And I was actually kinda addicted to it. It was like I came home from school, played it all day -- my parents were really concerned. But then I went off to college. I switched to Playstation once in a while because I didn’t really have time. And then I finished college and someone introduced me to League of Legends. It’s been my life ever since.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(25rd March 2013)
Five Minutes with Kev1n
Leaguepedia's Adel Chouadria is on the spot in Lille, France at the Week 6 EU LCS. Earlier today, he met with Kev1n of SK Gaming to chat about his gaming career.
Adel: You were the AD Carry for the team when CandyPanda left for a while, and you also switched lanes with ocelote. Could you tell me a little bit more about that?
Kev1n: Well, first of all I switched to the midlane because [ocelote] was kind of disappointed with his lane. Well -- not really disappointed, but bored. He just didn’t feel right in that position. He liked top plane and I liked mid lane, so we tried to switch. I was a mid player before I joined SK...we attempted the swap and see how it works. At first, it actually worked pretty good. We went to MLG Anaheim with this line-up and the lane swap was fine. After that, we kind of thought, "Let’s switch back"...because I didn’t work out as well as we’d hoped. It felt good [to change things up] because we needed a break from our own lanes. After CandyPanda left, we tried to swap the lanes again. It went OK. but top wasn’t that convincing -- so we swapped back again. We experimented a lot, but in the end we just played our old positions and that worked out the best.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(24th March 2013)
Five Minutes with ForellenLord
Leaguepedia's Adel Chouadria is on the spot in Lille, France at the Week 6 EU LCS. Earlier today, he tracked down ForellenLord from Team ALTERNATE to chat about their match against Team Mistral in the Summer Promotion Qualifier and their other recent activities.
Adel: How did Team ALTERNATE prepare for today’s matchup against Mistral Gaming?
ForellenLord: We did prepare for the game versus Mistral, but we did not take that hard of a look at them. This doesn’t mean we’re underestimating them -- far from it.
Adel: Between the LCS Qualifiers and Lille, what were ALTERNATE’s activities? Did you non-stop practice to get to this?
ForellenLord: Between the S3 LCS Qualifiers and now, we took a one to two week break to have fun and just decompress. We took some time to reflect. Then, though, we came back and have not ceased to practice, especially [doing scrims] against LCS teams like Gambit Gaming.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(23rd March 2013)
Five Minutes with Spontexx
Leaguepedia's Adel Chouadria is on the spot in Lille, France at the Week 6 EU LCS. Earlier today, he checked in with Spontexx from DragonBorns to find out what Spontexx thinks of his team's recent lineup changes and other team news.
Adel: How do you feel about your performance during the LCS games that you played?
Spontexx: The general sentiment that I heard from others is that I am a great player, and that I have a lot of potential.
Adel: As far as the suspension, were there any events that led to it?
Spontexx: As far as the suspension, the team told me that it was a long time in the making...but I did not know I was in trouble to begin with. It hit me all of a sudden. As such, I am confused. I don't know what led to it or how it could have been prevented.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(23rd March 2013)
Europe LCS Week Six Matchup Previews
 Gambit Gaming vs. Fnatic
Week 6 of the EU LCS explodes into action as Gambit Gaming and Fnatic, the top two teams, attempt to get a stranglehold on each other on Saturday, March 23 at 18:00 CET. While both teams appear to be safe from others elbowing in on their war for first, they are not safe from each other. Whoever wins this match will own the throne and can confidently swagger into the chaos of Week 6.
GG may already have a saunter in their step when they meet Fnatic, as they have won both matches against YellOwStaR and friends in recent weeks. The team, boasting an epic 9W-2L record, is coming off a restful bye week after tearing up the competition in Week 4. However, this upcoming match could prove to be more than just what keeps GG in the lead; they are also the only EU LCS team that have not yet lost to Fnatic.
Fnatic, after destroying all opposition in Week 5, flaunt an impressive 11W-3L ratio. There is only one thing keeping them from the throne -- Gambit. If Fnatic were to win this match, and then continue their win column rampage, they could end the week 14W-3L. This could put them, potentially, three games and as many victories ahead of GG. If Fnatic defeat GG in this upcoming match, they will have defeated every team in the LCS at least once. A win would also give Fnatic their first notch on the positive side of their head-to-head record against Gambit which currently stands at 0W-2L.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(23rd March 2013)
Europe LCS Week Six Power Rankings
The competition is ferocious in the EU LCS. Week 5 saw then-leaders Gambit Gaming take a vacation to North America, and in their absence Fnatic pounced to take back first place. SK Gaming and Evil Geniuses are trading blows, desperate to get back into contention for EU’s leading position. And the bottom four conglomerate is a hotbed of teams fighting for survival as the LCS passes the halfway mark. Welcome to the EU Week 6 power rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1. Fnatic (Previously #2). Current Record: 11W-3L
There can be no doubt that Fnatic are currently one of the best teams in Europe. Week 5 was yet another clean sweep for Fnatic, as they went 3W-0L against Evil Geniuses, SK Gaming, and Copenhagen Wolves. The opposition simply cannot handle the splitpushing threat that xPeke brings to the table. And with the bot lane duo of YellOwStaR and nRated firing on all cylinders, Fnatic are a real terror in the EU LCS. Fnatic have three matches in Week 6 of the LCS. Gambit Gaming, DragonBorns, and GIANTS! Gaming all await. The real draw will be the Gambit match. The never-ending debate on Europe’s leading LoLsquad will be decided . . . at least for a week.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(23rd March 2013)
Taking the Pulse of the LCS (Week 6)
I am Adel Chouadria, aka: Hype Algerian - a passionate Frenchman who is on a mission. My passion is for anything connected with League of Legends: the game, the tournament scene, the gossip...you name it. My mission, and I choose to accept it, is to elevate the heart rates of my fellow LoL fans by dishing out the skinny, the dirt, and the hype on last week’s fait accompli and this week’s fates in the balance of the North American and European LCS.
It’s time for NA and EU to step up their games...
The North American circuit is in a bit of chaos after its two representatives failed to go through the international exhibition tournament of the MLG. Sure, there was Gambit Gaming on the European side and KT Rolster B on the Korean side, but what about the top two NA teams? One could invoke the excuse that Curse Gaming and Team Dignitas could not prepare for two events at once, but the situation surely does not give the NA community much to rejoice when thinking about international showings. It is as if the ‘foreigners’ only hope to make a big splash was through the European teams. I am not the only one to think so; it’s actually a redundant theme in the Reddit community.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(21st March 2013)
North America LCS Week Six Power Rankings
Sometimes the strong just get stronger while the weak suffer. Week 5 of the LCS solidified the stranglehold of North America's elite teams on the top four positions. At the same time the struggles of the bottom four have never been clearer. Their very survival in the LCS will be determined in only five short weeks, and for many the glimmer of hope is already fading. It's time for these players to earn their keep. Welcome to the NA Week 6 power rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1. Curse Gaming (Previously #2) Current Record: 12W-2L
Curse Gaming and Dignitas are currently playing tag for first place in our weekly power rankings. Last week Dignitas held sway, and so this week it’s only fair for Curse to have their turn at the wheel. Curse drove Week 5 of the NA LCS into the ground with 3W-0L, shutting down Counter Logic Gaming, Team SoloMid, and MRN in the process. As a result, Curse takes a one-win lead over Dignitas, with one game in hand as well. Curse have a bye in Week 6.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(20th March 2013)
North America LCS Week Six Matchup Previews
Half of the North American LCS Spring Season is behind us, and the path to the second half of the tournament remains wide open. No team has fallen far enough behind to lose all hope just yet, but the bottom four teams will need to step up their game if they want a guaranteed spot in the Summer LCS. Week 5’s harrowing upset of compLexity Gaming over Team Dignitas gives the underdogs proof that they can keep up with the juggernauts, and compLexity will get a chance to prove it again as they face off against Dignitas once more in Week 6. Elsewhere, meeting for the first time since the thrilling opening match of the LCS, Team Solomid will clash with Counter Logic Gaming in a desperate struggle to keep pace with Dignitas and Curse Gaming.
 Team SoloMid vs. Counter Logic Gaming
Months ago, hype was building for the upcoming LCS with fans locked in a heated debate over who was the best team in North America: Team Solomid or Counter Logic Gaming? The spring season opened with a stunning display that resulted in a decisive victory for CLG, but it’s been six weeks since that matchup and things have changed. Now, Curse Gaming and Team Dignitas occupy the top two positions in the rankings, with TSM and CLG trailing close behind. Neither one of these two seasoned teams can afford a loss, but one of them will take the hit this Friday, March 22, at 8:00 PM EDT.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(20th March 2013)
LCS Champion All-Stars (Week 6)
The LCS Champion All-Stars illuminates some of the champions that have made big impressions on the NA and EU LCS. The champs in the limelight include notably successful meta-benders and creative champ builds that exemplify Season 3's meta-revolution.
These featured champions have directly and positively altered the flow of games--often leaving a wake of destruction and/or confusion in their paths. The gameplay and teamfight contributions of these Rift superstars are likely to inspire more players to give these champs a shot. These All-Stars made a splash in Week 5 and are among the champs to watch for Week 6: Kayle, Nasus, and Rumble.
 Kayle
Kayle has seen a lot of play in competitive play and in many roles. Early in the LCS, Snoopeh took Kayle for a spin in the jungle. Recently, Kayle has been almost exclusively in mid and top lane. Kayle has been highly contested in many matches because her ultimate, Intervention, gives invulnerability for enough time to protect an assassin in the back line, cover an ADC being jumped, or shield a tank soaking up an initial burst. This along with the high range of the ability makes it a game changer. At the first dragon fight nine minutes into the Week 5 Team SoloMid vs. Curse Gaming matchup, Nyjacky used his ultimate on Saintvicious who soaked up most of the initial damage from TSM. scarra has been one of the biggest proponents of Kayle. During Team Dignitas vs. Good Game University scarra used his ult at the 21 minute mark to soak up damage from multiple enemies focusing him. Expect to see more clever Kayle ultimates in Week 6.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(20th March 2013)
Secrets in the Statistics (Week 6)
Two weeks have gone by, twenty LCS games have been played, and thousands of new numbers are available to piece together. I'm currently in the process of migrating all my data into a database, and I am very close to being done. When the project is complete, I will be able dig out the most fabulous statistics -- like champion KDA breakdowns for each particular skin. Hopefully this will prove Armor of the Fifth Age is superior to Bloodstone. I have also recorded EU statistics and will now be including them as well. While I'm excited about the coming weeks, I'm also fired up to share some new statistics with you! So, what happened in Week 5?
- Blue side won 15/20 games. Overall, blue side wins 60.2% of the time across both regions.
- Team SoloMid became the first team to pass up a ban selection.
- Nientonsoh joined scarra as the only other player to eclipse 100 CS by the 10 minute mark.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(20th March 2013)
Week 5 (11th Mar - 17th Mar)
Europe LCS Week Five Matchup Previews
Evil Geniuses vs. DragonBorns
Week 5 kicks off with a monster battle between Evil Geniuses and DragonBorns at 16:00 CET/7:00 AM PDT on March 3. This all-out war will be the third time these teams face each other in the EU LCS. They will both be “going to the mattresses” as DB looks to repeat their recent victory with finesse, and EG hopes to put DB in their place for their apparent insolence.
EG moves into Week 5 with some bones to pick as they strive to re-establish themselves as the top team in Europe. Their first match of this week may serve as a harbinger to indicate whether they are up to the task. Leading up to Week 4, EG was a formidable wall which few could make a mark on, let alone break down. However, something was in the water in Week 4, when EG lost to against All authority, DragonBorns, and GIANTS! Gaming – three relative newbies in the tournament world. This made them tumble from an overall 5W-2L to an overall 6W-6L. For EG, Week 5 offers a chance to rise from the ashes of Week 4, and it all starts with their match against DB.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 European LCS.
(15th March 2013)
MLG International Exhibition Preview: Gambit vs Dignitas
Major League Gaming has been around for just over a decade now, and has brought the realm of eSports into the mainstream in North America by broadcasting tournaments of the best players competing in the most popular games. In 2011, League of Legends joined MLG’s ranks, and the game’s popularity has since exploded with a furious influx of players that has led to League of Legends being the most played game in the world. This Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, the journey continues as the MLG will be having its first League of Legends event of 2013 in Dallas, Texas – the MLG Pro Circuit Winter Championship. This massive event will feature three distinct tournaments: the continuation of the Spring LCS, a four-team international exhibition with a $10,000 first place prize, and a four-team promotional qualifier tournament for a spot in the LCS May Promotion Tournament and $20,000. Leaguepedia’s NA LCS previewer, Josh Pelletier, and EU LCS previewer, Keith Roland, join forces to discuss their differing perspectives on the buzzworthy MLG international exhibition:
Josh: Outside of the LCS, the most anticipated matchup this weekend has to be the clash of the titans -- the leader of the NA LCS, Team Dignitas, and the leader of the EU LCS, Gambit Gaming, will meet in the first round of the international exhibition. Curse Gaming and KT Rolster B both have legitimate chances to win the short playoff, but the brunt of the fan anticipation has been for the two teams that have distinguished themselves by defeating the best of the best each LCS lineup had to offer during the first four weeks of the tournament. Now both will be playing for the bragging rights of their region, and will no doubt give everything they have in the Rift this Friday.
- Click Here for full information about the 2013 MLG Winter Championship.
(12th March 2013)
Europe LCS Week Five Power Rankings
What a change seven days can bring. Twenty matches of ferocious LCS action have given underdogs new hope. At the same time, old stars have fallen from grace. And a few fan favorites have finally “clicked” once more. Super Week in the EU LCS is over, and the competitive landscape has shifted once again.
1. Gambit Gaming (Previously #4) Current Record: 9W-2L
All hail the conquering hero! Gambit Gaming finally decided to stop squirreling around and win some games. Fans were thrilled to see Gambit taking the LCS seriously. Whatever the reason may be, the change in play was stark. Rising to the challenge of a grueling Super Week schedule, Gambit went 5W-0L. Their victories were more than just underdog blowouts - Gambit took down previous leaders Fnatic, Evil Geniuses, and SK Gaming. Gambit rounded out their flawless week by beating DragonBorns and against All authority.
So just how strong was the Week 4 Gambit squad? Alex Ich alone went 33/13/26 while sending 1,352 minions to wee minion heaven. EDward assisted in 59 kills. That was seven more than his closest competitor - who, coincidentally, was Diamondprox, also of Gambit. And for your trivia night, yes Alex Ich did get a triple kill with one  Kassadin Force Pulse. Ouch. Gambit have a bye in Week 5, which is a real shame. The EU LCS will miss the madness the Russians bring.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(12th March 2013)
Europe LCS Week Four Recap Wolves v. Fnatic
Pre-game temperature:
While the Copenhagen Wolves finally managed to get hot after taking their first LCS win from against All authority, their third match of the LCS Super Week would be a challenge as they faced the heavily favored Fnatic. Bjergsen, the Wolves’ AP Carry, caught the attention of Fnatic after his performance against aAa. The Season 1 champs wasted no time trying to ban him out, particularly his Syndra, which was pivotal in the Wolves’ earlier victory. Meanwhile, the Wolves eliminated anything that could disrupt their initiator-heavy gameplan.
The picks suggested the Week 4 matchup would be a carbon copy of their meeting the previous week; the reality was completely different.
Level One:
While the Copenhagen Wolves positioned themselves defensively around the map, the entire Fnatic team went straight toward the Wolves’ blue buff. However, Renekton’s presence at the camp and his subsequent ward in the blue brush was enough to spoil the early aggression. As Fnatic placed a ward at that neutral camp, the Wolves responded likewise. The Wolves then sent Ezreal and Thresh top lane in a standard lane swap. Both teams warded defensively in an effort to thwart early tower dives.
Early advantage: Fnatic
The ward that CW put at the bottom lane averted a catastrophe as Renekton backed off from a Volibear gank and got zoned out of his own turret, leading to its destruction. Meanwhile, as Ezreal and Thresh went aggressive on Shen, Katarina teleported into the fray and took down Ezreal but had to resort to using flash. Kassadin, who wanted to help, was left vulnerable and Volibear used his teleport as well to capitalize on that. This, in turn, left Katarina vulnerable to Xin Zhao’s assault, ending the fight in a 2-1 trade in favor of Fnatic. Moments later, Volibear tried to make a play in mid on Kassadin but the counter-gank by Xin Zhao led to Katarina’s demise yet again.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(12th March 2013)
Europe LCS Week Four Recap Fnatic v. Gambit
Fnatic's rematch with Gambit Gaming was their chance to avenge the unmerciful beating they received in their first game against Gambit. The Russian team, on the other hand, looked to keep their momentum strong.
Level One:
As with most games so far this tournament, both teams played rather passively at level one. They placed a few defensive wards before going into their respective lanes and starting their jungle routes. Both CyanideFI and Diamondprox started at their own blue buffs, moved on to red buffs, and remained on opposite sides of the map.
Early game action:
While the top lane stayed fairly even and passive for the first seven minutes, both the middle and bottom lanes were full of aggression. xPeke pressured Alex Ich and slowly built a CS lead in mid. Genja007and EDward returned the favor in bottom. Genja007 stayed at least ten CS ahead of YellOwStaR at all times during the first ten minutes – sometimes boasting more than double his opponent's minion kills. In the mid lane, Kassadin finished off an unsuspecting Kayle, and CyanideFI came in for a counter-gank as xPeke was chased past his own outer turret. Vi laid into Alex and chased him into the jungle as Shen teleported in with Stand United. Both Alex and Darien were melted by Fnatic’s sOAZ.. Directly after the fight in mid, YellOwStaR and nRated turned up the heat in bottom and took Genja007 by surprise. nRated secured the kill rather than the AD Carry.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(12th March 2013)
Europe LCS Week Four Recap DB v. EG
Some thought the match between the DragonBorns and Evil Geniuses would be a one-sided affair. They heavily favored Evil Geniuses to win despite earlier struggles. LCS fans everywhere, except perhaps in Poland, were therefore completely surprised when DragonBorns knocked the favorites on their ears and proved that, at least in Week 4, the hair overpowered the stare.
Early Game:
Evil Geniuses picked Draven, HosaN’s favorite ADC. In turn, HosaN introduced AP Nidalee in the bottom lane. Passive farming was the theme of the first five minutes of the game. The Junglers started at their blue buffs and attempted ganks on top and mid. Froggen used Destiny and teleported to the bot lane to help score first blood on HosaN (7:12). Krepo snagged the kill which allowed him to pick up an early Sightstone.
The match quieted down until DB and EG started to jockey for the first dragon. EG attempted the dragon and Shushei and HosaN poked down much of the team. The rest of DB joined the fight and fully engaged EG. EG took too much dragon damage, so DB took thee kills, the dragon, and the middle tier one turret.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(12th March 2013)
North America LCS Week Four Recap GGU v. Vulcun
Heading into the last game of a very long week of LCS play, both Good Game University and Vulcun Command were desperate to pick up a win. The two teams had already played eight games during Super Week with only one win between them. Something had to give and the winner would have a second chance at carving out some momentum as they head into the halfway point of the season.
Vulcun banned a couple very strong champs they didn’t want to see anyone play against them and then banned Twitch out of respect for DontMashMe. GGU did not think twice about banning mancloud’s dominant Nidalee, and followed up by banning Kayle and Singed. GGU seemed a bit stunned heading into champion select where Vulcun took away Elise with a first pick. Vulcun once again opted for a very strong front line with two incredibly far ranged carries. GGU responded with an all-in line up.
Level One:
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, both Junglers started on their bottom side buffs. Vulcun completely warded GGU’s red buff right off the bat so they would have the option to respond at about 2:30. Both teams also elected to send their duo lanes to bot lane, which has almost become strange in the Season 3 meta.
Early Advantage:
Xmithie put immense pressure on bot lane with several early ganks, blowing summoners every visit, but Vulcun could not convert the action into a kill. Meanwhile, NintendudeX farmed the jungle heavily, which kept GGU ahead through all the early game action. ZionSpartan’s lane control as Akali forced Vulcun to send spare members to come to Sycho Sid’s aid, which let GGU take towers and dragons to grow their lead. As the 20 minute mark came and went, GGU held on to a 4k gold lead. The teams began to group mid while Akali continued to pressure Vulcun’s tier two top turret, but Lux’s wave clearing power relieved mid quickly and both teams dispersed.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(11th March 2013)
North America LCS Week Four Recap MRN v. TSM
A prior win over a top team, CLG, gave MRN an upward momentum that they brought to bear against their self-proclaimed rivals, TSM. New fan favorites clashed with the old in an epic battle that yielded many surprises.
MRN opted for a mixture of classic anti-TSM bans with LeBlanc and Singed and eliminated Malphite for the sake of their desired "poke, poke, all-in" team comp. TSM banned extremely strong and annoying champs, some of which MRN were particularly known for. However, ClakeyD's mighty Jarvan IV slipped through the ban phase.
Level One:
Three of TSM’s players started with wards in their inventories to ensure they would see Jarvan IV coming for any very early ganks. Both would-be top laners gave their Junglers strong leashes for their respective bottom side buffs before heading down to 1v1 in bot for the laning phase.
Early Advantage:
Everyone was on their best behavior when it came to warding, dealing with their lane opponents, and surviving tricky ganks. First blood was awarded to Dyrus in bot lane after TheOddOne gave up on camping top lane against master bodyguard Alistar. TSM gave up an early dragon due to TOO’s focus on the top lane, and they lost a mid turret as a result of counter-pressure in the bot lane. The dragon and turret added up to the first meaningful gold lead of the game with 1k gold in MRN's favor at the 17 minute mark.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(11th March 2013)
North America LCS Week Four Recap Dig v. Crs
Dignitas and Curse both came to this match riding on the tails of winning streaks. However, only one team would keep their streak alive.
Curse aimed for a beefy, armor-based team by selecting Taric and Jarvan IV to shut down Xin Zhao, the primary Dignitas pick. Dignitas responded to this gambit by locking in a double AP composition, utilizing Diana and Elise in mid and top lanes, respectively. To complement the double AP strategy, Dignitas picked Kog'Maw as their AD carry. However, Curse's choice of champions with hard crowd control, including Lux, Taric, and Jarvan IV, isolated and punished a very locked down Kog'Maw.
Level One:
Dignitas opened with an early protective strategy as each team member scanned possible invasion routes. In contrast, Curse extended outward with aggressive posturing and used Jarvan IV's flag to gain vision without impunity. After exhibiting a strong map presence, Jarvan IV and Xin Zhao secured their own respective red buffs with the help of their laners. Curse and Dignitas played a safe level one and warded defensively throughout the map.
Early Plays:
In the bottom lane, Cop and Elementz plowed toward Dignitas' outer turret following an early gank from Jarvan IV. This early lane pressure enabled Curse to engage Dignitas. Taric dealt significant damage to Kog'Maw, who was forced to burn his flash and cleanse to escape. Meanwhile, Diana's shorter melee range caused her to struggled against Lux in the middle lane. Across the map, Jarvan IV returned to the duo lane for yet another gank and obtained first blood on Kog'Maw. Xin Zhao deftly responded and killed Taric in return, leveling the gold values to around 6.5k. A pink ward counter-play ended an early dragon attempt by Curse as Dignitas began to pull ahead in the top lane. Nidalee fell behind early in creep score, and this deficit broadened after Elise dueled her down. Dignitas led in gold until Curse traded a dragon for their own top turret which gave Curse a 3k gold lead.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(11th March 2013)
North America LCS Week Four Recap TSM v. Crs
After suffering defeats prior to the match, Team SoloMid and Curse Gaming both looked to finish Week 4 with a victory. TSM came into the match after being upset by Team MRN, while Curse swallowed their first two losses of the LCS after going undefeated for three consecutive weeks. Pegged as a must-see matchup, the first meeting between the two long-time rivals would be one for the books.
Level One:
Both Curse and TSM postured defensively across the map, with TheOddOne started at his own blue golem camp and Saintvicious at his red. Neither team fancied a level one engagement, with both sides opting to keep their duo lanes at the bottom of the map. The early action revolved around the top lane, which featured Dyrus against Voyboy. Dyrus took an early CS lead over his counterpart, but he misjudged Saintvicious’ jungle route. As a result, his ward timed out early and left him blind. With no vision on Saintvicious, Dyrus returned home to purchase an additional ward.
Early Game:
However, the freshly acquired ward would not be used effectively and Dyrus gave up first blood to Voyboy after a successful Saintvicious gank. After Voyboy immobilized Dyrus with Cocoon, Saintvicious landed a Demacian Standard-Dragon Strike combo that knocked him up and secured Voyboy first blood. Despite Curse drawing first blood, the game remained close until Nyjacky teleported bottom and killed Chaox. At the same time, Reginald and TheOddOne cornered Saintvicious and eliminated him with a long-distance sapling from Maokai.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(11th March 2013)
IEM Season VII World Championship: A Look Back
The IEM Season VII - World Championship in Hannover is behind us, but the events are still freshly imprinted in our minds. Four EU LCS teams, three rising star EU teams, four Korean teams, and one up-and-coming Brazilian team (for a grand total of 12 teams) made it to Hannover with the intent to win it all. The competition spanned four very eventful days. During the first two days, three juggernauts fell to their knees - leading Joe Miller to label Hannover “Upset City”.
- Click Here for full information about the IEM Season VII World Championship.
(11th March 2013)
Leaguepedia Interviews MYM's Makler
Meet Your Makers joined the IEM Season VII - World Championship after a first place win at IEM Singapore. They made a convincing start with a win over Evil Geniuses in their first game of the tournament. It seemed as though MYM might make it out of the group stage, but, unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Leaguepedia staffer, Leon van Oord, sat down with AD Carry Marek “Makler” Kukier to find out what makes MYM tick and how they plan to bounce back; Makler tells it like it is. The interview transcript provides an great opportunity to get to know one of Poland’s top teams, Meet Your Makers.
(7th March 2013)
LCS Champion All-Stars (Week 5)
The LCS Champion All-Stars illuminates some of the champions that have made big impressions on the NA and EU LCS. The champs in the limelight include notably successful meta-benders and creative champ builds that exemplify Season 3's meta-revolution.
These featured champions have directly and positively altered the flow of games--often leaving a wake of destruction and/or confusion in their paths. The gameplay and teamfight contributions of these Rift superstars are likely to inspire more players to give these champs a shot. These All-Stars rocked the Super Week and are among the champs to watch for Week 5: Volibear, AP Tryndamere, and Thresh.
 Volibear
A few weeks ago, Volibear made his first showing in the LCS at the hands of bellwether Diamondprox, but this week he was spotted in many jungles of the NA and EU LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(8th March 2013)
Leaguepedia Interviews Anexis
After a breakout second place performance in IEM Sao Paolo, Anexis eSports takes the IEM stage once more for a chance to earn first place at the IEM Season VII World Championship in Hannover, Germany. After two convincing day one wins against SK Telecom T1 and SK Gaming, Leaguepedia staffer, Leon van Oord, was eager to sit down with Anexis eSports to discover how they feel about their strong start and the hype leading up to the tournament in Hannover. The transcript from Leon’s candid interview with the newly joined Support, Mateusz "eRot1c" Kurdasiński, and Jungler, Remigiusz "Overpow" Pusch, provides an excellent opportunity to become better acquainted with one of Poland’s rising stars, Anexis eSports.
Leon: First of all, congratulations on beating SK Gaming and SK Telecom! How did you feel about those games? What caused the win for you?
eRot1c: We focused on having a strong early game and gained an advantage step-by-step. We didn’t take any unnecessary risks and just played it out from there.
(7th March 2013)
IEM Season VII World Championship Preview
The Intel Extreme Masters Season VII League of Legends World Championship Series will be held in Hanover, Germany from March 6-9. Although this is IEM’s seventh season, it is only the third year that League of Legends has been included on their roster of tournaments and it has continually grown in popularity. This year’s championship promises to be a flurry of nonstop, fantastic performances from 12 of the best professional League of Legends teams that the world has to offer. It will be a stirring competition and well-worth sacrificing some sleep to catch. North American fans will want to caffeinate and commiserate! The first match kicks off at 3:30 AM EST/9:30 CET, on March 6.
The IEM World Championship is not an isolated tournament in which the participants are selected by reputation alone. Each of the 12 attendees have struggled for months (through five qualification tournaments and numerous online qualifiers) while simultaneously keeping up with their other tournaments and opportunities. These select few have persevered on this arduous journey through Singapore, Cologne, Katowice, and Sao Paulo to make it to Hanover.
- Click Here for full information about the IEM Season VII World Championship.
(5th March 2013)
Secrets in the Statistics
Secrets in the Statistics: 110 champions. 22 turrets. 8 legs on Elise. 7 Teemo skins. 4 feeding teammates. 3 bans per team. 2 legs on Elise. In the League of Statistics, new legends are made with each passing battle. What then makes a legend? Well, it's a secret--that is, until the digits decide to tell us. Let us see what the numbers have to say after Week 4 of the NA LCS.
- Blue side wins 61% of the time. Regarding the losses from the "Top 4" teams, 9/12 came from the red side. Take out TSM and it's 7/8.
- TSM is the only team to surrender and have done so in 3/4 losses.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(5th March 2013)
Taking the Pulse of the LCS
I am Adel Chouadria, aka: Hype Algerian - a passionate Frenchman who is on a mission. My passion is for anything connected with League of Legends: the game, the tournament scene, the gossip...you name it. My mission, and I choose to accept it, is to elevate the heartrates of my fellow LoL fans by dishing out the skinny, the dirt, and the hype on last week’s fait accompli and this week’s fates in the balance of the North American and European LCS.
Team MRN, new kid on the block no more:
Taking wins against two big names in is a great way to put everyone else on notice--especially after only playing 9 games out of 28 and standing very close to the .500 mark. MRN may want to refine their play some more, but the fact that they have beaten CLG and TSM back-to-back is extremely encouraging for a who is still looking to make an impact on the NA LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(5th March 2013)
North America LCS Week Five Power Rankings
After four days, 20 matches, and more than 200 kills: week four, AKA: “Super Week”, of the Season 3 LCS is over. The battle lines drawn in week three have shifted. The immortal Curse Gaming have fallen from power. Counter Logic Gaming bent the Season 3 meta to their will. Somewhere Dignitas fans clap with glee. Welcome to the NA week five power rankings from Leaguepedia Fantasy.
1. Dignitas (Previously #2) Current Record: 10W-2L
Somebody call the Dignitas of Season 2 and tell them that everything is going to be OK. The trials and tribulations of the past year have all been swept away. The leaked strategies, the under-performing mustaches, and the loss of key players all made way for a Season 3 Dignitas squad that is on fire--burning hotter than the announcer of NBA Jam for Sega Genesis. Their impressive performance thus far lands them in the penthouse of these power rankings for the first time.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(28th February 2013)
Week 4 (25th Feb - 3rd Mar)
Europe LCS Week Four Matchup Previews
Week three flew by with fantastical twists and turns for the eight teams in the European League of Legends Championship Series. However, the lofty twenty matches looming around the corner will likely bring even greater surprises. Team Fnatic starts week four at the top of the ladder after razing the competition and even bringing down the elite Evil Geniuses in a match of legendary proportions. After a disappointing premier week, against All authority began clawing their way back into the ranks, winning two matches and losing one in week three to equal the solid 2-2 record of the DragonBorns. The GIANTS! have dropped in rank after week three but are not so far gone as to be out of the race. Gambit Gaming's victorious revenge match against the GIANTS! proved that in post-Soviet Russia, Gambit plays you. SK Gaming fell to the number four spot from their previous number three ranking, but they are well-positioned to cause trouble for the top three teams.
With each team playing five matches this week, there will be room for transitions up or down the rankings. Will Fnatic and EG continue their reign at the top, or will an unexpected team swipe the lead? Will the Copenhagen Wolves be able to take advantage and make their way back into the ranks, or has their tragic fall left them permanently incapacitated? Week four (March 1st-3rd) will pave the way for a spell-binding second half of the spring season.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(28th February 2013)
Europe LCS Week Four Power Rankings
The mighty Gambit Gaming struggles to rediscover their talent. Fnatic rampages through their opponents. Evil Geniuses plots new, aggressive strategies. Twenty matches wait to prove who has prepared and who sat on their laurels. Week four of the LCS approaches. Are you ready? Welcome to the Leaguepedia Fantasy EU LCS Week Four Power Rankings.
1. Fnatic (Previously #2)
Fnatic descended on week three of the EU LCS like a summer thunderstorm, building intensity as the matches progressed. Exerting incredible amounts of pressure on every lane, Fnatic punished every mistake made by their opponents and exited with a 5W-1L overall record. After flashing past Copenhagen Wolves in a match that barely crested the 24 minute mark, Fnatic pushed on to conquer Evil Geniuses and aAa without breaking a sweat. The results? A total weekly gold difference of 138k for Fnatic versus 104k for their opponents.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(28th February 2013)
North America LCS Week Four Matchup Previews
Week three was a turbulent ride of transitional teams: some underdogs broke from mediocrity and looked ready to run with the big dogs, while some favorites were in danger of obscurity after facing frustrating losses. Week four offers the continuation of these stories and so much more as the NA LCS hosts a phenomenal twenty matches between Wednesday, February 27th and Friday, March 1st. Can Curse keep their undefeated streak alive, or will Dignitas be the first to knock them off as the top two teams tee-off? Will the resurgent Team Vulcun continue their upward trend, or will Counter Logic Gaming avenge last week’s loss? On the brink of complete ruination, will the winner of the matchup between GGU and MRN rise out of their lackluster standing? This super week promises to set the stage for an exhilarating second half of the spring season.
Team Vulcun vs. Counter Logic Gaming
The first match of week four, starting at 2:00 PM EST Wednesday, February 27th, is the now highly anticipated rematch between Team Vulcun and Counter Logic Gaming. In week three, Vulcun accomplished the biggest upset of the NA LCS when they gave CLG no quarter and asserted their domination from start to finish. Vulcun entered week three at 0-5 and were swiftly running out of time to prove their relevance by etching a number into the plus column of their win-loss record. Despite the pressure, mandatorycloud’s skillful performances led Team Vulcun to victories in all three of their games. In contrast, CLG’s week three performances did not meet their usual standards as they only gained the upper hand in one of their three matches. With both teams at three wins, this rematch will have indisputable effects on the rankings.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(26rd February 2013)
North America LCS Week Four Power Rankings
Seven weeks of regular season round robin matches remain. Teams still have ample opportunities to create, practice, and showcase their strategies and counter-strategies. Dynamics between challengers will undoubtedly fluctuate wildly, and we are banding together each week to decipher their cryptic power struggle. Welcome to the Leaguepedia Fantasy NA LCS Week Four Power Rankings.
1. Curse (Previously #1)
Curse remain undefeated after three weeks of LCS competition. Their revised training method which prioritizes honing personal skills over devising team-specific counter-strategies has proven deadly. Curse's only week three match, against Good Game University, epitomized their combined individual skills and teamwork, which are quickly becoming their hallmarks in the Season 3 NA LCS.
- Click Here for full information about the Season 3 North American LCS.
(23rd February 2013)
Week 3 (18th Feb - 24th Feb)
Europe LCS Week Three Recap Gambit v. GIANTS!
Gambit Gaming showed up to this week three rematch with an axe to grind. Meanwhile, the GIANTS! came to the table looking for a repeat performance of their week one Gambit Gaming upset - but it was not meant to be. Gambit body checked the GIANTS! and kept them off-balance from the very beginning with an unorthodox team composition.
Level One:
Both teams dropped early defensive wards. The GIANTS! scoped out Gambit's red buff as Babeta placed a ward at the wraiths and the GIANTS! backed out. Morden took his blue buff with a heavy pull and no smite. Diamondprox took his red buff with a smaller pull but no smite as well.
Early Game:
The junglers sought out opportunities to gank, and Diamondprox found one top lane. Samux escaped with half health and played victim to the pressure of Darien and Diamondprox on his turret. Meanwhile at bottom lane a skirmish broke out and EDward burned down Babeta to secure first blood. The passive farming kept the gold nearly even as Diamondprox shifted bottom lane at the perfect time. EDward committed to a bad fight only to be saved by Diamondprox as he took Babeta's life. To follow up, Morden demolished Alex Ich with a well planned gank. Before Morden could get his health bar to zero, Alex Ich managed to turn the tide by erasing Exterminare, with a little help from the turret. Next, Morden saw an overextended Darien, and with Samux’s assistance he secured the kill. Gambit responded immediately with the first dragon of the game just after the 10 minute mark. Without hesitation the GIANTS! bot lane mowed over Gambit's outer bottom turret bringing the gold nearly even.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(27th February 2013)
North America LCS Week Three Recap Vulcun v. CLG
Team Vulcun came into week three with their backs against the wall. Their first match was against Counter Logic Gaming who were coming off a week two bye after posting a 3-1 record in week one. Vulcun were starving for their first win to turn around their 0-5 free fall and they made a meal of the veteran CLG, who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Level One:
Both teams wanted to make sure that the other stayed on their own side of the map to start the game. The junglers began at their bottom side buffs as the duo lanes sneaked up to the top lane.
Early Trading:
As the junglers finished their first clears and the lanes passively farmed, Chauster and Xmithie initiated a lane swap and headed up top. Hecarim’s patience allowed him to execute a great lane gank which, in turn, permitted Vulcun to focus down Sona. While they chased after Sona, Doublelift jumped on Zuna for a kill before the other members of Vulcun could return to finish the two for one exchange. CLG continued to lose ground via action in the top lane as a couple of Muffinqt’s well-placed Pulverizes extended the fight long enough for mandatorycloud to show up and punish CLG with a three for one turn around.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(26rd February 2013)
Europe LCS Week Three Matchup Previews
The third week of the European League of Legends Championship Series begins on Saturday, February 23rd, at 18:00 CEST. All of the teams have officially debuted - some soared while others plummeted - and have gathered information about all of their future opponents. How well players can utilize their data to avoid underestimating their adversaries may be what separates the wheat from the chaff. The top ranked teams will want to remember that “the stronger the light, the darker the shadow”. Those in the penthouse cannot afford to be complacent as those in the basement are likely to rise as they acclimate to the pressure of top-level competition.
Week three promises to deliver dramatic matches as the contenders prepare to leap into the cracking 20-game fracas in week four. The formidable Evil Geniuses return to the stage for week three as the current team to beat. Fnatic, after a restful bye week, will take on the juggernaut EG in an epic encounter. Joining the LCS after emerging from a seven month hiatus, against All authority will aim to prove worthy of the honor as they take on newcomers GIANTS! Gaming. Meanwhile, veteran big shots Gambit Gaming have the GIANTS! in their sites for their rematch. GG have an axe to grind to confirm that they are still the same powerful team who set IEM Katowice on its ear earlier this year. Meanwhile, the GIANTS! crave validation in the form of a repeat performance of their week one Gambit Gaming upset. In each case, one team will claim venerable victory and the other disastrous defeat.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(23rd February 2013)
North America LCS Week Three Matchup Previews
Week two is in the rear-view and trends are emerging as some teams begin to distinguish themselves with fantastic play and consistent performances. Others struggle to find themselves and endeavor to keep sight of their hopes for a shot at the tournament playoffs. Week three features games from both ends of the spectrum as teams square off for the chance to separate from the pack or to climb back into it. After enjoying a bye in week two, Counter Logic Gaming look to pick up where they left off in week one. The resurgent Team Dignitas will be chasing hot on the heels of the first place, Curse Gaming. Curse, in turn, play the scrappy Good Game University, who have shown great skill but have, so far, fallen short of bringing home wins. Meanwhile, Team MRN and Team Vulcun wage a desperate fight to stay out of the basement in the rankings. Each match promises ample excitement as the NA LCS steams ahead!
Curse vs. Good Game University
On Thursday, February 21st Curse Gaming aim to continue their winning streak as they rematch Good Game University at 5:00 PM EST. At first glance, this game may appear to be a mismatch--as if GGU are a lone X-wing trying to take down the Death Star. GGU is struggling in the middle of the pack with only one win in their first four appearances while Curse Gaming is dominating the NA LCS standings as the only undefeated team. However, win-loss records are not necessarily the best indicator of how a game will go, as each of GGU’s previous opponents can attest to - including Curse, who were freaked out by GGU's tanky Twitch in week one. However, since then, GGU have been riding on nothing but praise for what they may accomplish and kudos for their overall potential. If GGU want to shut down the current leader, they’ll need to bring that potential to bear now.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(20th February 2013)
Week 2 (11th Feb - 17th Feb)
Europe LCS Week Two Recap Gambit Gaming v. Wolves
Level One:
The Copenhagen Wolves dropped early wards for a defensive start. Gambit Gaming scoped out the Wolves' red buff, then moved toward their blue. Edward and Genja did their level best to burn down double golems for an early level two, but CowTard and Deficio showed their faces and prevented the double golem gambit. Both junglers took their own blue buffs with heavy leashes and no smite.
Early Game:
GG crawled to into a slight gold lead crawl. In the bottom lane, the combined poke of Kog'Maw and Sona proved too much for Graves as he was zoned out of CS. The junglers nosed around for an opportunity to gank, and Diamondprox located one mid. NeeGodbro ulted ForellenLord as Diamondprox rushed forward. ForellenLord's damage proved too great for Diamondprox and Alex Ich, giving NeeGodbro a double kill for first blood. To follow up, Svenskeren ganked bot and secured a kill on Genja. This action resulted in a gold lead for the Wolves by the 10 minute mark. Vi and Diana collared a sneaky dragon at the cost of their top tower and Diana's life. CowTard fell to Genja in the bottom lane which evened up the gold at 12k each.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(23rd February 2013)
North America LCS Week Two Recap Crs v. coL
In compLexity Gaming’s first LCS series game, they were pitted against a Curse lineup that had an imposing 3-0 start in week one. The extra preparation time compLexity had prior to playing Curse was definitely put to good use. Team compLexity came out swinging hard.
Level One:
An early ward in coL’s bottom tri-brush found out brunch Ü, but he walked away well before Taric could get in range for a stun. Curse retreated and gave Saintvicious a heavy leash on blue buff as coL started on their own blue and their bot lane took golems.
Early Trading:
Kog’Maw had significant trouble farming early under the harass of Taric and Miss Fortune. This did not prevent Soraka from drifting away to support Vi as she sneaked in a dragon before the five minute mark. Moments later, a great opportunity gank in the top lane by Saintvicious netted Voyboy first blood to equalize the gold. Voyboy then started to do a great deal of free damage to Renekton in lane, but he got a bit overzealous and dived Nickwu, who got a huge burst of health with his ult and a post-ignite Wish from Soraka. This reversed the situation and resulted in a free kill in favor of Nickwu.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(23rd February 2013)
Europe LCS Week Two Power Rankings
With eight weeks of the regular season round robin matches remaining, teams will have ample opportunities to create, practice, and showcase counter-strategies. Dynamics between challengers will undoubtedly fluctuate wildly, and we here at Leaguepedia are banding together each week to decipher their cryptic power struggle. Welcome to the Leaguepedia LCS Week Two EU Power Rankings.
1. Evil Geniuses (Previously #1)
Evil Geniuses closed out week two by adding three more wins to their cumulative 5-1. Wickd, MVP for February 16th, played a “brickd” Renekton which combined with EG’s superior coordination to force the DragonBorns to play a reactionary game and kept them at bay. The EG vs. SK Gaming week two rematch showed that EG is capable of besting the team that notched a mark in EG’s week one loss column. EG's week two dominance continued as they steamrolled GIANTS! Gaming. EG choked GIANTS!’ gold earning potential and finished the match with an impressive 13-0 kill ratio. EG's week two display of superior team fighting skills lent credence to their week one top ranking. EG firmly hold on to the number one spot for week two and have shown no signs of letting it slip through their fingers.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(23rd February 2013)
North America LCS Week Two Power Rankings
With eight weeks of the regular season round robin matches remaining, teams will have ample opportunities to create, practice, and showcase counter-strategies. Dynamics between challengers will undoubtedly fluctuate wildly, and we here at Leaguepedia are banding together each week to decipher their cryptic power struggle. Welcome to the Leaguepedia LCS Week Two NA Power Rankings.
1. Curse (Previously #1)
Curse are 5-0 after two weeks of play. They are the only undefeated LCS team on either side of the Atlantic. In their first match of week two, Curse rolled over Vulcun. After Vulcun swapped lanes, Curse barraged them with a first blood, a dragon, and a turret. Voyboy’s teleport Katarina was able to clean up in team fights, and Vulcun had no response to the teleport. Curse’s second game of week two, against compLexity Gaming, started slowly. Team compLexity took an early gold lead over Curse, but Saintvicious’ Hecarim allowed Curse to come from behind for a victory. Saintvicious pressured complexity and snowballed Curse into the late game. Cop’s expert dodge of Lautemortis’ killing blow sealed the win for Curse. Curse fell behind in the early game against compLexity and came back for the win. This comeback and their 5-0 record keep them at the top of these power rankings.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(20th February 2013)
Europe LCS Week Two Matchup Previews
With week two of the European LCS beginning Saturday February 16th, the teams are getting a better grip on who they need to systematically crush turret by turret and without remorse and who they need to look out for, lest the same happen to them. Two teams debut in the first matches of their Season 3 careers this week, DragonBorns and against All authority. DragonBorns will confront the illustrious Evil Geniuses, and against All authority shall go toe to toe with the Russian giant, Gambit Gaming. EG, SK Gaming, and Fnatic look to maintain their momentum after a monumental first week in the LCS. Other teams, like the Copenhagen Wolves and GG, will fight to regain steam after disappointments in week one. With newcomers, like DragonBorns and aAa, and veterans, like EG, Fnatic, SK Gaming, and GG, taking on the scene all at their own pace, there will certainly be some memorable clashes.
Evil Geniuses vs.  GIANTS! Gaming
Evil Geniuses and GIANTS! Gaming will clash on Sunday, February 17th at 19:00 CEST in what could be one of the most intriguing matches so far in the EU LCS. Savvy spectators will be curious to discover how evenly matched these two teams are after their blistering performances that pummeled Russian all-stars, Gambit Gaming, in week one.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(15th February 2013)
North America LCS Week Two Matchup Previews
Week two of the North American LCS kicks off this Thursday with a slew of exciting matches as every team claws their way toward the top of the rankings. For compLexity Gaming, week two will mark their first appearance in the series as they face off against the red-hot Curse Gaming at 6:00 PM EST on the 14th. Curse spent the majority of the preseason under scrutiny after a lackluster finish in Season 2, but they have picked up a steady head of steam ever since adding Voyboy to their top lane. In week one, they gained wins over the scrappy Dignitas, the upstart Good Game University, and the reliably robust Counter Logic Gaming. Week two will reveal whether or not Curse can maintain this momentum to continue bringing home the wins.
compLexity vs. Curse Gaming
This matchup will be compLexity’s first high stakes competition since late 2011, outside of qualifiers, and they have since assembled an entirely new roster. They played well in the LCS qualifiers, but none of the new members have experience on big stages. In addition, this will be their only game in week two, so they will need to put forth their best performance if they hope to build up some hype. Their relative newness to the scene could make them a wild card in this tournament, but they will first have to keep pace with Curse.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(13th February 2013)
Week 1 (4th Feb - 10th Feb)
Europe LCS Week One Power Rankings
With nine weeks of the regular season round robin matches remaining, teams will have ample opportunities to create, practice, and showcase counter-strategies. Dynamics between challengers will undoubtedly fluctuate wildly, and we here at Leaguepedia are banding together each week to decipher their cryptic power struggle. Welcome to the Leaguepedia LCS Week One EU Power Rankings.
1. Evil Geniuses
Evil Geniuses closed out week one 2-1 with their trademark slow-siege style. Gambit Gaming was the first victim of EG’s turtle as they decisively demonstrated the inherent dangers of gifting EG Maokai and Anivia. Froggen, Snoopeh, and Wickd all boasted zero deaths at the end of the 50 minute game. The Copenhagen Wolves managed to take a small early advantage against EG, but EG’s team fights and map control caged the Wolves’ pressure. EG’s one loss came when EG showcased an uncharacteristically aggressive playstyle against SK Gaming. EG's early game lead netted them a brisk tower and first blood, but they could not keep the pedal to the metal. SK was able to normalize the pace of the game and take the win. EG’s two confident wins and innovation earn them the number one spot after week one.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(15th February 2013)
Europe LCS Week One Recap SK Gaming v. Evil Geniuses
Level One:
SK Gaming and Evil Geniuses both looked strong coming into this game. Defensive wards were placed at both teams respective buffs. Before minions spawned, hyrqbot and ocelote decided to take a look into EG's blue side jungle only to be scared away by Froggen. Each jungler got his red buff, while EG fed the blue buff to Froggen for early harass.
Early Game:
Krepo searched for an opportunity to force an early fight mid, but he was spotted by a ward. He then made his way to SK's blue buff and swiped it with Snoopeh's assistance. Froggen, applying heavy pressure mid, damaged the mid turret. With his heavy early damage from E and Q, Froggen also easily forced ocelote into an uncomfortable position with little health. Krepo swept back into the mid lane and hammered the mid turret with Froggen, knocking it down at a swift four and a half minutes. Meanwhile, Snoopeh’s gank on Kev1n turned sour and resulted in Kev1n taking first blood against Snoopeh, only to be killed by Wickd in return. With an early gold lead and map advantage, EG four-man dived onto Kev1n. SK replied by forcing the bottom turret in an attempt to tie up the gold. EG saw this as an opportunity to take the first dragon, which increased their gold lead by roughly 2k at 11 minutes into the game.
(14th February 2013)
Europe LCS Week One Recap Gambit Gaming v. Evil Geniuses
Level One:
Gambit Gaming and Evil Geniuses both had a very passive start. Krepo placed a ward at GG's blue buff, but it was pink warded and destroyed in response. With no aggression, each jungler claimed their respective blue buffs and healed up without early ganks.
Early Game:
Both teams remained in lane to farm to avoid early game errors. Diamondprox capitalized on this situation and grabbed the first dragon at level three without EG’s knowledge. When Snoopeh noticed the dragon was gone, he attempted to gank mid to no avail. With the lanes farming out, EG closed the 1k gold gap that GG had acquired from the early dragon. Dragon respawned and GG set their eyes on it once more. During GG’s second dragon attempt, EG engaged giving Wickd an 11 minute first blood and a double kill. As EG backed away from their ambush, the remaining members of GG collected their second dragon of the game and reduced GG’s gold deficit to 500.
(14th February 2013)
Europe LCS Week One Recap GIANTS! v. Gambit Gaming
The most exciting game of the weekend came mid-way through Sunday. Gambit Gaming beat Fnatic earlier in the day, a team that had easily handled the GIANTS! on Saturday. Therefore, the odds of GIANTS! winning against GG in week one weren't good, but the Spaniards had more up their sleeves than they let on.
Level One:
Both teams kept their hands to themselves and placed defensive wards around their blue buffs. Gambit lane swapped with top to try to shut down the indefatigable Olaf for as long as possible.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(14th February 2013)
North America LCS Week One Recap CLG v. GGU
Fresh off of a win against Team SoloMid Snapdragon in the first game of the North American LCS, Counter Logic Gaming brought momentum to their match against Good Game University. CLG easily switched gears and banned DontMashMe’s Twitch and NintendudeX’s Olaf. GGU responded by banning Aphromoo’s Nunu, HotshotGG’s Nidalee, and Shen. It would soon become apparent that GGU's week one training had focused on preparing for this CLG matchup.
Level One:
Both teams played very passively before the minions spawned. GGU set up a lane swap and both junglers took their bottom side buffs first. As the teams continued to sniff each other out, the junglers mirrored one another by getting double buffs and reaching level four. Chauster began to show a lot of presence around mid. However, NintendudeX’s eventual arrival showed that CLG were incapable of fighting a 2v2; both LiNk and Chauster flashed out. Meanwhile in the top lane, I am Anjo and DontMashMe engaged HotshotGG, forcing his flash and continuing their assault on his turret.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(14th February 2013)
North America LCS Week One Power Rankings
With nine weeks of the regular season round robin matches remaining, teams will have ample opportunities to create, practice, and showcase counter-strategies. Dynamics between challengers will undoubtedly fluctuate wildly, and we here at Leaguepedia are banding together each week to decipher their cryptic power struggle. Welcome to the Leaguepedia LCS Week One NA Power Rankings.
1. Curse
As of week one, Curse were undefeated after three wins against CLG, Dignitas, and Good Game University. Saintvicious scored first blood in their first two games, making him the Curse MVP. His aggression paired with the consistent play from his teammates allowed Curse to methodically sweep their opponents. Cop and Elementz were terrors in the bottom lane. Their history together showed in the precision of their kill coordination and gank protection. Voyboy’s time in the spotlight came when Curse played against Good Game University. Voyboy’s teleport AP Nidalee won the match for Curse with persistent split pushing – even when GGU was inside Curse’s base. His relentless farming in the top lane also contributed to Curse’s impressive gold lead over GGU, despite GGU netting more towers and kills. Curse’s farming superiority and dragon control kept them in the lead and granted them a win. Curse are the team to beat and, until they lose, will remain on top in the North American region.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(13th February 2013)
Europe LCS Week One Matchup Previews
SK Gaming vs. Fnatic
SK Gaming and Fnatic will star in the flagship match of the much-anticipated European League Championship Series at 18:00 CEST on February 9th. These longtime rivals qualified for the LCS as a result of their superior Season 2 performances, which means that both teams are equally experienced at handling the pressures of professional competitions. SK and Fnatic tend to favor daring playstyles. On any given day, a matchup between them could go either way.
Their most recent exchange at IEM Katowice illustrates this tension perfectly. xPeke single-handedly reversed Fnatic’s fortunes in their day two best of one match against SK by attempting the LoL equivalent of a Hail Mary: he went all-in with a desperate backdoor counter, while SK Gaming raced toward Fnatic’s base. His unexpected tactics chipped away at SK’s Nexus and confidence. With the memory of this dramatic episode still fresh, SK will look for revenge in Saturday’s encounter while Fnatic will try to prevent SK from taking away their initiative.
- For full information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here
(7th February 2013)
North America LCS Week One Matchup Previews
Riot launched their beautiful official site for the Season 3 LCS, and the schedule maker certainly wanted to start things off with a bang. We are in for a treat as both Europe and North America will see some of their most-storied teams clash in the opening week of the LCS.
There will be 28 matches in just 10 weeks. Each match is a best of one with points at stake for each game, and every team plays each other four times in the LCS. Anything can happen in one game matches; expect upsets, innovation and failures to happen each week as times rise and fall in the LCS. We're going to take a look at North America's week one marquee matches and see what's at stake for the top four teams as they clash on February 7th and 8th.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here
(6th February 2013)
Week 0 (28th Jan - 3rd Feb)
Introducing The LCS
The Spring Season League of Legends Championship Series Format
The opening week of the Season 3 League of Legends Championship Series is finally upon us. February 7th and 8th marks the start of the North American Spring Season. The European Season opens on February 9th and 10th.
The North American and European League of Legends Spring Seasons consist of eight teams competing in each region. Three of the teams qualified through the Season 2 Regional qualifier, and five qualified through the spring qualifier tournament.
The League Championship Series is a 10-week round robin in which the teams will play a total of 28 games each. This includes four single-game matches against each of the other seven teams in their division during the Spring Season. Every week the North American region will play its games on Thursdays and Fridays while the European region will play theirs on Saturdays and Sundays.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Championship Series, Click Here, and for ful information about the Season 3 European Championship Series, Click Here.
(1st February 2013)
LCS Qualifier(7th Jan - 13th Jan)
Season 3 North American Offline Qualifier Team Preview
The Ranked 5v5 Online Qualifier wound down on January fifth, ending the three preliminary brackets leading up to the Season 3 North American Offline Qualifier. Fans from seasons one and two will undoubtedly recognize a smattering of the sixteen teams that made it to this stage. Curse and Team FeaR both earned their slots in the Season 2 North American Regional Finals. Meat Playground fought their way through IGN ProLeague Season 5. Dirt Nap Gaming and Good Game University (members of the defunct Team Dynamic) took their spots during the IPL Online Qualifier. The MLG Online Qualifier and the Ranked 5v5 Online Qualifier each contributed a top tier team to the bracket: MLG offered Cloud 9 (the third iteration of Orbit Gaming) and 5v5 brought Epik Gamer, a staple in the League of Legends world since season one.
As with any good batch of online qualifiers, fans were also shown a host of teams new to the competitive circuit. Some were crafted for professional gaming while others are here to challenge themselves and to improve their game. You've been shown the teams. This is your introduction to them.
- For full information about the Season 3 North American Offline Qualifiers, Click Here
(11th January 2013)
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