While the LPL is on pause due to the Coronavirus outbreak, new fans can still look at each team participating in the tournament. In the first installment of this series, the team will be TOP Esports, one that wants to continue with their momentum from 2019.
Top: 369
While most of the eyes are set on the mid lane, 369 became another great win condition for TOP. With his arsenal of carry top lane picks, 369 has put on massive performances, worthy of a top tier team. While his carry potential is incredible, the tank factor could be an issue in future metas. Only ever playing two tanks throughout seven matches, it is clear that he prefers to play carries. Whether this is due to not being able to play tanks, or he just prefers not to, is left to be seen.
Jungle: Karsa
A jungler that needs no introduction, Karsa has joined TOP. After spending two years on RNG, Karsa moved on to a younger team. The Taiwanese player, who became famous for his aggressive plays, will look to lead this young squad, acting as both a leader and a mentor. Known for his mid-jungle synergy with his past mid laners, his mid laner this time around is as good as they come.
Middle: Knight
Knight, the golden left hand, has become the poster boy of TOP. The young star has a champion ocean and can carry on what seems to be any champion in the game. In week one of the LPL this year, he won MVP in three of the four matches, making him the mid laner of week one, as well as the overall MVP of week one. An LPL title is the next achievement Knight set his eyes on, and you can be sure that he will try his best to see this iteration of TOP lift that trophy.
Carry: Photic
The only unknown face to most fans, Photic will be the team’s rookie. The young carry was promoted from the academy team during the offseason to replace Loken, who returned to JD gaming. While the academy team struggled to find success, Photic stood out, putting on good performances despite the team missing playoffs. Being promoted to the main squad is Photic’s big chance to prove himself with a talented roster. If the Demacia Cup is anything to go by, TOP fans are in for a treat.
Support: QiuQiu
QiuQiu is the only player who has been with the org over its entire history. Joining the LPL in 2018, QiuQiu was the carry for Dan Gaming. Coming into the 2019 season, Dan re-branded to TOP and QiuQiu remained with the team, albeit as a substitute. In summer 2019, he returned to the main team, but this time as a support. With only a handful of games played in the support role, QiuQiu has a lot to prove, both to the org, as well as to the fans.
Team Review:
2019 was a great year for TOP, but with the team falling just short of worlds, it finished on a sour note for players and fans alike. With a revamped bot lane and an experienced voice in the jungle, TOP are looking to achieve what they narrowly missed last year: going to worlds. While winning the LPL is definitely a goal, and an achievable one at that, the team will want to show to the entire world what they are capable of; there is no place better to do that outside of the World stage.
Come back next week, as there will be a look at JD Gaming.
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