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Quickshot and Vedius give you the lowdown on this year's EU LCS
Trevor 'Quickshot' Henry and Andy 'Vedius' Day talk about the EU LCS, including all the big changes to the league coming this year.
While the NA LCS has been overhauled almost beyond recognition, the EU LCS has almost been left out a little this off season, with few massive changes and a league that looks very similar to years past. The two teams who made it into the league for 2018 have both been here before, the format is one that's been used for many splits in the past and many of the same faces will be playing on the iconic EU stage in Berlin.
But that doesn't mean this'll be a boring split to watch. In fact, it could be quite the opposite. We're back to perhaps the most exciting format for the LCS, most teams have a completely new roster to try out and Riot has put even more resources into the broadcast. So to find out what the big changes for this year are, and more importantly how Europe will stack up against the rest of the world. we spoke to Trevor 'Quickshot' Henry and Andy 'Vedius' Day, two of the EU LCS's most beloved casters.
First off, what's new about the EU LCS this split in terms of structure and teams?
Quickshot: The biggest change is the format, going back to an older LCS format, where all 10 teams play each day in Bo1. It's going to be interesting to see teams playing everyday and our time slot is now locked in at Friday 18:00 CET and Saturday 17:00 CET
Vedius: In 2017, EU rosters remained mostly the same; they were very static, without many transfers. In 2018, every single roster has had some kind of change to player structure or organisation. This is what I'm most excited about: we get to see veterans alongside rookies, new players next to old, and this clash of styles that could lead to the creation of new styles of play.
What are you guys doing on the broadcast side of things to make sure this is the best Split ever?
Vedius: The first thing we're doing is bringing in new talent, like Aaron 'Medic' Chamberlain, Maurice 'Amazing' Stückenschneider and Laure 'Bulii' Valée to join our roster to give a fresh perspective and add in-depth knowledge to the broadcast.
Quickshot: The studio has had some upgrading in the tech department. We have an all new control room, some awesome LED walls behind the players and, most excitingly, a new shiny analyst desk area that I can’t wait to use live. The team is also redoubling our efforts to keep the show fresh, come up with new ways to tell stories and celebrate all things EU LCS.
Of the 'new' organisations in the league, which has the best shot at doing well?
Quickshot: Technically, we only have two new orgs and they are both old ones. Giants and S04 requalified at the end of last year and i'’s pretty clear that S04 have the best odds of doing well.
Vedius: The reason is because of how they've invested in their support structure and they've taken some of the most experienced and talented European players, and paired them with up and coming rookies. With all that in mind, the potential is there to do well.
Quickshot: Also, of the two new teams, the Giants roster was pretty heavily gutted.
Quickshot is a veteran of the EU LCS
© Riot Games
Which new look roster are you most excited about?
Vedius: Splyce! And I'll tell you exactly why. I'm excited because the team doesn't necessarily have star power, but it has the foundation for what could be a strong team. They brought on a new coach from the CBLoL (Brazilian League of Legends Championship) region, who we've only heard positive things about. If this coach can bring his game knowledge to the forefront, he can turn this team into a strong five-man unit instead of just relying on superstars.
Quickshot: For me it's the new look G2. I think they’ve got a great combination of players and I've always enjoyed watching Jankos and Wadid. Now I get to see them together and the only question mark I have is around Hjarnan, and if he will be required to carry.
Do you think there are any big name teams that could underperform this year?
Quickshot: I don't know if I can answer this question yet, because of how big the roster shuffle was in the off season. I really don't know how team synergy or support staff or the Bo1's are going to affect players and teams. So I really need to watch some games and hear some whispers about bootcamps before I can dive into that.
Vedius: After Worlds, a lot of fans are excited about Misfits and even with the roster changes, I still feel people expect them to be a top three team. I believe, that initially and perhaps throughout the regular season, they will not live up to the hype and expectations, but that doesn't mean they won't get there eventually.
Vedius has become a fan favourite
© Riot Games
With quite a few big name players heading over to NA, do you think the quality in EU has dropped slightly this year?
Vedius: Yes. The loss of Zven and Mithy is much bigger than people realise, because they were at a level that forced other teams to try and catch up. Combined with the fact that we lost a lot of good mid laners too, will make the mid lane talent slightly weaker. I'm excited for what players like Jizuke and Caedrel will prove, as we all know, EU mids man!
How different will the in-game meta be to how it was at Worlds?
Quickshot: It's a different game, it's a new season and we already had a taste at All-Stars in December last year. Truthfully, not a huge amount has changed since then, so check out those VODs to find out more.
What one champion do you think will become a surprise top tier pick in the early weeks?
Quickshot: The meta isn't yet defined publicly, but the popular picks from ASE were Ornn and Zoe so I think those are safe bets – but I'm kind of excited to see what players pull out before the meta is 'defined'.
How well do you think EU can do on the international scene this year?
Vedius: Europe had a really good year internationally in 2017. Making it to the finals at MSI and getting two teams out of groups during the quarterfinals showed what our region was capable of. The real challenge will be Rift Rivals. We need to prove that we are the superior region in 2018.
Quickshot: I think EU had good showings at Worlds and international events in 2017, so I'm hoping that continues. G2, who were terrible at international events, made the finals of MSI last year and Misfits threw their series against SKT. Truthfully, I was proud of EU last year and I hope to be even more proud this year.
Who is your pick to win the Spring Split?
Quickshot: I can't shake the feeling G2 will just do it again.
Vedius: Heavy favourites without seeing any games played is Fnatic.
