League Of Legends World Championship 2017: A Throwback
Hey guys! Let’s dive into a nostalgic trip and reminisce about the League of Legends World Championship 2017. It was a year of incredible plays, unexpected upsets, and a meta that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a long-time League fan or a newcomer, understanding the historical significance of this tournament provides valuable context to the ever-evolving world of esports. So, buckle up and let's break down what made Worlds 2017 so memorable!
The Stage is Set: Pre-Tournament Buzz
Before the first minion spawned on the Rift, the hype surrounding the 2017 League of Legends World Championship was already palpable. Several storylines were brewing, each adding a unique flavor to the tournament's anticipation. One of the biggest narratives revolved around the Korean teams. South Korea had long been the dominant force in League of Legends, and 2017 was no different. Teams like SK Telecom T1 (SKT T1), the defending champions, and Longzhu Gaming (LZ), the LCK Summer Split champions, were heavily favored to make deep runs. SKT T1, led by the legendary Faker, were aiming for their fourth World Championship title, a feat that would further cement their dynasty. Longzhu Gaming, on the other hand, was a team hungry to prove themselves on the international stage, showcasing a dominant performance throughout the LCK Summer Split.
However, the pre-tournament buzz wasn't solely focused on Korea. Teams from other regions were also garnering attention. Europe's G2 Esports, with their star-studded lineup, aimed to make a statement after a disappointing performance at Worlds 2016. North America's Team SoloMid (TSM), led by Bjergsen, were looking to finally break their quarterfinals curse. China's Royal Never Give Up (RNG) and Edward Gaming (EDG) were also considered strong contenders, boasting impressive domestic performances and a unique, aggressive playstyle. The meta leading up to Worlds 2017 was also a significant talking point. Ardent Censer, an item that buffed attack damage carries (ADCs), was incredibly strong, leading to compositions that heavily prioritized protecting and enabling the ADC. This meta shaped team strategies and champion picks, influencing the entire tournament's dynamics. The anticipation was high as fans and analysts alike speculated on which teams would adapt best to the meta and which star players would shine the brightest. The stage was set for an epic showdown, with teams from around the world ready to battle for the Summoner's Cup.
Group Stage Gauntlet: Surprises and Disappointments
The Group Stage of the 2017 League of Legends World Championship delivered its fair share of surprises and disappointments. Several teams defied expectations, while others faltered under pressure. In Group A, SKT T1, despite some shaky performances, managed to secure the first seed. However, their dominance wasn't as clear-cut as in previous years. ahq e-Sports Club put up a strong fight, showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess. Cloud9, representing North America, also made it out of the group, proving their ability to compete on the international stage. The biggest disappointment in Group A was EDG, who failed to advance despite high expectations, leaving many fans questioning their performance. Group B was dominated by Longzhu Gaming, who showcased their superior team fighting and strategic flexibility. Immortals, another North American team, also managed to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, exceeding many analysts' predictions. Gigabyte Marines, known for their unconventional picks and aggressive playstyle, provided entertaining games but ultimately fell short of advancing. Fnatic's performance in Group B was particularly disappointing, as the European powerhouse failed to make it out of groups.
Group C saw Royal Never Give Up (RNG) emerge as the top seed, demonstrating their strong team coordination and individual talent. Samsung Galaxy (SSG), despite a slow start, secured the second seed, showcasing their ability to adapt and improve throughout the tournament. G2 Esports, a team heavily favored to advance, failed to live up to expectations, struggling to find consistency. 1907 Fenerbahçe Espor, the Turkish representative, put up a valiant effort but ultimately couldn't overcome the stronger competition. Group D was arguably the most unpredictable, with Misfits Gaming surprising many by topping the group. Team SoloMid (TSM), North America's hope, once again failed to make it out of groups, continuing their quarterfinals curse. Flash Wolves, known for their strong performances against Korean teams, also disappointed, failing to advance. Misfits Gaming's unexpected success highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovative strategies in the ever-evolving League of Legends meta. The Group Stage served as a crucial proving ground, separating the contenders from the pretenders and setting the stage for the high-stakes knockout rounds.
Knockout Stage Chaos: Upsets and Underdogs
The Knockout Stage of the 2017 League of Legends World Championship was nothing short of chaotic, filled with upsets, nail-biting series, and the emergence of unexpected underdogs. The quarterfinals kicked off with Longzhu Gaming dismantling Samsung Galaxy in a clean 3-0 sweep, showcasing their dominance and solidifying their status as tournament favorites. SKT T1 faced Misfits Gaming in a series that went the distance, with Misfits pushing the defending champions to their limits. Despite Misfits' innovative strategies and impressive team fighting, SKT T1 managed to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Royal Never Give Up (RNG) clashed with Fnatic in another thrilling series, with RNG ultimately prevailing 3-1, demonstrating their strong team coordination and individual talent. The final quarterfinal match saw Team WE defeat Cloud9 3-2 in a closely contested series, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses.
The semifinals featured two epic clashes. SKT T1 faced Royal Never Give Up (RNG) in a series that will be remembered as one of the greatest in League of Legends history. The series went to five games, with both teams trading blows and showcasing incredible resilience. SKT T1 ultimately emerged victorious, but not without facing immense pressure from RNG. The other semifinal match saw Samsung Galaxy take on Longzhu Gaming in a rematch of their LCK Summer Split final. This time, however, the outcome was different. Samsung Galaxy completely dismantled Longzhu Gaming in a convincing 3-0 sweep, avenging their previous defeat and securing their spot in the grand final. The semifinals highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the importance of adaptability and mental fortitude. Underdogs like Samsung Galaxy proved that anything is possible, while favorites like Longzhu Gaming learned that no victory is guaranteed. The stage was set for an epic grand final between two Korean powerhouses, SKT T1 and Samsung Galaxy.
The Grand Finale: SKT T1 vs. Samsung Galaxy
The Grand Finale of the 2017 League of Legends World Championship was a clash of titans, a battle between the reigning champions SKT T1 and the determined challengers Samsung Galaxy (SSG). It was a series that defied expectations and delivered a narrative that will be etched in League of Legends history forever. SKT T1, led by the legendary Faker, were aiming for their fourth World Championship title, a feat that would solidify their dynasty. Samsung Galaxy, on the other hand, were hungry for redemption after falling short in previous years. The series began with Samsung Galaxy taking an early lead, winning the first two games with decisive victories. Their strategic preparation and coordinated team play caught SKT T1 off guard, showcasing their evolution as a team. SKT T1, known for their resilience, fought back in the third game, securing a crucial victory and injecting hope into their fans. However, Samsung Galaxy remained composed and closed out the series in the fourth game, winning 3-1 and claiming the title of World Champions.
Samsung Galaxy's victory was a testament to their hard work, strategic brilliance, and mental fortitude. They had overcome numerous challenges throughout the tournament, including a tough group stage and a dominant Longzhu Gaming in the semifinals. Their victory over SKT T1 was a symbolic changing of the guard, signaling the end of SKT T1's era of dominance and the rise of a new generation of League of Legends talent. The grand final was not just a battle between two teams; it was a clash of philosophies, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the game. Samsung Galaxy's victory resonated with fans around the world, inspiring them to believe that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance. The 2017 World Championship Grand Final will forever be remembered as a defining moment in League of Legends history, a testament to the power of teamwork, strategy, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Key Moments and Memorable Plays
The 2017 League of Legends World Championship was filled with unforgettable moments and jaw-dropping plays that left fans in awe. One of the most memorable moments was Faker's Ryze performance in the semifinals against RNG, where he single-handedly carried SKT T1 to victory with his impeccable mechanics and strategic decision-making. Another standout moment was Misfits Gaming pushing SKT T1 to five games in the quarterfinals, showcasing their innovative strategies and challenging the reigning champions like never before. Samsung Galaxy's dominant performance in the grand final, particularly their coordinated team fights and strategic objective control, was a sight to behold.
Individually, several players stood out with their exceptional performances. Ambition, the veteran jungler for Samsung Galaxy, proved that experience and leadership can be just as valuable as mechanical skill. Ruler, the ADC for Samsung Galaxy, showcased his consistency and clutch performances throughout the tournament, earning him the MVP award. Faker, despite SKT T1's loss, continued to demonstrate his unparalleled talent and cemented his status as the greatest League of Legends player of all time. The tournament also saw the emergence of new talent, with players like Ignar from Misfits Gaming and Uzi from RNG showcasing their potential and captivating audiences with their aggressive playstyles. These key moments and memorable plays contributed to the overall excitement and drama of the 2017 World Championship, making it a truly unforgettable event for League of Legends fans.
Meta Analysis: Ardent Censer and Its Impact
The meta of the 2017 League of Legends World Championship was heavily influenced by the Ardent Censer, an item that provided significant buffs to attack damage carries (ADCs). This item's strength led to compositions that heavily prioritized protecting and enabling the ADC, shaping team strategies and champion picks throughout the tournament. ADCs like Varus, Xayah, and Kog'Maw became highly contested picks, as their damage output was significantly amplified by the Ardent Censer. Supports like Janna, Lulu, and Karma were also highly valued, as their shields and heals synergized perfectly with the item, providing additional protection and sustain for the ADC.
The Ardent Censer meta also had a significant impact on jungle and mid lane picks. Junglers like Sejuani and Gragas, who could provide crowd control and peel for the ADC, became popular choices. Mid laners like Orianna and Syndra, who could dish out damage from a safe distance and provide utility, were also highly valued. The dominance of the Ardent Censer meta led to some criticism, as it limited the diversity of champion picks and strategies. However, it also created opportunities for teams to innovate and adapt, leading to some exciting and unpredictable games. The Ardent Censer meta ultimately shaped the narrative of the 2017 World Championship, influencing team compositions, strategies, and the overall flow of the tournament. Understanding the impact of this item is crucial to understanding the context and significance of the games played.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
The 2017 League of Legends World Championship left a lasting legacy on the esports landscape, shaping the future of the game and inspiring a new generation of players and fans. Samsung Galaxy's victory marked a shift in the competitive landscape, signaling the end of SKT T1's era of dominance and the rise of new contenders. The tournament also highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovation, as teams like Misfits Gaming and Gigabyte Marines demonstrated the power of unconventional strategies. The 2017 World Championship also had a significant impact on the development of the game, as Riot Games made adjustments to the meta in response to the dominance of the Ardent Censer. These changes led to a more diverse and balanced competitive environment, encouraging teams to explore different strategies and champion picks.
Furthermore, the tournament's viewership numbers and global reach continued to grow, solidifying League of Legends' position as one of the world's leading esports. The 2017 World Championship attracted millions of viewers from around the world, showcasing the passion and dedication of the League of Legends community. The tournament also served as a platform for players to showcase their talent and build their personal brands, inspiring aspiring gamers to pursue their dreams. The legacy of the 2017 League of Legends World Championship extends beyond the games played; it represents a pivotal moment in the history of esports, shaping the future of the game and inspiring a new generation of players and fans to embrace the spirit of competition and teamwork. So, there you have it – a deep dive into the legendary Worlds 2017. Hope you enjoyed the trip down memory lane!
