LEC Picks: 2023 Winter Split Week 1

The LEC is back for the Winter with some teams making a lot of changes and only one squad sticking with at least four players from 2023. Each of these teams will be duking it out to not only win an LEC Championship but also to get the chance to go to MSI. This new format will certainly throw a wrinkle into things but the fans should get some great games. For those who like to put some money down on who they think will win, here are the LEC Picks for Week 1 of the 2023 Winter Split.

[Related: LEC Power Rankings: 2023 Winter Split Week 1]

Overall Pick Record for 2023: 0-0

Pick Record from LEC 2023 Summer: 45-30

LEC Picks 2023 Winter Split Week 1 Day 1

G2 vs. XL 

Even though G2 should be the stronger team, they have one major weakness, Yike. It is not that he is bad, it is that this will be his first game in the LEC and all of Excel are veterans near the top of their respective positions. Later on in the year G2 should be good enough to come out on top but look for Vetheo and Xerxe to make Yike’s first game one he will want to forget.

Prediction: XL Win

KOI vs. BDS

If BDS were going to find a way to beat KOI, it would have to be because it is KOI’s first game of the year. Even still, KOI kept nearly everyone and Comp may be the best ADC in the West right now. Easy pick here for KOI.

Prediction: KOI Win

AST vs. TH

Jankos is going to try and will Heretics to victory as often as he can. With 113 starting in his first LEC game ever, that will be where Jankos strikes. The problem is that his mid laner, Ruby will likely be pushed in by Dajor constantly. This game is a bit of a tossup but Astralis have more experience and frankly a slightly better team. They barely pull out a win here.

Prediction: AST Win

SK vs. MAD

If only Markoon had someone reliable, then this game could be a fun one. Instead, most of SK are pretty unproven and MAD will likely take them out without much effort. Look for Elyoya and Nisqy to have a great game.

Prediction: MAD Win

FNC vs. VIT

What a way to end day one. The return of Rekkles and the beginning of Bo’s career. This Vitality team is very strong, at least in their potential. Fnatic on the other hand have been here before. They know how to start the season. Both teams generally scale but the new format will not allow that. This one will be close but Razork will win a smite fight to put Fnatic over the top.

Prediction: Fnatic Win

LEC Picks Week 1 Winter 2022 Week 1 Day 2

BDS vs. SK

Battle of the bottom. These are the two most likely teams to start missing games after week three. The main way that does not happen for one of them is winning this head-to-head matchup. SK have the better team on paper and that is mostly thanks to Markoon. Look for him to focus on getting Exakick ahead and winning this game.

Prediction: SK Win

AST vs. MAD

As stated above, Astralis are not a bad team but their biggest weakeness is MAD’s strength. There is no way that 113 should be able to keep up with Elyoya. Along with him dominating in the jungle, look for Carzzy and Hyli to have their first big game of the Split.

Prediction: MAD Win

VIT vs. TH

Unless Bo and/or Photon just completely implode, this game shouldn’t be very close. Jankos and Jackspektra will do what they can but Perkz, Neon and Kaiser alone are enough to win this game.

Prediction: VIT Win

XL vs. KOI

A battle of two great teams. The decider in this game though will be KOI’s ability to play around Comp. He really has come into his prime and it is exciting to see. Malrang will keep Syzgenda alive while the rest of the team does their thing to improve to 2-0.

Prediction: KOI Win

FNC vs. G2

Both of these squads are going through a bit of a gauntlet to start 2023. Another decider in the bot lane here but this time at support. Mikyx has his games where he is feeding and others where he plays out of his mind. With Hans sama, rumors are they are he is in the latter portion to start the year. Look for them to remind Rekkles how a lot of these G2 and FNC matchups went before he left.

Prediction: G2 Win

LEC Picks Week 1 Winter 2022 Week 1 Day 3

SK vs. TH

While this will not be the most exciting game, it will still be an important one as two teams battle it out for not missing out on Best of 3s. Jankos and Jackspektra will finally have their win in this one. While not much better, they will find a way thanks to Jankos doing what he does best, defying the odds.

Prediction: TH Win

BDS vs. XL

It feels bad to continuously write off BDS but they are going to struggle to start and when playing a top team, that won’t be changing quickly. XL make quick work of BDS here.

Prediction: XL Win

AST vs. G2

This one will be much closer than people think. Especially at the start. If any game on day three were to be a true upset, this would be it. But, as long as it is Caps and not Craps playing, Dajor and 113 will not have a very fun day.

Prediction: G2 Win

FNC vs. KOI

Could they have made the schedule any harder for Fnatic in week one? Probably not but it will really give their fans some security in knowing two things. One, where the team is at in terms of readiness and two, that the schedule will only get easier for their last six games. KOI should win this one but Fnatic will make it close.

Prediction: KOI Win

MAD vs. VIT

Another absolute banger to finish off day three. VIT will be taken to the brink in this game and communication will be crucial. That being said, this year VIT have more than one player to lean on in crucial games. Perkz will do some heavy lifting but it will be Neon and Kaiser who will keep MAD from spoiling their weekend.

Prediction: VIT Win

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