TL;DR
- Eight elite teams from LPL, LCK, and LEC regions qualified for knockout stage
- Single elimination best-of-five format tests team endurance and adaptation
- Quarterfinals feature regional rivalries and East vs West matchups
- DAMWON Gaming and Top Esports emerge as tournament favorites
- Strategic viewing tips help maximize your Worlds 2020 playoff experience
The group stage battles have concluded, setting the stage for the ultimate League of Legends championship showdown. Eight elite squads now advance to the knockout rounds where every match becomes elimination territory. The intensity escalates dramatically as teams compete for esports immortality.
This final tournament phase features four quarterfinal clashes that will halve the field, then semifinals determine the finalists. Championship Sunday crowns one organization as world champion amidst unprecedented competitive pressure.
Regional representation showcases fascinating dynamics with China’s LPL and Korea’s LCK dominating the field. Notably absent are North American LCS teams, highlighting the global competitive imbalance. European hopes rest primarily on G2 Esports seeking consecutive finals appearances.
The championship field represents three major regions with distinct playstyles and historical success patterns. Understanding each team’s journey reveals why they deserve their playoff position.
China’s LPL sends three powerhouse organizations: Top Esports as tournament favorites, JD Gaming as consistent performers, and Suning as dark horse contenders. Their aggressive, teamfight-oriented approach has dominated international competition throughout 2020.
Korea’s LCK counters with four methodical squads: DAMWON Gaming displaying dominant form, Gen.G employing calculated strategies, DragonX demonstrating resilience, and regional synergy that could prove decisive.
Europe’s LEC representation rests on two storied franchises: G2 Esports with their innovative macro play and Fnatic relying on veteran experience and late-game scaling compositions.
- Suning (LPL) – Aggressive early game specialists
- G2 Esports (LEC) – Creative draft and macro masters
- DAMWON Gaming (LCK) – Methodical map control experts
- JD Gaming (LPL) – Objective-focused teamfighters
- Gen.G (LCK) – Scaling composition specialists
- Fnatic (LEC) – Adaptive strategic innovators
- Top Esports (LPL) – Versatile championship favorites
- DragonX (LCK) – Early game snowball artists
The knockout stage employs straightforward single-elimination rules where one loss ends championship dreams. This format intensifies pressure while rewarding teams that maintain peak performance across multiple games.
Best-of-five series test roster depth, strategic adaptability, and mental fortitude. Unlike group stage best-of-ones, this format reveals true team quality through adaptation and endurance.
Teams must demonstrate flexibility in draft strategies and in-game adjustments. The extended series length allows for dramatic momentum shifts and comeback scenarios that define legendary playoff moments.
For viewers, this structure guarantees extended engagement with potential game-five climaxes. Each match represents a complete narrative arc rather than isolated encounters, creating superior viewing experiences.
The
#Worlds2020
Quarterfinals!
pic.twitter.com/siNgYglCP1— LoL Esports (@lolesports)
October 11, 2020
Quarterfinals: Thursday, October 15 – Sunday, October 18
Thursday, October 15
DAMWON Gaming vs. DragonX
(3 AM PDT / 6 AM EDT / 12 AM CEST)
This LCK civil war presents fascinating dynamics despite DAMWON’s overwhelming favorite status. Their LCK Summer Final dominance showcased near-perfect coordination, but playoff pressure creates different environments.
Friday, October 16
Suning vs. JD Gaming
(3 AM PDT / 6 AM EDT / 12 AM CEST)
LPL’s internal rivalry features contrasting approaches to the game. JD Gaming’s previous victories provide psychological advantage, but Suning’s aggressive style could disrupt their methodical approach.
Saturday, October 17
Top Esports vs. Fnatic
(3 AM PDT / 6 AM EDT / 12 AM CEST)
East meets West in this compelling matchup where Fnatic must overcome significant odds. Their group stage resilience suggests upset potential against the tournament favorites.
Sunday, October 18
Gen.G vs. G2 Esports
(3 AM PDT / 6 AM EDT / 12 AM CEST)
Strategic philosophy clash defines this encounter. Gen.G’s patient scaling against G2’s relentless aggression creates fascinating strategic tension and draft complexity.
Semifinals: Saturday, October 24 – Sunday, October 25
Saturday, October 24
G2 Esports vs. DAMWON Gaming
(3 AM PDT / 6 AM EDT / 12 AM CEST)
Sunday, October 25
Top Esports vs. Suning
(2 AM PDT / 5 AM EDT / 11 AM CEST)
Semifinal Saturday potentially features G2 Esports seeking redemption against DAMWON Gaming in a rematch of regional styles. Their previous encounters inform strategic preparations for this critical matchup.
Championship Sunday’s semifinal could showcase LPL supremacy regardless of which Chinese team advances. The regional final guarantees at least one Chinese representative in the championship match.
Grand final: Saturday, October 31
DAMWON Gaming vs. TBD (2 AM PDT / 5 AM EDT / 11 AM CEST)
The championship match represents the culmination of a year’s preparation and month-long tournament execution. DAMWON Gaming’s projected appearance reflects their dominant form throughout 2020.
Based on current form and historical performance, DAMWON Gaming enters as substantial favorites regardless of opponent. Their methodical approach and individual talent create formidable challenges for any final opponent.
The unknown finalist creates intriguing narrative possibilities. Top Esports represents the strongest challenger with their versatile playstyle and championship pedigree from LPL dominance.
Championship implications extend beyond the trophy itself. The winning organization secures legacy status while influencing regional development priorities for the upcoming competitive season.
Action Checklist
- Review team playstyles and draft tendencies before each match
- Note key player matchups that could determine series outcomes
- Identify potential draft surprises and champion priorities
- Track early game objectives and jungle pathing patterns
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Worlds 2020 playoffs schedule Complete guide to Worlds 2020 playoffs with team analysis, match predictions, and viewing strategies
