Worlds Wrapped - Play-Ins Stage 1

The first stage of Play-Ins has already finished, with 2 teams advancing to the group stage and 4 teams being eliminated from the tournament. Here are the biggest talking points from play-ins.

FNC and DRX sail through to Groups

It's been a tumultuous few weeks for FNC, with Upset and Hylissang being unable to travel after catching COVID.  They had to field emergency subs from their academy roster in order to play, but fans were nervous about what form they'd be in having to play with 2 subs and having no scrim time.

Thankfully, Upset was able to arrive hours in Mexico City hours before their first match and finally made his debut on the Worlds stage. Their substitute support Rhuckz has yet to play an LEC game, but adapted to these difficult circumstances phenomenally well after finishing his 2 games with 0 deaths and a 22 KDA.

Meanwhile, the conversation in group B was always between whether RNG or DRX would top the group. This was decided when DRX took down the MSI champions on the first day of play-ins and no other team looked like they could come close.

However, the LEC's MAD Lions put up a terrific fight after surprising with a Bel'Veth jungle, Vex mid and Mordekaiser top. They stomped the early game and secured an Ocean Soul, but couldn't close out the game before DRX's Sylas and Sivir scaled. An ace around the Baron was enough for DRX to comeback and take the game, finishing play-ins with a clean 5-0 record.

The last 2 teams to advance to groups will be decided by several best-of-5 series. RNG are the heavy favourites to advance on the lower side of the bracket, while we may be in store for a classic NA vs EU showdown to decide whether EG or MAD take the fourth and final spot.

This means 4 teams have already been eliminated from the tournament, with Istanbul Wildcats, Isurus, Beyond Gaming and The Chiefs struggling against the major regions. It was a bittersweet ending for Isurus who were able to take down Istanbul Wildcats in front of an emotional home crowd.

Diverse meta

We've already seen a ton of unique picks at Worlds, with the likes of Teemo, Garen and Mordekaiser already seeing play. The most drastic meta shift from playoffs has been in the support role after enchanters and popular ADCs were nerfed. Instead of Lulu, Yuumi and Nami, engage supports like Nautilus, Leona and Amumu have been everywhere.

Highlight Play

Despite dealing with COVID, jet lag, and a complete lack of scrim time, FNC's Upset secured an incredible penta kill on Kalista. It's been a long time coming for Upset to play on an international stage, and what a way for him to make his presence felt.

The last two teams to advance to the group stage will be decided over the next few days, before the group stage kicks off on Thursday. Watch this space to see how it all unfolds!