If there’s one thing that makes a season more entertaining, it’s wild predictions to keep track of. As if the upcoming LCK Spring Split wasn’t exciting enough, here’s a few hot takes to keep an eye on as the season progresses!
Hanwha Life Esports Will Make Playoffs
Let’s start with a prediction that even goes against the very power rankings I made for the split. On paper, it’s hard to expect Hanwha to make playoffs when there are at least six teams that are clearly better than them. However, there’s something about the makeup of the team’s roster that presents a weird sense of hope in their chances.
From the intriguing bot lane tandem of former mid laner Kim “Lava” Tae-hoon and support Son “Lehends” Si-woo to a solid top half of the map with former Gen.G teammates in top laner Lee “CuVee” Seong-jin and jungler Kang “Haru” Min-seung, the roster is just solid all around. Along with a solid coaching staff backing the team that includes Jeong “NoFe” No-chul, the team has the unpredictability but also stability needed to go on a great run.
Early on this team should surprise teams and pick up some huge wins much like previous Hanwha rosters in the past; however, this team is strong enough to maintain the momentum all the way into the playoffs.
The Two Teams Entering Relegation Won’t Be Back
While it may still be too early to make such a prediction, it does appear that the competition in Challengers this split will be much better than all of last season. With great teams like Team Dynamics and Spear Gaming, along with an upgraded roster for Jin Air Green Wings, the two LCK teams that do end up in relegation will have a very tough time ahead of them.
For now, the only clear candidate is the new LCK team in APK Prince. While they had an easy time qualifying into the LCK, they’ll soon find out that staying competitive in the LCK is a whole other animal. With a roster that has been arguably downgraded, APK is the current favorite to end dead last in the LCK; the question now becomes which team will be joining them in the Promotion Tournament?
Regardless of which team ends up joining them, both teams will end up having some tough matches ahead and will more than likely end up in Challengers to start off the Summer Split.
Whoever Goes to MSI Won’t Win It but Will Win at Worlds
This is going to be a very long term investment as far as these predictions go. While it has been a while since Korea has won internationally (apart from taking the recent Rift Rivals), this could be the season the status quo returns and Korea ends up on top to end the season. Overall Korea has some amazing rosters that will all have a shot to represent the region at the Mid-Season Invitational. But with some amazing teams around the world, it’ll be a tough road to win it all.
However, this year feels different. With more youth injected into rosters and stronger, well-balanced rosters and coaching staffs, it feels like this is a year that Korea will be able to adapt the best and be able to keep up with the international meta. No matter what the meta may become by the time Worlds rolls around again, the teams that represent Korea and the LCK won’t disappoint and will bring the Summoners Cup home.
To watch League of Legends tournaments, visit watch.na.lolesports.com. For more information on the Split, teams, standings and players, visit www.lolesports.com. Recaps of former weeks and other LoL content can be found at https://thegamehaus.com/league-of-legends/.
Featured image courtesy of LCK Flickr.
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