Cloud9 beats TSM, faces 100 Thieves in LCS Lock In semifinals

Cloud9 secured their spot in the 2021 LCS Lock In semifinals by eliminating Team SoloMid in a hard-fought quarterfinal series.

The much-anticipated knockout stage matchup between Cloud9 and TSM fell short of expectations, with both squads displaying concerning gameplay inconsistencies throughout the three-game series.

Both organizations shared similar struggles including questionable draft strategies, inconsistent individual performances, and poor objective conversion. Each match followed a predictable pattern where early advantages weren’t properly leveraged into meaningful map control or objective leads. Victory ultimately came down to which team made fewer critical errors rather than superior strategic execution.

Despite being preseason favorites for LCS dominance, both Cloud9 and TSM showed vulnerabilities that could impact their Spring Split playoff chances. When compared to the crisp play of Evil Geniuses, 100 Thieves, Team Liquid, and even FlyQuest, these performances raised legitimate concerns about both teams’ championship potential.

Cloud9’s advancement to the semifinals comes with tempered expectations, as their next opponent 100 Thieves delivered a dominant quarterfinal performance against Immortals. Top laner Kim “Ssumday” Chan-ho’s exceptional play highlighted the challenge awaiting Cloud9 in the next round.

Analyzing the matchup by individual roles reveals significant advantages for 100 Thieves across multiple positions. The upgraded 100 Thieves roster appears better positioned for tournament success based on current form and coordination.

The semifinal clash between Cloud9 and 100 Thieves is scheduled for January 29 at 5 PM Central Standard Time.

Who is playing on Cloud9?

The 2021 Cloud9 starting roster features five talented players with diverse competitive backgrounds:

• Ibrahim “Fudge” Allami (Top Lane)
• Robert “Blaber” Huang (Jungle)
• Luka “Perkz” Perković (Mid Lane)
• Jesper “Zven” Svenningsen (Bot Lane)
• Philippe “Vulcan” Laflamme (Support)

This lineup combines established North American talent with international experience, particularly with Perkz joining from European competition. Each player brings specific strengths that contribute to Cloud9’s strategic identity and playstyle preferences.

Who is competing in the LCS?

The League of Legends Championship Series features ten permanent franchise partners working directly with Riot Games. This franchise system ensures team stability without relegation concerns, allowing organizations to build long-term competitive strategies.

The complete LCS franchise lineup includes:

• 100 Thieves
• Cloud9
• Counter Logic Gaming
• Dignitas
• Evil Geniuses
• FlyQuest
• Golden Guardians
• Immortals
• Team SoloMid
• Team Liquid

This structure creates a consistent competitive environment where teams can develop multi-season rivalries and storylines. For players looking to understand the competitive landscape, our Class Guide provides insights into role specialization similar to how LCS teams build their rosters.

When does the 2021 LCS start?

The 2021 LCS Spring Split officially commences on Friday, February 5 at 3 p.m. Pacific Time, 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Lock In tournament serves as a preseason showcase before the main Spring Split competition. Teams use this opportunity to test new rosters and strategies while competing for early-season bragging rights and additional practice against top competition.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Cloud9 beats TSM, faces 100 Thieves in LCS Lock In semifinals Complete guide to Cloud9's LCS roster, tournament performance, and 2021 competitive schedule