The page has turned to the 2023 season and fans everywhere are excited to see what their teams are doing for the Spring Split. This is the first Power Ranking of the new year and while teams prepare, analysts discuss their teams at length. Like all Power Rankings, these will instantly be wrong upon being published. But that is okay because pieces like these are fun thought experiments as everyone waits for the season to begin. So, without further adieu, here are the LCS 2023 Spring Split Power Rankings, Preseason edition.
Note: These are preseason rankings. That means that this is where the teams are to start the Split not where they will end the Split.
[Related: LCS 2023 Spring Split Bot Lane Power Rankings: Preseason]
10. Immortals
Last year was another forgettable one for Immortals. They combined through the Lock-In and both Splits to go 9-31. Many had hoped that they would be turning things around when they signed Kenvi for the Summer Split. But unfortunately, even with him getting better, it feels as though IMT have now trapped the top jungle prospect in the LCS. While their team is arguably better than in 2022, the upgrades were still not enough considering how every other team in the LCS got stronger. It will likely be a long season for IMT.
9. Golden Guardians
This team clearly believes in its veterans. Licorice, River and Stixxay all had below-average years, yet GG decided to stay with them. This is due to the team overall being in phase one of Inero’s three-year plan. The hope is that the veterans will show themselves worth of at least three of the spots this year and then there will be two new players either this summer or next year. Considering how much better the LCS got, GG are in trouble to the point where maybe only Gori or huhi will have earned their keep. Gori in particular will be worth watching as he makes his way to the main stage. If he can live up to the expectations many had for him in his early career then the Guardians may actually surprise some people.
8. TSM
Does anyone know what TSM are doing? The signing of Bugi was a baffling one at best. To go from Spica to Bugi is akin to going from a nice steak at a steakhouse to a street cart hamburger. It may end up not being bad but no one knows for sure until they take that first bite. Having the known of a solid steak from a stakehouse is something the team can on. Instead, they will rely heavily on Solo, Maple and Chime to play like they did in the playoffs. Add onto this that Neo will need to be his 2021 self and not last year’s and this team ends up having a ton of question marks.
7. Dignitas
It feels weird to put Dignitas here considering who is on their team at this moment. Armut, Santorin and Jensen all feel like they can push this team closer to the top. The problem lies in their bot lane. Spawn and IgNar did not have great 2022s and bringing them together when there were plenty of other talented players at their positions was certainly questionable. Regardless, they will try and at least be stable if nothing else. Should they be able to do that then Dignitas are a playoff dark horse. Their top side should be strong enough to keep them in the hunt most of the season.
6. CLG
There were certainly some changes CLG could have made this offseason but they decided to run it back. there is no doubt that the decision came down to how strong CLG looked during the Summer Split. Going 11-7, they were the definition of a team that was much better than the sum of their parts. They will have to be that and more if they want to compete in 2023. The top of the league only got stronger. Look for CLG to try and unlock the last bit of potential from Luger and see if he can carry them to the promised land.
5. 100 Thieves
This will probably be a very controversial placing but for now, there are some serious questions surrounding a team with essentially five new players. Yes, Closer is still there but the coaching staff and all of his Golden Guardians buddies are gone. Luckily for him, Bjergsen will be the best mid laner he has ever played with so that should help. The questions for the top and bot come into play at this point though. Can Tenacity live up to all the hype? Will Doublelift be able to show that a two-year hiatus and his nearing the dreaded age of 30 all be nothing? And lastly, will Busio be able to handle the pressure of playing with the almost 30-year-old GOAT? If this team comes together, they can certainly contend for a title, but especially at the start, things will probably be a bit rough.
4. Team Liquid
Everyone thought that Team Liquid were going budget after the rumors of Haeri and Yeon came out. Then they said “f*** that” and went out to sign Summit and Pyosik. If those two can come together and CoreJJ can be the leader that this team needs then their only worries will be their carries. Team Liquid’s future both this year and beyond rests on their shoulders but they are in good hands. Expect this team to be right there yet again but for them to get back to a championship, they will need Haeri and Yeon to at least be average in their first LCS season.
3. FlyQuest
It is rare for an org to be bought out and have a few things happen. The first is that the team kept its name and branding. The next is that they were able to attract one of the best young players in the world at his position in Prince. Add onto that the veteran talent of Impact and Spica along with even more young talent with VicLa and Eyla and this team is looking spicy. There is no doubt that this is the most talented FlyQuest team in their history. But will it be able to come together and live up to all the hype? Only time will tell, but this team looks like it could be very fun to watch and should absolutely be a title contender.
2. Cloud9
They are back. Well mostly. C9 kicked Jensen again and found a younger version of him in Diplex. He is an extremely talented player from Europe who has a bit of a bad reputation for being toxic. That being said, if there is a team that can feed a players ego but still keep them in check, it is Cloud9. With Fudge continuing to hold down the top lane, Blaber continuing to be one of the best ever at his position, Zven getting a full season at Support and the rising star of Berserker, the defending champs are deadly. Many may count this team out, but that is when they will strike and become even more powerful.
1. Evil Geniuses
If Evil Geniuses had to get a non-import ADC to takeover for Danny, they could not have picked anyone better than FBI. He is as consistent as they come and will have the opportunity to show that he deserved to be ranked higher than Danny now that he is on a great team. With Ssumday also coming over from 100 Thieves, this team got younger in the top lane and have a player who is similar to Impact but who can play the carry when needed. Add onto this the core of Inspired, jojo and Vulcan, who are all coming off incredible seasons and Evil Geniuses have everything they need to continue to be the final boss of the LCS.
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