The Flash Wolves are no strangers to the international scene. They have now made it to at least one major tournament for the past four years. That makes them one of the most seasoned teams entering the Mid-Season Invitational.
While they have mostly struggled to meet expectations at Worlds, they have fared better at MSI. In 2016, Flash Wolves were able to defeat SK Telecom T1 twice in the group stage and ended up getting to the semifinals. Flash Wolves struggled a bit more in the group stage last year, but they were able to make it to the semifinals before falling to eventual champions SKT. This year, they are looking to make it back to the semifinals.
Odds to win the 2018 Mid-Season Invitational (Courtesy of BetDSI)
Flash Wolves +2500
Backstory
Once again, Flash Wolves dominated the LMS this year. They easily dispatched of the other teams in Taiwan in order to grab the region’s MSI spot. Three of their members were named to the All-Pro team and they swept GRX 3-0 in the finals.
This is a very experienced team. Maple and SwordArt have each been on this team for over four years and are well-versed in international play. Betty has also been through a lot of battles with Flash Wolves, and it was this trio that carried the team to their playoff win.
What to watch for
SwordArt is considered one of the best support players in the world. He has been one of the top playmakers at that position for some time now and is the steadying hand for this team. This season has been one of his best. SwordArt has an 8.9 KDA, and he has looked great on a number of champions. With Braum and Morgana still heavily in the meta, look for him to use one of these champions when possible at MSI.
Mid laner Maple has been considered one the top mid laner in Taiwan for some time now. He has had his share of ups and downs in international tournaments, but he could really shine this year. There aren’t as many talented mid laners here as we have seen in the past, so that could open things up for him. He has been superb on both Azir and Cassiopeia this season.
Coming into the season, the biggest question for Flash Wolves revolved around their new jungler Moojin. Moojin was tipped to replace Karsa as the team’s jungler, and he became just the second player from outside of Taiwan to ever play for the team. He had some big shoes to fill, but he has performed very well. This will be his first time ever playing on an international stage though, and nerves could be a factor.
Prediction
In the past, a lot of Flash Wolves’ success was due to Karsa’s playmaking ability from the jungle. This time around, Flash Wolves will not have that option available and may be on the back foot in the early game. Their fortunes will depend upon Maple in the mid lane. Betty is a solid AD Carry, but at best he would be ranked fifth out of all the AD Carries at MSI. That means Maple will need to get ahead.
Flash Wolves will play Gambit for a spot in the MSI group stage on Wednesday.
