League of Legends: Who is the greatest NA squad of all time?

The Original Cloud9 Squad

With the establishment of the NA LCS in Season 3, fans of League of Legends had their first chance to see their favorite teams play regular season matches against one another. TSM went on to win Spring, sealing their position as #1 in the League. However, the Spring promotion tournament was about to throw the whole league into flux.

Before Promotions had even begun, rumors were circulating. A squad of high-elo solo queue warriors were tearing their way through the Challenger scene, making a beeline for the LCS. And when they finally arrived, they kicked down the door with a 2-0 and 3-0 during their qualifying matches.

Quantic Gaming (rebranded as Cloud9) went on to take an unprecedented choke-hold over NA, going 22-3 their first split. To this day, no team has matched this record (or ever will, given changes in the number of games played). Further, they redefined the dominant style of play, drawing on the centralized shot-calling of their mid laner, Hai, to outmaneuver their opponents around the map.

Cloud9 took the regional title for both Season 3 Summer and 2014 Spring (don’t ask me why they changed the title), before losing in the Finals of 2014 Summer. However, they remained a top contender, making full use of their original squad while other NA teams shuffled their rosters between seasons. The longevity of this particular roster – staying together for over two years – only adds to their legacy.

Accomplishments:

• Undefeated in Promotion to LCS
• 22-3 Regular Season record, Season 3
• 1st Place, Season 3 Summer Split
• 1st Place, 2014 Spring Split
• 1st Place, IEM San Jose
• Finalist, 2014 Summer
• Longest continuous roster

And so it shall be.

Think I’m an idiot? Think TSM is boosted? Think NA should become a Wildcard region at Worlds 2019? Let me know in the comments below. It’s been a fun journey down memory lane, but my fingers hurt and it’s time for me to wrap this thing up.

Have yourselves a good night.