This is how it was always going to be. The LPL and the LCK are the two best regions in the world for League of Legends, so they were destined to meet in the Rift Rivals Red Finals. Since 2013, Korea has been trumpeted as the supreme region. The last five world champions have come from the LCK, and the last two finals were all-Korean affairs.
However, this year, China made a strong case for being labeled the top region. Royal Never Give Up won the LPL Spring Split and followed that up with a convincing win over Kingzone DragonX at the Mid-Season Invitational Final. Additionally, the LPL teams got the better of their LCK counterparts in the Rift Rivals Red Group Stage, and a win here would further signal that the power dynamic has changed.
2018 League of Legends Rift Rivals Red Finals Betting Odds (Courtesy of BetDSI)
LPL -133
LCK +105
The LPL earned an automatic spot in the Rift Rivals Red Finals thanks to their performance in the Group Stage. They went 6-2 during the Group Stage and finished with a 3-1 record over the LCK. That sent the LCK into the semifinals where they took on the LMS in a completely one-sided affair. Not even the Flash Wolves looked competitive in their match with SK Telecom T1, getting trounced by the three-time world champions.
On Sunday, the finals will kick off with Invictus Gaming taking on KT Rolster. Invictus is currently a slight favorite over KT, yet both teams have yet to lose at Rift Rivals Red. KT Rolster is 3-0 with wins over Rogue Warriors, MAD Team, and G-Rex, while Invictus beat SKT and Machi E-Sports. The top lane battle will be what to watch in this one. Smeb has been held up as one of the best top laners in the world for some time, while TheShy is looking to stake his claim as one of the best around.
The other matches won’t be determined until after the first one. This is a double-blind format where the representatives from each region will be chosen at the same time, making it impossible for one region to get a leg up with team selection.
The other three LCK teams taking part at Rift Rivals Red are SKT, Kingzone, and Afreeca Freecs. SKT has looked sharp and will likely be Korea’s second choice. Faker and Bang have started to turn things around, and they have been able to cover up some of their weaknesses due to the versatility of those two.
Kingzone’s play will be something to watch though. This is supposed to be the most talented team in the world, yet they have not performed well on the international stage. They disappointed at MSI and are 0-2 here, so Korea will likely try to give them a favorable draw against Rogue Warriors or Edward Gaming.
The second team up from the LPL is likely to be RNG. Royal Never Give Up has labeled itself as the best teamfighting team in the world, and they have lived up to those bold claims with their performances both in the LPL and internationally. Uzi must be kept in check at all times, and Karsa is one of the most explosive junglers in the world.
Rogue Warriors are the weakest team of the bunch, while Edward Gaming has a track record of international success. With three of their four teams performing very well, the LPL might just be able to claim Rift Rivals Red 2018 for China.
