Congratulations to TOP Esports, who took down JDG 3-2 and are the Summer Split Champions. In a rematch of the Spring Split finals, TOP got their revenge for the previous loss. This is the first domestic title that this organization won. Here’s a look at how they did it.
Image Courtesy of Leaguepedia
After losing the Spring Split finals, TOP Esports bounced back at the Mid-Season Cup. Taking down old rivals in FPX in the Grand-Finals, TOP won their first title as an org. Moving into the start of summer, TOP looked unstoppable.
Up until week 7, they remained undefeated and reached the 8-0 mark. Even after falling in their match against Victory Five, TOP bounced back and looked like the best team in the world.
Image Courtesy of Riot Games
Picking up another two clean wins after their loss vs V5, TOP went up against IG. At the time, Invictus Gaming were starting to climb the table, but TOP were still the favorites.
However, things didn’t go as planned, and TOP got smashed in a clean 2-0 match. Only a week later, and they fell again, this time against RNG, a team that didn’t make it to playoffs. Fans were starting to worry that the team had run out of steam. None the less, due to JDG also tripping over Victory Five, TOP managed to secure first place in the regular season.
Image Courtesy of Leaguepedia
With at least a fourth-place guaranteed, TOP started their journey to the Grand-Finals against Suning. After the match against Victory Five, Suning were looking much better and had some fans worried about the current state of TOP.
While Suning came in looking strong, they were still no match for TOP. With TOP’s top-side schooling their opposite numbers, JackeyLove had an easy time carrying from the bottom lane. Their ticket to the final match of the season also guaranteed them a spot at Worlds, since they would either grab the first seed or make it in via championship points. A day later, and JDG would defeat LGD, making the Grand-Finals a rematch of the Spring Split Grand-Finals.
Image Courtesy of Riot Games
Just like in spring, it all came down to TOP and JD Gaming. Two organizations that before this year had never won a domestic championship, and now have one apiece. Both orgs are relatively new, with JD joining the LPL in Summer 2017, and TOP in spring 2018.
However, unlike spring, this time TOP were the ones who emerged with the title. With JackeyLove and Knight picking up MVP’s in their wins, and Knight being the Grand-Finals MVP, TOP proved that they are the best of the best in the LPL.
With this victory, TOP will go to Worlds as the number one seed representing the LPL. This will be the first Worlds for 369, Knight, and Yuyanjia. This will be the third Worlds appearance for JackeyLove, who has made it to Worlds every year so far in his career. Lastly, Karsa is headed towards his sixth Worlds appearance, in a row. This makes him the most consistent jungler to appear on the Worlds stage, as well as making him the player to qualify for Worlds the most times in a row. He is also now tied with Soaz at six Worlds appearances apiece.
You can ‘Like’ The Game Haus on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers.
Follow JJ on Twitter: @NeonColouredJay
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
