Quick thoughts after week 1 of the LEC 2023 Summer Split

Week 1 of the LEC 2023 summer Split took us by surprise: we have new teams on the rise and some top teams who had a rough start. Here are some of our initial impressions.

New split, same Vitality?

Two splits have gone by but it feels like Vitality is still not able to push for the best results possible. The roster is full of incredibly talented players so their “raw power” is there. That said, it looks as if the team cannot make it work: the players look disjointed and even though they are stronger than most rosters on paper, their macro game is lackluster.

The series against Team Heretics was clear evidence of this: despite having Photon 5k gold up on Evi and VIT in a commanding position, they messed up one fight heavily and found themselves losing the game. When it’s one single round-robin and every match matters to qualify for the Groups stage, one extra loss can be unforgiving.

While we could initially give Vitality time to work on their weaknesses, the Summer Split should be the time they play at peak performance. It doesn’t look like it will happen. Getting into the top 8 shouldn’t be an issue but the hopes of seeing Vitality fighting for the title, based on what they have shown so far, are really low.

Fnatic with a good start

Most fans were hyped about Fnatic going into Summer after the bot lane roster changes which brought in Noah and Trymbi. Even though they lost one match against G2, FNC have shown good premises to deliver much more solid performances this split.

In a meta where scaling carries like Aphelios are still relevant, Noah can be the late-game carry FNC needed. That being said, the most positive thing about FNC’s performance in week 1 was the decision making and they have clear intentions on what they want to do. It might be early to draw conclusions and set expectations for the team, but starting with a 2-1 is always a good confidence boost for what you can consider a relatively new team.

Read also: Best LEC players heading into 2023 Summer Split

Is G2 taking it slow?

FNC ended up losing to G2 in the last game of week 1 who, on the other hand, fell at the hands of MAD Lions the day before. Despite losing one game in the first week, G2 is still showing great gameplay and that their potential is still there and ready.

The team has already locked a place in the LEC season finals so they will have, alongside MAD, an easier and less stressful split this time around. All they have to do is make sure they can reach their peak levels when it really matters, and make sure they can go to Worlds. With that in mind, it’s totally fine if G2 doesn’t get the top spot this split: they have the privilege to take it slower.

MAD Lions picking up where they left

‘A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinion of a sheep’ is the best quote I would use to describe MAD in the first week of the LEC Summer Split. After the backlash the squad had to face at MSI, the squad returned to EU to dominate as they did throughout the Spring Split.

While the games were messy and it took them quite some time to beat both KOI and G2, MAD are currently at the top of the standings, with one foot already in the Groups. Last time out, they were able to qualify with a 3-6 score: it’s unlikely they will lose all the following matches.

Carzzy has been delivering incredible performances, amounting to more than 40% of the team’s total damage output alone. Elyoya is still the backbone of the team and the rest of the team is also playing solidly. As long as they keep form, MAD is going to be a top contender for the title.

Can BDS fight for the title?

Team BDS started the Summer Split with two losses on the board which is what most probably didn’t expect. That said, I wouldn’t be much worried about the team for now, considering they shouldn’t have many problems qualifying for Groups.

The squad seems to have big issues when playing from behind and struggles to find good opportunities to get back into the game. They still have great macro and it remains their biggest strength, as they have shown in the victory against KOI. Over the course of the single round-robin, it will be beneficial for them.

For BDS, however, fighting for the title will be a lot tougher this split, especially if teams like Fnatic will step up. Luckily, they are third in championship points so the chances of seeing BDS at the Season Finals are going to be high.

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Is Team Heretics the dark horse of the LEC Summer Split?

From rags to riches, Team Heretics kicked off their LEC Summer Split in the best way possible, taking three wins and tying MAD Lions in the first place. What was impressive, though, was the way Team Heretics were able to win those games: they can get ahead in the early game but also find ways to fight from behind, as seen in the series against Vitality.

Flakked and Vetheo’s addition to the team have definitely improved the overall potential, setting good expectations for the rest of the split. Paired with Jankos who has been solid for the majority of the season, there are enough good elements to hope for a strong last part of 2023. It will be tough for TH to qualify for the LEC Season Finals but they are definitely looking much better than the two previous split.

To know whether they are ready to contend for the title, though, we will have to wait until the “top teams” like G2 and MAD Lions in the last week of the regular split. For now, fans should rejoice that the team is almost confirmed to be in groups.

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