How the LEC playoffs will work and what to expect from them

Exactly one week later, LEC Summer 2022 Playoffs will start . The group stage of the tournament ended quite predictably, and the teams that advanced further can indeed be called the strongest in the tournament. So what can we expect from the playoffs and how much will change? Let's figure it out!

First, it is worth noting the fact that, unlike the LEC group stage, the playoffs are always played in a bo5 format, which is very different from bo1. Thus, for some teams, it will not be enough to pick up a single victory on the character or with a better draft. Here already the game will be on the knowledge of your opponent and stamina. So more experienced teams definitely have an advantage.

Evaluation of the strength of the LEC Summer 2022 Playoffs teams

MAD Lions showed themselves well in the summer split, overcoming opponent after opponent. The guys had difficulties only with Rogue and, surprisingly, Misfits Gaming. Since spring, only the only midlaner has changed in the roster, which is Nisqy - the absolute playmaker of the LEC group stage and the key to victory for the Lions. Definitely one of the strongest teams, I would say top 2.

G2 Esports is, in my opinion, the strongest contender for the first place in the LEC playoffs. Not without losses, but they passed the group stage on a par with MAD Lions, sharing the first place. But I think the problem with G2 is the Bo1 format of the group stage. This team has enough experience to play more grueling Bo3 or Bo5 series and knowledge to adapt to their opponent. I think that G2 Esports and a bunch of caPs with Jankos are top 1 in the whole LEC.

Rouge are the ones who once again showed crazy winstreaks during the group stage. A very strong and motivated team, however, who struggle when the game doesn't go according to their rules. Good coaching translates into very clear team play, but I think Rogue lacks a playmaker of his own to lead the team on an individual level. Deserved top 3 in strength among the rest.

For Misfits Gaming, unfortunately, these playoffs will be the last in the LEC, as the team will leave the main stage of Europe at the end of the tournament. Even so, the team was able, in a battle, to get a place in the playoffs this summer. From an extremely terrible start, the Misfits made a couple of good winstreaks and in the end defeated Fnatic, breaking the tie and sending them to the loser's bracket. The most strong-willed LEC team at the moment, which I would put in the top 4-5.

Fnatic is a direct competitor to Misfits Gaming, however, who will have to get out of the lower bracket of the playoffs to meet them again. For a long time, Fnatic has been deservedly known as a good and stable team on the European pro scene. According to the results of the group stage, they look slightly weaker than the top-tier teams. It's hard to say that they are weaker or stronger than the Misfits, because they are also top 4-5.

Excel Esports became the last team to reach the playoff stage of the tournament. This summer, Excel players surprised everyone with their game, the level of which has clearly grown. Interesting ideas and good execution. The only thing the team lacks is the experience of playing in the LEC, and in the playoffs among the top tier teams in general. But despite this, they have every chance to set a personal record at LEC Summer 2022. Anyway, in my opinion, the team is the weakest of all the others, top 6.

First round of playoffs

Rogue

Everything will start on August 26 with a match between Rogue and MAD Lions. For both teams, the loss will not mean a departure from the tournament, but only a fall into the lower bracket. Each of the teams has chances, but I really sympathize with the “lions”. It’s been about them that Rogue has been stumbling in the playoffs for several years now.

G2 Esports – Misfits Gaming

The next day, after the first meeting, on August 27, Misfits Gaming and G2 Esports will meet. Although the Misfits managed to break into the top bracket of the playoffs, it seems that they will not stay there for long. We could already observe a similar situation in previous splits. The clear favorite here is G2.

Fnatic-Excel Esports

28 August and the last match of the first round of the playoffs. Perhaps the most interesting fight because of its ambiguity. At LEC Summer 2022, Fnatic fell away from Excel both times out of two, however, they cannot be written off at all. Fnatic are still teams with a lot of experience and now it will be Bo5 where they can play out. I would say it's 50/50, but I still believe in Fnatic more.