With the League of Legends Worlds 2024 Play-ins officially over, all 16 teams competing in the Swiss stage are confirmed. We are on the verge of what we have all been eagerly awaiting.
Swiss stage key information
A total of 16 teams, including the top four seeds from the LCK and LPL, the top two seeds from the LEC and LCS, and four teams from the Play-in stage, will be divided into four draw pools for the League of Legends World Championship. In the first round, teams from Pool 1 will face Pool 4, and Pool 2 will compete against Pool 3, with no team playing another from their own region.
- Pool 1: LCK1, LCS1, LEC1, LPL1
- Pool 2: LCK2, LPL2, LCS2, LEC2
- Pool 3: LCK3, LCK4, LPL3, LPL4
- Pool 4: Play-in Stage Teams
After the initial matches, a new draw will pair teams with the same record for the subsequent rounds, ensuring no rematches against previous opponents. This process will continue for three more rounds, with teams striving for three wins to advance. Teams with three losses will be eliminated. While the first round features best-of-one (bo1) matches, all advancement and elimination matches will be best-of-three (bo3). Ultimately, eight teams will move on to the Knockout stage.
Fun fact: The third and fourth seeds from the LCK and LPL might have an easier opening match than their second seeds, as the second seeds in Pool 2 will face another LCK or LPL team in Pool 3, while the third and fourth seeds may play against second seeds from the LCS or LEC in Pool 2.
What to expect during the Swiss stage
- LCK vs. LPL Rivalry: The long-standing rivalry continues with four teams each from the LPL and the LCK vying for supremacy. Can either region send all four seeds into the Knockout stage?
- Western hope: With G2 Esports leading the charge, the LEC is looking to make a deep run. Meanwhile, LCS teams like Team Liquid will aim to prove their worth in what may be their last run under the LCS banner.
- Dark horses: Play-in teams like PCS's PSG Talon and the VCS representatives have shown they can upset favorites. Their unpredictable playstyles will be a wild card in the Swiss stage.
Big favorites to advance to the Knockout stage
Teams competing in the Swiss stage
LCK (Korea): Hanwha Life Esports, Gen.G, Dplus KIA, T1
LPL (China): Bilibili Gaming, TOP Esports, LNG Esports, WeiboGaming
LEC (Europe): G2 Esports, Fnatic
LCS (North America): FlyQuest, Team Liquid
Play-in teams: MAD Lions KOI, GAM Esports, paiN Gaming, PSG Talon
This part highlights the strongest teams expected to advance. Beyond power rankings, factors like meta-adaptation, player synergy, and international experience are crucial to success. Read our team preview for more in-depth information. Let us break them down into three main categories.
- Dominant performance: Teams like Bilibili Gaming (BLG) (3.200*) and Gen.G (2.900*) are clear favorites to advance to the Knockout tage, thanks to their dominant performances in their respective regions. Gen.G boasts the world's top mid-laner Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon and jungler Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, creating a powerful duo that excels in both micro and macro play. BLG, with the best top-laner Chen “Bin” Zebin, has also shown exceptional coordination and skill. Both teams are known for their strong fundamentals and adaptability, making them formidable opponents who could outperform their rivals at Worlds 2024.
- Meta Adaptability: Teams like Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) (4.350*), Dplus KIA (DK) (20.340*), T1 (6.100*), LNG Esports (LNG) (8.710*), and G2 Esports (G2) (29.100*) excel in the current meta shift on Patch 14.18. Buffs to AP items and nerfs to certain runes have revitalized AP mid-laners and AD warrior junglers. Mid-laners such as DK’s Heo “ShowMaker” Su, T1’s Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, LNG’s Lee “Scout” Ye-chan, and G2’s Rasmus “Caps” Winther are adept with picks like Orianna and Syndra. Meanwhile, HLE’s Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo shines on alternative meta picks like Akali and Yone. Aggressive, early-gank junglers like HLE’s Han “Peanut” Wang-ho, DK’s Choi “Lucid” Yong-hyeok, and T1’s Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun are well-positioned to excel at Worlds, given the meta shift favoring AD warrior and tank junglers with heavy crowd control. This playstyle aligns with the expected champion picks, allowing them to impact the early game effectively and support their team’s macro strategy. Their proactive approach in the jungle could be crucial for their teams' success in the tournament.
- Unexpected performance: TOP Esports (TES) (5.990*) and Weibo Gaming (WBG) (14.000*) have strong overall rankings but are not considered top contenders. Despite this, they have a history of delivering upsets as underdogs. Their unpredictability and potential to surprise could be game changers at Worlds 2024. In tournaments like Worlds, where a bit of luck can tip the scales, keeping an eye on these teams is crucial. They might not be the biggest favorites, but their performances could defy expectations and shake up the competition.
Betting insights for the Swiss stage
Bo1 matches: Since teams cannot adjust their ban/pick phases during Bo1, unexpected results are more likely. It is recommended to place live bets during games, ideally after the ban/pick phase, to better predict the outcome based on team compositions.
Bo3 matches: These allow for strategic adjustments, testing both players and coaching staff. Teams with versatile players and an experienced coaching staff, who can draft different compositions, have an edge. Focus on well-prepared teams with deep champion pools for more tactical and strategic betting opportunities.
*Outright odds are subject to change
