G2 Esports lifts the first-ever LEC Winter Split title

G2 Esports lifts the first-ever LEC Winter Split title

Time Stamp: February 27, 2023 6:26 AM
Source Node: 1981779

Another one in the cabinet for G2 Esports.

After over a month, the LEC Winter Split has now been concluded with G2 Esports coming out on top having defeated MAD Lions in a 3-0 sweep in the grand finals. With this being the first-ever LEC Winter Split, it also meant that G2 was the first team to lift the new regional title.

G2 also extended its regional title haul to 10, the most out of any organisation in the LEC. That also included four EU LCS titles back in 2016 and 2017. And with that win, G2 has confirmed its spot in the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational. This will be a second-seed spot at the very least, depending on who wins the LEC Spring Split.

The team’s run during the winter split was expected yet also surprising in some ways. A top-four finish in the regular season followed by topping their group stage to secure an upper bracket playoff spot. G2 dispatched KOI fairly easily before making even lighter work of MAD Lions in the grand finals.

Fans at the LEC Studio in Berlin, Germany as well as at home were both amazed and taken aback by G2’s approach to their games. It featured unconventional draft picks, a dynamic and aggressive playstyle, as well as finding the right balance for both talent and teamwork. Much like a well-oiled engine, all the cogs within the G2 system were working together almost flawlessly.

Having the likes of Mihael “Mikyx” Mehle’s constant roams alongside the team’s jungler and primary ganker, Martin “Yike” Sundelin has been the building block for the team to shine. In the first two games of the grand finals, G2 showed great knowledge and understanding of the meta with obscure picks that somehow worked out way better than expected from them.

This was most evident in game two where G2 went with Jax, Gragas, Kled, Samira, and Jarvan IV. Most of these champions have rarely ever been picked during the winter split and yet somehow, G2 made it work to near perfection.

With their backs against the ropes, MAD Lions went for it in game three by starting strong and aggressively from the early game. In a hard-fought 41-minute onslaught, MAD managed to dominate almost three-quarters of the game, putting a stop to G2 whenever possible. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough after a pivotal teamfight in the top lane that turned the tides for G2 to capitalise.

From there, it was all G2 to the end as after every consequent fight, they would come out on top. Even after a crucial Baron steal from Javier “Elyoya” Prades Batalla, who was outstanding for MAD, it was not enough. G2 managed to end the game soon after, putting doubt on any MAD Lions resurgence like it was back in 2021.

With that being G2’s 10th regional title, they will now be looking to hopefully claim the LEC Spring Split as well. This will also put them in the first seed for MSI later in the year. And if G2 were to win the LEC Summer Split, they will get a direct invite to Worlds 2023.

Of course, that is easier said than done but by winning the spring split, G2 also claimed 120 championship points, which will go a long way for the team in terms of qualifications later in the year… that is if it goes horribly for the team.

Time Stamp:

More from GosuGamers