Worlds 2021 knockout group draw sees C9 vs Gen.G, DK vs MAD

The group stage of Worlds 2021 has concluded, setting the stage for the high-stakes knockout rounds where every match becomes elimination.

A dramatic four-team tiebreaker in Group D determined the final advancing squads, immediately followed by the quarterfinal draw that established the tournament’s final bracket structure.

These quarterfinal pairings showcase two compelling same-region clashes alongside intriguing cross-regional encounters that present significant analytical challenges for prediction.

• Royal Never Give Up vs. EDward Gaming
• Gen.G vs. Cloud9
• T1 vs. Hanwha Life Esports
• Damwon Kia vs. MAD Lions

Royal Never Give Up vs. EDward Gaming

EDward Gaming arrived at Worlds 2021 carrying championship expectations after dominating the LPL Summer Split. While maintaining competitive form through initial group matches, the Chinese powerhouse ultimately settled for second position behind T1 following inconsistent performances in week two.

This sets up an explosive domestic confrontation against familiar rivals Royal Never Give Up to open the elimination stage.

RNG’s 2021 campaign has been remarkably unpredictable – capturing the Mid-Season Invitational trophy then unexpectedly exiting early from LPL Summer Playoffs. Their regional finals victory secured the Worlds qualification, positioning them as a dangerous underdog contender. To achieve back-to-back international championships, Royal Never Give Up must first eliminate another Chinese representative.

Strategic Insight: This matchup hinges on jungle control and early game tempo. EDG prefers methodical, scaling compositions while RNG excels at aggressive early skirmishing. Watch for draft priority on comfort picks that enable each team’s preferred playstyle.

Gen.G vs. Cloud9

Cloud9 delivered the most stunning performance of the Worlds 2021 group phase. As LCS’s third representative, they initially disappointed during play-in matches and stumbled to an 0-3 beginning when placed alongside tournament favorites DAMWON Kia and FunPlus Phoenix. Remarkably, Cloud9 emerged victorious from a three-team tiebreaker for the advancing spot, eliminating both FunPlus Phoenix and Europe’s Rogue.

Having navigated the tournament’s most challenging group, Cloud9 received what analysts consider a favorable pairing against Gen.G. The LCK’s second seed demonstrated inconsistency throughout group matches, barely surviving the four-way tiebreaker with a 3-3 overall record.

Gen.G’s unstable group stage performance creates opportunity for Cloud9’s continued Cinderella run. However, despite C9’s impressive tiebreaker recovery, their initial 2-4 group performance indicates this remains one of the most unpredictable quarterfinal contests.

Common Pitfall: Underestimating Cloud9’s momentum while overvaluing Gen.G’s regional pedigree. North American teams historically struggle against Korean opponents in best-of-five series, making this a critical test of regional strength.

T1 vs. Hanwha Life Esports

The bracket’s opposite half features another intra-regional battle with T1 confronting Hanwha Life Esports from their own league.

T1 demonstrated formidable form during group competition, achieving 5-1 in Group B including splitting matches with championship favorite EDward Gaming. The historical significance surrounding T1 and legendary mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok at World Championships cannot be overlooked, given his three previous titles. However, significant time has passed since either T1 or Faker last achieved success at this premier event.

Hanwha Life Esports aims to overcome that legacy and exact revenge for previous defeats this year. T1 has typically dominated HLE in their encounters, including forcing Hanwha into the play-in stage through a 3-2 victory during LCK Regional Finals.

Advanced Analysis: This series will be decided in the mid lane. Faker’s championship experience versus Chovy’s mechanical prowess creates a narrative-rich showdown. The team that establishes mid priority will likely control the series tempo.

DAMWON Kia vs. MAD Lions

MAD Lions progressed alongside Gen.G from the intense Group D four-way tiebreaker. Unlike their Korean counterparts, the European champions received an extremely challenging quarterfinal opponent.

DAMWON Kia stands as the sole pre-tournament favorite to fully deliver during groups, advancing with an impeccable 6-0 record. The squad brings proven championship experience under global pressure, with most of DAMWON Gaming’s 2020 title-winning lineup returning for 2021.

MAD Lions faces a difficult path ahead while battling to maintain LEC’s status among elite League of Legends competitions. With Fnatic collapsing in groups and Rogue eliminated by Cloud9, this becomes a crucial high-pressure encounter for European esports following underwhelming group stage results.

Regional Implications: This match carries enormous weight for European League of Legends. A MAD Lions victory would restore regional credibility, while defeat could signal a power shift away from Western teams. For comprehensive strategic preparation, consult our Complete Guide to understanding high-stakes tournament dynamics.

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