Semifinals: Flash Wolves vs KING-ZONE DragonX

The Flash Wolves had 3 days of solid gold performances. In those three days, they seemed untouchable. But in the next two days, the Wolves gave up four games. For many, this is a sign of the other teams catching up as much as it is about the Flash Wolves slowing down. However, even losing games left and right, the Flash Wolves have still won every single game against KING-ZONE DragonX.

The Flash Wolves have a decidedly unflashy style, but it has worked well for them at MSI. It’s a strategy about controlling the map and pressuring their opponents. Against King-Zone, it has been especially true. This was no more obvious than in their first game. Moojin absolutely embarrassed Cuzz in the jungle, not only constantly stealing his buffs and camps, but also using the entire map in his favor. Despite the game only having 4 kills at the 20 minute mark, there was a surprising amount of back and forth and tension. The same was true for game two, when the 20 minute mark had 0 deaths but several aggressions.

What to expect:
King-Zone might want to change the pace of the game if they want to have a chance against the Flash Wolves. Getting aggressive and forcing fights might push them out of their comfort zone. If they can’t do that, King-Zone needs to out-control the map. So long as the Flash Wolves decide the pace of the game, they also decide the outcome. It’s likely this one will go to them.

Semifinals: Royal Never Give up vs Fnatic

RNG and Fnatic are starting to develop a rivalry. At Worlds, it was RNG wo knocked Fnatic out of the tournament once and for all. At MSI this year, the only fans crazier than Fnatic’s have been RNG’s. This semifinal matchup hasn’t helped ease the rivalry either.

Despite two wins to RNG across two matches, the outcome is anything but clear. In their first match, RNG resorted to some old tried and true tricks. LetMe went Cho’Gath in the toplane – where he dominated as usual – and when Fnatic went for a first blood, RNG let them have it, instead getting first turret and dragon. These kinds of rotations are what has made RNG one of the most dominant teams in the world, but it was a lucky prediction for Uzi about where Fnatic was hiding that won them the game. If he hadn’t guessed properly, the tempo was in Fnatic’s favor.

In their second game, Fnatic learned from their mistake. When RNG pushed just the tiniest bit too far on an engage, Fnatic turned on a dime to counter-engage and take 3 kills. By 14 minutes, the game had 13 kills, and it hardly let up. The game was nonstop action, and it was clever position and baiting from RNG that took this match home.

What to expect:
If Fnatic are hoping to win, they need to shore up their defenses – hard engage, go with your gut, and don’t get kited. The team also has to toe the line with Rekkles. Rekkles is a great ADC, and his tenacity can make him a great one, but that same tenacity gets him into trouble. Against RNG at Worlds and so far at MSI, when Rekkles sees a chance, he takes it, and it often ends in disaster. Honestly, if Fnatic can just keep a lid on him, they might be able to take the series.