League of Legends: why FunPlus Phoenix will (or won’t) win the World Championship

Why FunPlus Phoenix won’t win

1.Lack of international experience

This is their first time at the World Championship and, for most players, their first real international experience. Remember, this team didn’t attend MSI this year, and Rift Rivals was their only “international” play.

Now they did go 1-1 at Rift Rivals, but the loss was to Griffin, a top contender, while they defeated a Dashing Buffalo team that won’t be going to Worlds. They haven’t exactly shown that they can match up against the best teams internationally.

FunPlus also doesn’t have any players that have been to Worlds before. Unfortunately, that means they don’t have any veteran experience to lean on as they all face uncharted territory.

2. Expectations

The second reason I think they fail to win worlds is the weight of expectations. They have a target on their back as a top seed from a major region.

FunPlus is expected by most pundits to get out of groups, make semifinals, and maybe even win it all. It’s a lot of pressure especially for a new to the world’s stage team. I think the pressure could sink this team and cause them to underperform.

3. Higher seeded teams from regions they haven’t played yet

The final reason I don’t think they win relates to the fact that they’re untested at international events, specifically how they will perform against higher seeded teams internationally. They have a roster that can beat RNG and IG, but what about G2, SKT, Team Liquid, Griffin, or Fnatic? Will they win enough games against tournament favorites to take the title? I don’t quite think so.

Fun Plus should be one of the favorites regardless. Their roster is stacked, they win a lot and they hold a top seed from a major reason. No reason this team won’t be in the mix to hoist the title and finish their ascent from mediocre to great this season.