We’re in elimination territory which means it is time to start watching the minor leagues of competitive League of Legends once again. As academy standouts have begun to make their names known at the next level, there are additional members fighting for spotlight. And some have incredibly strong cases.
This is not a list of the best prospects but this a list of prospects that may get a ton of well-earned attention – whether it be because of their skill or the fact that their team will not get eliminated early. One additional caveat is that this list will not feature players who have played a game at the LCS level – so no Aaron “FakeGod” Lee, Tristan “Zeyzal” Stidamor or the recently played Djalal “Spirax” Djiar.
Team Liquid Challengers – Bradley
If an NFL, MLB or NBA draft was to take place for competitive League of Legends in North America, Bradley “Bradley” Benneyworth would not be the first overall pick. He plays in a somewhat luxury position, often not as critical or lavish as other positions in the game. Yet it would not mean he wasn’t the best prospect available in North America.
A mid laner turned top-laner as a result of LCS organizations’ disinterest in emerging domestic talent in the role, he has transformed into the staple top laner that teams dream of. Able to comfortably play both carry and tanks, he leaves no doubt that he could assimilate into the professional game.
Most important are his laning fundamentals, not one in need of jungle support or presence. He’s become a pillar of Team Liquid’s second division and has arguably been the most deserving of professional stage time compared to his teammates. Yet the biggest concern or worry could be that loss of pizazz in exchange for stability.
Cincinnati Fear – Shochi
Cincinnati Fear has managed to do something very special within the past year, producing arguably the best amateur lineup. While a team effort, the standout of the team has been Chase “shochi” Capello. A journeyman of sorts, he has found comfort with the Ohio-based organization. Able to throw out different stylistic looks, he’s become the de facto “next man up” when it comes to mid lane prospects.
And it has been well earned although a crown rapidly passed this year.
FlyQuest Challengers – Massau
In what has been a relatively stacked season of marksmen prospects, Fahad “Massu” Abdulmalek has become one of the more interesting prospects. Only 18, he’s been the man FlyQuest Challengers have put their faith in to help bring the team across the finish line. While it has not been a perfect season and he may be not LCS ready at the moment, he has shown more than enough to be a name that could be considered in the next year. Solid laning fundamentals and pop-off ability in teamfights scratches the niche of what teams are looking for when it comes to marksmen talent.
It just becomes a question of if other names get called up before him.
Disguised – Meech
One of those names is Brandon “Meech” Choi. A former teammate of Shochi on an impressive Immortals Area of Effect lineup, Meech has taken advantage of the spotlight offered on Disguised. He has become the ‘King of the Mountain’ when it comes to damage output. While still showing flaws in the laning phase, it is tough to deny when someone is a team-fighting performer – especially when Evil Geniuses were able to take advantage of the talents of a similar prospect.
He’s the prospect you take with a grain of salt. You know the overall flavor will be great, you might just get a salty aftertaste sometime.
Wildcard Gaming – Keel
In a position that has arguably the most plentiful for North America, 2023 has not been as promising as previous year. Park “Mir” Mi-reu may just be the best but one of the more intriguing names is Ryan “Keel” Keel of Wildcard Gaming.
Wildcard has not responded well to the departure of Austin “MooseHater” Murray but Keel has been a continuous top performer in his role. Champion flexibility along with a high-impact style of play has been a refreshing approach to the jungle position. A return to the spotlight has been much deserved for Keel – who previously shined as a substitute for CLG Academy in 2021 and the hope is that this sprint 2023 could give him another chance in an academy system.
Honorable Mention: AOE Gold – DARKWINGS
Earlier, I dropped the comment that Shochi was the de facto best mid lane prospect. I kind of meant it.
Isaac “DARKWINGS” Chou is not a new name when it comes to amateur prospects and was arguably in a position to become one of those names back in 2021. A control mage fiend for most of his career, 2023 has seen him throw out different looks.
He has been able to get in some reps with LCS organizations – the more important being his stint with 100 Thieves Next alongside current marksman teammate Mohammad Daud “links” Asif. But more importantly, he’s been a player that has continuously improved over the course of his career.
AOE Gold likely will have a quick exit from the NACL Summer Playoffs yet it will not be because of his performance. At times, he has been the man doing his best to put the team on his back.