Third Place Playoff: Echo Fox vs Clutch Gaming

Weeks ago, no one would have dreamed these two would go head-to-head for third-place, and if they did, no one would have favored Clutch to take it, but that has all changed. Clutch proved against TSM and they proved against 100 Thieves that they are a force to be reckoned with. Echo Fox has only slid further and further down the rung as the season has progressed while many other teams, Clutch included, have only gained in strength.

What to expect:
If Clutch plays anywhere near the level they have been performing at, this match is already decided. The last time these teams met was in Week 8, and Clutch realized that Fox simply can’t handle disengaging tactics. The damage from Fox was abysmal, with no member of Fox knowing quite how to get in and deal damage while Clutch was disengaging. However, Fox has a chance if Cluth’s resolve has been shattered. Much of their strength was derived from wanting to prove themselves, and now they have. If Clutch has lost their steely resolve, Fox will take this. Watch for Clutch retreating or playing unsure – that will indicate their real strength.

Finals: 100 Thieves vs Team Liquid

This might be the most important match in the history of the NA LCS. 100 Thieves have skyrocketed in popularity and power, and Nadeshot has shown that he is an owner completely invested in the growth and strength of this team. On the other side, Team Liquid has been playing amazingly with every member carrying their weight. However, the real importance of this match is that Doublelift is playing on the back of a family tragedy. No one has ever doubted his skill and passion and to come into the Finals after what he has been through is proof that he among the best that have ever been. Seeing him compete – win or lose – will be the focal point of this series.

What to expect:
The last time they met, in Week 7, Team Liquid obliterated 100 Thieves in a 13-1 game. Impact on Shen was truly monstrous, and Meteos on Jax was irrelevant. The Thieves have a tough decision to make – focus on Impact, or focus on Doublelift. The bot lane is going to be playing with a drive that can’t be matched, but Impact was the Thieves Achilles heel before. If Liquid plays around Doublelift, either trying to let him get strong or going a tank draft, they might take the prize home – but they might also put too much pressure on an already stressed player.

Player to watch: Doublelift

All eyes will be on Doublelift. As a figure in League of Legends, Doublelift has always been controversial. He has insulted, attacked, and belittled other teams and players, but behind the scenes, it has come from a place of true and utter dedication. For him, this game is a way of life, and he is proving that in Miami. He has played stellar all split, and there is little reason to believe he won’t perform this weekend. A win will be an emotional triumph over adversity, and a loss will be the resolve to do what had to be done, and to take a professional loss on top of a personal one. One way or another, everyone will be rooting for Doublelift to find what he needs in this game.