Counter Logic Gaming destroys OpTic Gaming in 2019 LCS Summer Playoffs

Counter Logic Gaming delivered a stunning performance against OpTic Gaming in the 2019 LCS Summer Playoffs quarterfinals, showcasing strategic brilliance that transcended mere objective control.

What many anticipated would be a closely contested battle between evenly matched teams instead revealed a comprehensive strategic gap, with CLG systematically dismantling OpTic’s game plan across three decisive matches.

Four Barons and One Elder Dragon: When Power Isn’t Enough

OpTic Gaming appeared to have complete control over the opening game’s tempo and direction.

The team secured their preferred champion selections, established map dominance, controlled key objectives, and maintained optimal vision placement. While the early phases lacked explosive engagements, every strategic element seemed aligned for an OpTic victory.

The critical turning point emerged with the initial Baron Nashor spawn.

While CLG committed resources to secure a dragon, OpTic executed a clever sneak play to claim the Baron buff. In typical competitive scenarios, this advantage would typically secure victory, yet OpTic couldn’t translate this power into meaningful base pressure against CLG’s defenses.

As the match progressed, OpTic successfully caught CLG jungler Raymond “Wiggily” Griffin in a vulnerable position, converting that pick into another Baron acquisition. CLG countered by eliminating mid laner Lee “Crown” Min-ho, effectively halting OpTic’s offensive momentum. Recognizing their superior late-game composition, CLG implemented calculated stalling tactics to reach their power spikes.

The exceptional wave clear capabilities from Trevor “Stixxay” Hayes on Sivir combined with Tristan “PowerOfEvil” Schrage’s Azir control created an impenetrable defensive formation. The pivotal moment arrived when Wiggily executed a flash engagement to catch Noh “Arrow” Dong-hyeon and William “Meteos” Hartman, while CLG’s remaining members secured the Elder Dragon and repelled OpTic’s advance once more.

Despite these setbacks, OpTic secured their fourth Baron of the match and maintained siege pressure, yet consistently hesitated to commit to game-ending plays. The team repeatedly withdrew after suffering casualties, though they managed to combine an Elder Dragon buff with their Baron empowerment.

Even with these stacked advantages, CLG reached their critical item thresholds at precisely the right moment. A fully equipped Stixxay proved insurmountable for OpTic’s defenses, enabling CLG to claim the opening victory against overwhelming odds.

OpTic’s Arrow-Centric Strategy: High Risk, Low Reward

Arrow committed to Draven during the second game’s draft phase, receiving dedicated resources to establish an early advantage. Meteos concentrated his jungle presence exclusively on the bottom lane, creating a protective perimeter around Arrow against incursions from Wiggily and PowerOfEvil. CLG strategically conceded lane pressure on Stixxay and Vincent “Biofrost” Wang to pursue advantages elsewhere on the map.

The decisive engagement occurred when solo laners and junglers collided in the river. While OpTic secured a single elimination, CLG emerged with three kills, significant turret pressure, and an additional dragon control.

OpTic never fully regained their footing after this critical encounter. Despite Arrow’s strong laning phase performance, the team failed to transition their strategy to properly play around their primary carry once early game concluded.

Kim “Ruin” Hyeong-min completely neutralized Niship “Dhokla” Doshi’s Aatrox, despite this representing his most effective champion throughout the regular season. CLG secured the Baron buff and delivered a masterclass in objective utilization, executing a confident push to reach match point.

CLG’s Psychological Dominance: Breaking OpTic’s Will to Compete

CLG initiated the third game with an aggressive level one invasion that yielded first blood on Arrow.

This bold opening maneuver appeared to shatter OpTic’s remaining competitive spirit. The players cascaded into repeated errors, engaged in ill-advised skirmishes, and displayed clear signs of demoralization on the rift.

Stixxay and Biofrost emerged as the dominant forces this game. Their Caitlyn and Morgana combination demonstrated exceptional precision with skillshot accuracy and trap placement. They comprehensively outplayed Arrow and Terry “Big” Chuong during laning phase, establishing map-wide control for CLG. Crown attempted split-push strategies but found himself consistently forced to retreat whenever CLG initiated team fights.

After 28 minutes of ineffective resistance, OpTic conceded defeat, granting CLG the series-clinching victory.

This match concluded OpTic Gaming’s competitive season. Without championship points from the spring split, the team became ineligible for regional finals qualification. They will return in 2020, presumably with significant organizational changes.

CLG advances to the semifinals where they will confront Cloud9. Meanwhile, previous day’s victors Clutch Gaming prepare to challenge Team Liquid.

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