What happened to the Kingzone DragonX team that was supposed to stomp every other team at the Mid-Season Invitational? That was one of the first questions we asked after the sun set on the group stage. Kingzone was a big favorite coming into MSI. They were a 1/4 favorite according to the MSI betting odds and many didn’t expect them to lose more than a game or two. However, they ended the group stage with four losses and finished behind both Flash Wolves and Royal Never Give Up.
The other big question we heard asked is whether or not the Flash Wolves were for real. They have been the biggest surprise of MSI and nearly finished atop the standings in the group stage. Flash Wolves had to defeat Gambit Gaming in the Play-In Stage to make it into the main event and were over 20-1 to win MSI prior to the start of the Group Stage. They have looked like one of the teams to beat though and did knock off Kingzone both times they met.
MSI Betting Odds (Courtesy of BetDSI)
Kingzone DragonX -333
Flash Wolves+235
Matchup to Watch
Before MSI started, everyone’s pick for best top laner was Khan. He had a phenomenal Spring Split in the LCK, bullying some of the best top laners in the world. His play was a big part of why Kingzone was able to impose their will on opponents and the only two series they lost were ones in which he did not play every game.
Khan was supposed to be the best top laner at MSI by a wide margin. However, he has been outplayed multiple times and has struggled on the carry champions that were supposed to define him as a player. He did not look good on either Camille or Vladimir and that’s an issue with how strong those two champions are in this meta.
Meanwhile, Hanabi might have raised his stock more than any other player at MSI. He was a relative unknown coming into this event, and many believed that he was the weakest top laner here. Hanabi has proven everyone wrong with some great performances and his Gangplank has been fantastic.
If Khan is going to prove he is the best top laner in the world, now is the time. Kingzone has looked much more vulnerable than anyone expected and this is the area the Korean champions need to attack.
Player to Watch
Maple has been the best mid laner at MSI. There were some doubts about him, especially with a new jungler in Moojin, but he has the best KDA of any mid laner at this event. He has a 7.8 KDA through 11 matches, nearly two better than RNG’s xiaohu.
He hasn’t been using assassin champions either to get such a nice KDA. Maple has been at his best on team fighting champions like Taliyah and Karma. That has really helped propel Flash Wolves forward all throughout this tournament. His play will be crucial if they are to make it to the finals.
Analysis
Kingzone had to be the favorite in this series. Although they are 0-2 against Flash Wolves, many believe that they will eventually find their form once more. This is the most talented team we have seen in quite some time and Korean teams are historically fantastic in best-of-five series. I’m going to wait to see if the line continues to drop, but I’ll be on Kingzone here.
Prediction: Kingzone DragonX 3, Flash Wolves 1
