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Fnatic, H2K and Origen leave the rest of the region to fight over scraps as they fight for Worlds.
Nearly halfway through the summer split, three teams have established themselves firmly atop the European LCS. With a combined record of 21-3, Fnatic, Origen and H2K have dominated their region — only one of their total three losses came from outside the trio.
As the last five weeks of the split kick-off Thursday, Origen must continue their great run and overtake either Fnatic or H2K if they hope to scrape together enough points to qualify for Worlds. The only team in the region who can challenge Origen’s bid for Worlds is Unicorns of Love, who at 4-4 are beginning to look a little less threatening.
The top of the top
Ruthlessly talented and experienced, it’s no surprise to see Fnatic undefeated and resting comfortably on top of the EU LCS. After picking up former Elements ADC Rekkles and benching Steeelback, Fnatic continued to excel — handing Origen their second loss of the season last week in a decisive match.
Fnatic began their game against Origen by picking into an unconventional team composition featuring Olaf. Despite aggression from both sides, Fnatic played a collected and strategic game throughout, respecting Origen even when sporting an insurmountable lead.
Having beaten every team in the European LCS except one, Fnatic will face H2K in the first game of Week 5 to determine if they really are the best team in the region. H2K have not lost a game since a Week 1, when Origen beat them through superior positioning and team fights. With a few more weeks of experience under their belt and only one loss, H2K are perfectly poised to tie for first if they can overtake Fnatic.
The fight for Worlds
Regardless of the outcome between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams, Origen is still in a must-win position for the rest of the split — including at least one needed victory over H2K and Fnatic. Other than a brutal loss to Fnatic, Origen’s only other loss came at the hands of ROCCAT, who dismantled their experimental team comp in 31 minutes.
This game remains one of only two ROCCAT victories this split, making it stand out that much more. But it’s important to remember that although most of their players have experience in the LCS, Origen entered the region just this split after spending the spring thrashing Challenger opponents. Despite their freshman status, Origen has a solid team dynamic that has carried them against some of their toughest opponents. “Origen really has a bond as a team,” said head coach Titus Hafner in Week 1. Indeed, Origen has displayed great team synergy so far.
But Origen will need to finish in first place this split or their fate will fall into the hands of Unicorns of Love, who finished with the third highest points last split. Unicorns can contest the third spot for Worlds with a fourth place finish. Origen proved a much stronger team in Week 3, beating Unicorns with overwhelming skill and teamwork.
If the three top European teams continue their trajectory, Week 7 will be the most important week for the region, as Fnatic face both H2K and Origen. But hopefully the EU LCS will be a little more competitive, giving the lower ranks a chance to pick a few surprise victories off the region’s top dogs.
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