The play-in stage kicks off the League of Legends World Championship 2024, featuring eight teams from five regions. This includes the top seeds from the CBLOL and the LLA, the top two seeds from the PCS and the VCS, and the third seeds from the LEC and the LCS. Competing for the final four spots in the Swiss stage, these teams will battle in a best-of-three, double-elimination format at Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Germany. Read our team previews if you haven’t already. This article will analyze the play-in teams and their opening matches.
MAD Lions KOI (1.114*) vs. Vikings Esports (5.890*)
MAD Lions KOI (MDK), the third seed from the LEC, didn't shine in the LEC Summer 2024 but clinched a Worlds spot after defeating G2 Esports. With a roster led by experienced jungler Javier "Elyoya" Prades, it is favored to win this matchup. Money Line bets on the Lions at 1.114* are safer for low-risk bettors.
Vikings Esports (VKE), the VCS second seed, may be the underdog, but Vietnamese teams have delivered surprises before. With former GAM mid-laner Đặng "Kati" Thanh Phê in the roster, its aggressive playstyle pose a potential threat. High-risk bettors may consider VKE +1.5 at 2.600* or total map Over 2.5 at 2.820*.
Bet: MAD Lions KOI vs. Vikings Esports odds
PSG Talon (1.094*) vs. paiN Gaming (6.580*)
PSG Talon (PSG), the first seed from the PCS, has dominated its region in recent years, but its international success remains limited. With the veteran AD carry Lu "Betty" Yu-hung joining the roster, the team is aiming to push past the play-in and Swiss stages and achieve a deep run at Worlds.
paiN Gaming (PNG), the sole representative from the CBLOL, faces a tough opening match against PSG. Bettors might find more value in a handicap bet on PSG -1.5 at 1.561* or total map Under 2.5 at 1.438*, anticipating a 2-0 victory for PSG.
Bet: PSG Talon vs. paiN Gaming odds
GAM Esports (2.250*) vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Gaming (1.598*)
GAM Esports (GAM), the first seed from the VCS, led by veteran jungler Đỗ "Levi" Duy Khánh, has a history of pulling off upsets on the global stage, with wins over TOP Esports and Team Liquid in Worlds 2022 and 2023, respectively. Its odds of 2.250* makes it an attractive underdog bet.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Gaming (SHG), the PCS second seed, is representing Japan’s LJL with “Thumbs Up” top-laner Shunsuke "Evi" Murase and a blend of experienced Japanese and Korean players. The Hawks are the favorites in this matchup but their odds of 1.598* suggest a tight match, but total map Over 2.5 at 1.826* offers higher potential returns.
Bet: GAM Esports vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Gaming odds
100 Thieves (1.066*) vs. Movistar R7 (8.090*)
100 Thieves (100T), the third seed from the LCS, enters the play-in stage as the strongest team among the competitors. With favorable odds, a 2-0 win in its opening match is widely anticipated.
Movistar R7 (R7), representing the LLA, is perceived as the weakest team in the play-in stage. An upset is unlikely in this matchup, so bettors might consider a handicap bet on 100T -1.5 at 1.438* or total map Under 2.5 at 1.340* for a safer bet.
Bet: 100 Thieves vs. Movistar R7 odds
*Odds subject to change
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