The LEC Spring Playoff predictions for 2021 are fresh off the presses and the landscape of the region continues with similar storylines. This week, Fnatic have their backs against the wall from the very beginning with a best of five series against a reinvigorated SK Gaming starting off in the Loser’s bracket. In the winners’ circle, G2 Esports and Rogue look to make quick work of their first-round rivals as both Schalke 04 and MAD Lions have their fair share of weaknesses on the map.
After some not-so-competitive series seen across the pond in LCS, a return to European playoff action hopes to be a step in the right direction for the scene as all six teams are hoping to at least prove worthy of their spot amongst LEC’s best. In this week’s article, we will highlight the best matches of the weekend and give our official LEC predictions for each encounter.
Will G2 Esports run away with the title en route to MSI?
Another playoff picture, another year of G2 esports expected to run rampant where it matters most, and 2021 is no different for the new-look roster. G2 with Rekkles have only seemed to have gotten sharper in their late-game decision making (aside from Jankos trolling) which will mean a harder time for their opponents.
Coming into this encounter with Schalke 04, the chances for Schalke remain slim despite their slight resurgence in the final weeks to reclaim a playoff spot. Schalke went 3-0 in super week and secured sneaky victories throughout this split, even against the likes of G2 Esports at one point.
However, the chances of them winning 3 games in a series against the European juggernauts is slim at 5-10% on a generous basis. For the positives that Schalke 04 have shown in short bursts, their question marks in top and bot lane will be too much to overcome for a G2 squad that is primed to make a splash en route to their first international competition with Rekkles on their roster. In the past, we’ve made good predictions with expecting Schalke to outmaneuver their opponents, but best of five series are a whole different beast when it comes to League of Legends betting, and with that in mind, G2 Esports must be given the nod this series.
Fnatic: Playoff boost, or mental boom?
Fnatic’s struggles this season have progressed out of the rift as their roster has been plagued by sickness and all kinds of extracurricular issues that have given way to a leaky season full of mixed results.
In their playoff series against SK Gaming, Fnatic will not have the benefit of a second chance given the fact that they are already in the losers bracket. Adding to that dread is their level of opponent. SK Gaming has been a head-scratcher of a team as they perform well against better opponents but slump against lesser foes, which has been hard to assign them a spot on the LEC predictions due to their ability to rise and fall depending on the quality of opposition.
This matchup will be won and lost in the top lane when looking at the standings. Bwipo has had good moments this split and he has had complete dumpster fire games as well. Against the likes of Jenax, he will have to be light on the mistakes and heavy on the punishing of mistakes (if there are any) this series in order to pull ahead.
SK Gaming has also seemingly had the upper hand when it comes to draft this year. Fnatic has had a slight identity crisis trying to find the right set of champions that bridge the gap between Nisqy, Selfmade, and the rest of the team. If they can find that winning formula in this series; their chances of success can be higher. But for now, expect SK Gaming to come away victorious with this series in an unexpected but highly anticipated humbling of this Fnatic lineup.
Rogue up next? Larssen’s road to GOAT-dom
Rogue Gaming has had a hellacious run this split. In some games, they seem to absolutely smurf their opponents and Hans Sama and Larssen have regularly looked a few cuts above their opponents in a way that gives them a similar aura to that of G2 Esports in terms of their supremacy.
However, this playoff push for Rogue will be the difference maker between them being a good team for the region or a good team period. Larssen has the chance to make his name internationally renowned with a Finals push this Spring if he can mobilize his team to victory over Humanoid.
MAD Lions, like Schalke 04 are one of those teams with enough ingredients to cause a problem to other teams, but also enough holes to prevent them from hitting that next tier of LEC greatness. Their weakness comes from bot lane as Carzzy and Kaiser have had a highlight reel of flash-forwards blow up in their face this season alone. If they continue those mistakes against Hans Sama… well, you can already guess how that encounter will go.
MAD’s best chance for success in this series will be the synergy between their jungle and mid laner. Elyoya needs to find the openings early and often if they are to have any chance to take games off their opponent. Otherwise, expect Rogue to run rampant in this series and start their road to redemption against G2.
Watching the Action
The LEC Spring 2021 playoffs take place this weekend on March 26 with the clásico series against Fnatic and SK Gaming ushering in this year’s playoff bracket.
