If IPL Face-Off being a NA tournament is any indication, it should come as no surprise as to what team took home the gold. Despite losing the very first game on Day 1, Team SoloMid proceed to tear through the Winner's Bracket and make swift game of Team Curse in the Finals. While the dark horses SGS impressed the crowd and made fans alike (especially with their AP Mid Karma pick), World Elite had an underwhelming performance. Expected by many to make it into the finals, WE failed to make it into the top 4, getting knocked out by Team Legion and Crs.na along the way.

It is somehow unsurprising that once again TSM have taken another title, and that other teams have not been able to break the strangehold over North American League of Legends. However there is some consolation in the surprisingly strong performance by several of the other teams. After a weak showing at MLG Anaheim, Team Legion made many fans due to their wild and strong plays. It brings some hope that perhaps eventually we will see some true competition in the North American scene.

The final pitstop in the North American circuit, MLG Raleigh will be the last chance for chances to secure a good seed or even qualify for the NA Regional Qualifiers. TSM, CLG.na, Dignitas, Curse.na and TSM.evo have all qualified for PAX Prime regardless of what MLG Raleigh will bring. However TSM is the only team who have guaranteed their seed, with their insurmountable lead giving them 1st seed. Seeds 2 to 5 will be highly dependent what transpires next weekend. These seeding positions will become very important due to the single elimination format of the Regional Qualifiers.

The final three spots will likely be a tossup between TD, LgN, mTw.na, and oRb. While there are still scenarios where teams such as CLG.Black and Meat Playground can qualify, the requirements are incredibly unlikely. Of the four still in contention, LgN are perhaps the favourites to squeeze in thanks to their showing at IPL.

Team to Ward in the Future: Team Legion (LgN)
Surprisingly, several NA teams have displayed exceptional performance recently despite their shorter histories compared to the troika of North America (e.g. TD placing fourth at MLG Anaheim). Team Legion is no exception here with their 3rd place finish last weekend. To top it off, their AP Mid and captain, Pr0lly, was absent. Filling in the void, WildTurtle came to SF playing a role he doesn’t normally play, and play impressively he did. But how much of a fluke was this? Only success at MLG Raleigh will settle this question.

Honorable Mention: Team Curse (Crs.na)
For any offline event, there is a great deal of stress and pressure to deal with; the stress of playing on the big stage and pressure of not letting down your team or fans. Most teams would want to experience Crs.na’s current run, and that is to be able to improve from every offline competition. Granted, Westrice did return to the main roster for IPL: FO but Crs.na was noticeably better and cohesive this time around. But like everything in eSports, consistency will be key.


“I got the Reset (yes!)” Big Plays Award: WildTurtle (LgN ringer)
It is one thing to play as a substitute at a major tournament but it’s another to play a role that is not your main at that same tournament. The award for Biggest Play goes to WildTurtle for making Gragas look like a formidable AP Mid once again. The fat man has been more or less in hibernation since Season 1 when Shushei and Reginald used him. He is perhaps long overdue for a comeback.

Honorable Mention: TheOddOne (TSM)
3v5? The General does not fear. Typically when you’re outnumbered and pushed into your base, you want to be on the defensive, not going full aggro. But TheOddOne fears no one and dives head on, simply to bide time… for the orbital death laser to activate.


"See champion, Kill champion" Award: Chaox (TSM)
Whenever TSM was pushed into a corner last week, it was Chaox who got them out. Flying in his airship in style, TSM’s AD Carry did his job to a tee. Chaox consistently outfarmed his opposing AD Carries and demonstrated what it means to have superior positioning. Ezreals and pulsefires? This man shoots out rockets.

Honorable Mention: WildTurtle (LgN ringer)
Amazingly enough, just about every NA substitute in the past year has done a phenomenal job filling in some big shoes. Just take a look at performance of Salce, Voyboy, LoCicero, and xHazzard. WildTurtle proudly carried on the tradition by filling in for LgN Pr0lly. With some superb Gragas play that we haven’t seen in months, WildTurtle took his team to third and looked good doing so.


Olympic Javelin Track and Field Award: LgN, vs Crs.na Loser's Final Game 3
One game away from the Finals and obtaining the opportunity to rematch against TSM, LgN opened Game 3 with aplomb. WildTurtle managed to secure early kills on Nyjacky and Lautemortis continues his aggressive Maokai ganks. But after an early and swift Baron, everything went downhill for LgN. Lautemortis Twisted Advanced out of position, leading to his death before his team could catch up. Westrice on Jax farmed hard and positioned himself to deal damage during team fights and stay alive. But most of all, WildTurtle's unorthodox Ryze build consequently left him too squishy in team fights. The mistakes compounded and Crs.na was able to take control and secure their place in the finals.

Honorable Mention: WE, vs LgN Winner’s Semi
When you’re solo pushing a lane, it’s best to keep an eye on how your team is doing while defending 4v5. When your team is losing an inhibitor tower, it’s probably best to port home to help before it falls. Wx miscalculated his attempt to base race against a grouped LgN and gave the game away without lifting a finger of resistance.