TL;DR
- Asian teams, particularly Damwon Gaming, demonstrated overwhelming scrim dominance with undefeated records
- Professional players identified distinct ‘scrim teams’ versus ‘stage teams’ performance patterns
- Damwon players dominated EUW server rankings, indicating exceptional individual skill levels
- Teams employed different mental approaches to translate practice success to tournament performance
- The 2019 Worlds main event begins October 12 with crucial regional matchups
As the 2019 League of Legends World Championship main event approaches, regional representatives are intensifying their final preparations under dramatically different training conditions.
Eastern squads have demonstrated particularly impressive form during practice sessions, with G2 Esports jungler Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski acknowledging they exceeded Western expectations. Team Liquid’s veteran marksman Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng reinforced this assessment, noting the apparent skill gap between regions during scrimmage matches.
The play-in stage offered early evidence of LCK strength when Damwon Gaming completed their initial bracket undefeated. Korea’s third seed suffered only a single defeat against Lowkey Esports, primarily due to strategic miscalculations regarding early game lane assignments.
Following that initial setback, Damwon systematically dismantled subsequent opponents with precise, coordinated play. Players later disclosed the team maintained a perfect scrim record throughout their preparation. Damwon’s roster has been climbing the EUW ranked ladder aggressively, with top laner Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon and mid laner Heo “ShowMaker” Su securing second and third positions respectively on the server.
This season, Eastern and Western organizations established training bases in separate regions, resulting in divergent approaches to the competitive meta. Teams arriving at the tournament showcase varying interpretations of champion priorities, itemization paths, and strategic objectives that could dramatically impact early group stage results.
During a separate broadcast session, Jankos analyzed recent results and formulated his theory about “scrim teams” versus “stage teams.” This concept distinguishes organizations that excel in practice environments but struggle to replicate that dominance during official matches with live audiences.
“G2 unquestionably qualifies as a stage team—even when our scrim performances disappoint, we consistently elevate our play during actual tournament matches,” Jankos elaborated during his stream analysis.
Damwon expressed similar perspectives regarding performance translation. Team members have openly discussed their on-stage errors and how these missteps don’t accurately represent their capabilities demonstrated during practice. According to mid laner ShowMaker, the squad aims to approach competitive matches with the same mindset they maintain during training sessions at their Korean facility.
Understanding this psychological dynamic proves crucial for competitive success. Many elite teams struggle with the transition from controlled practice environments to high-pressure tournament settings, where crowd noise, production elements, and stakes create fundamentally different competitive conditions.
Successful adaptation requires specific mental preparation techniques, including visualization exercises, pressure scenario training, and establishing consistent pre-game routines that help players maintain focus regardless of environment.
G2 Esports makes their Worlds debut on October 13 against LCK’s Griffin, while Damwon Gaming commences their main event campaign on October 12 versus North America’s Team Liquid.
The World Championship officially begins October 12, featuring immediate tests of whether practice dominance translates to competitive success. These opening matches will reveal which teams have effectively bridged the gap between scrim performance and stage execution.
The tournament’s group stage presents unique challenges for teams accustomed to regional play, requiring rapid adaptation to international styles and meta interpretations. Organizations that successfully adjust their strategies based on early observations typically advance deeper into the competition.
For teams struggling with stage adaptation, focusing on process over outcomes, maintaining communication consistency, and establishing early game confidence through secured objectives can help stabilize performance under pressure.
Action Checklist
- Review Damwon Gaming’s play-in stage VODs to identify their strategic patterns
- Analyze EUW server rankings for professional player accounts and champion preferences
- Compare Eastern vs Western team scrim results with actual stage performances
- Study mental preparation techniques used by successful ‘stage teams’
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