Braum is 'The Interceptor,' putting himself between his teammates and danger and taking the blows for them. He has an interesting skill set with some slow and stun capabilities, but his biggest advantage seems to be his shield. This sounds like the kind of champion who will produce #BIGPLAYS with clutch saves and he should be a lot of fun to watch.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
LCS Fans - Get pumped up for Braum, the Heart of the Freljord!
Braum is 'The Interceptor,' putting himself between his teammates and danger and taking the blows for them. He has an interesting skill set with some slow and stun capabilities, but his biggest advantage seems to be his shield. This sounds like the kind of champion who will produce #BIGPLAYS with clutch saves and he should be a lot of fun to watch.
LCS eSports Question of the Day:
Curse Voice is a third-party add-on to League that allows for team voice chat, but its overlay also includes Champion Ultimate and Jungle timers. Some players love the idea while others feel this is an unfair advantage over people who don't install it. So our Question of the Day, LCS Fans, is:
Curse Voice...Good or Bad?
And here's what you had to say:
@ste_coolname123 wrote: I don't need a client to tell me ultimates cd as long as I can follow the action/simply ask teammates, and I think lol is one of those games which should be chat-less so, not even a bit interested in oral communication.
@D3nn0s wrote: I don't know.. I like the ult timer of allies but that's it. But I agree with people who say Riot must implement it so either everybody has it or nobody has it. The automatic timer (even tho you have vision) is a terrible thing imo..
@Chef_Lu_Bu wrote: haven't used it. I'm not a fan of, as I understand, it keeping track of things like camp spawns and such. I think that memorization of spawn timers is something indicative of a skill-cap. Not every player can FADC in street fighter, and the game doesn't do it for you, because you're supposed to learn it on your own.
@Konman81 wrote: I think its good because it is forcing players to get better about timers... Watching diamond games players already time everything.
@the_grimmia wrote: It's not like timers are hard to remember. Buffs are five, drake is six, and baron is seven. It's math. Use a calculator rofl.
@DungOhBeetle wrote: Jungling since start of season 3, getting the timers wasn't hard for me, people complaining about static timers is moot. I think the only problem is it third party software, if riot patched in auto timers people would still bitch and moan, but at least it would promote some strategy around objectives for those who don't strategize at all in the game.
@JamesConnor wrote: I think in the sense of pushing Riot to integrate systems like this into the game, it's good. Dota does fine with voice in game
@SearchThisCity wrote: Regardless of the whole spawn timer debate, its a very solid and reliable communication system, its better than skype!
@Gregorok wrote: Curse voice is good, doesn't really give unfair advantage. One could only wish that Riot would have done it themselves.
@PyunTaeFoo wrote: I think the idea is great, but not releasing it in full limits teams, if you have it you have an advantage and if you don't, well..Knowing timers is just gonna tell you when dragon or baron respawns, it still won't save bad players from bad rotations. Koreans play in windowed mode and keep timers in a wordpad, this is basically the same except you don't have to manually enter it.
@Fighter9363 wrote: Its good with all the timers and stuff and the chat thing when you can talk with your teamates is awesome!
@spdivr1122 wrote: Good. All it does is give you ult timers and baron/dragon time if you had vision. Nothing else.
@GoonLvOver9000 wrote: the voice comms part is golden, the timers are broken and bad for the game
Monday, April 21, 2014
An Interview with Joey "YoungBuck" Steltenpool
Interview and Foreword by Andy L. Bloodvayne
The age old adage, "third time's a charm," definitely
holds true for Dutch professional League of Legends pro, Joey "YoungBuck"
Steltenpool. After flirting with the LCS on his previous teams, Mousesports and
Samurai in Jeans, the charismatic top-laner finally acquired a roster that made
it into the 2014 spring season of the EU LCS with the Copenhagen Wolves.
YoungBuck's team, PrideFC, was picked up by the Wolves with
current teammates Unlimited and cowTard, as well as familiar EU LCS faces Shook
and Rekkles. For the lack of a better word, their roster shred through the
amateur scene, taking first in tournaments such as DreamHack, Gamescom, and the amateur tournament for IEM
Cologne. When the team lost both Rekkles (to Fnatic) and Shook (to Alliance ,)
they acquired Amazing and FORG1VEN, two members who would later be considered
breakout stars in the most recent season of the EU LCS.
Though finishing with a 13-15 record at the end of the
season, the standings were incredibly close - with first through sixth place
being separated by just a handful of games. YoungBuck delivered an impressive performance during the Spring Playoffs, including an extremely tight series with both
Alliance and Gambit, but ultimately the Wolves fell into the sixth place slot,
becoming the final team to enter into the Summer Promotions (to be held later
this week.)
While his team's LCS slot is on the line, YoungBuck has
tasted the big leagues, and he's determined to train harder than ever to preserve
his seat and prove that his team is more than capable of taking on the EU LCS juggernauts.
LCS CENTRAL PRESENTS:
AN INTERVIEW WITH JOEY "YOUNGBUCK" STELTENPOOL
Hi YoungBuck. I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to do this interview. Everyone at LCS Central is a big fan of yours. I want to start off by congratulating you on finishing up the Spring Split of the EU LCS. Regardless of how you finished, you and your team made it to the end and looked impressive against favorites like Alliance and Gambit Gaming.
Before entering the LCS, it's almost an understatement to say that you and your team dominated the amateur scene, taking first at DreamHack Summer, Gamescom, and IEM Cologne; how has the transition from the amateur circuit to the LCS been like? Did a part of you expect your dominating performances to transfer over against the professional teams?
Victorious YoungBuck hugs ex-teammate Rekkles after a win against Fnatic.
Cloud 9 Reigns over the NA LCS
Celebrating their win beneath a shower of glittering confetti, Cloud 9 looked happy. Not ecstatic. Not Overjoyed. Just...happy. Because long before the third game of their NA Championship series vs TSM ended, they knew they had it in the bag. The raucous jubilation that usually comes with a hard fought victory will have to wait for the teams in relegation. Having eyed the throne all season with an assortment of swords and poisons in their bags, Cloud 9 quietly disposed of all fake kings and seized the NA Kingdom, undaunted by the chants of the masses - and now, all TSM fans can do is bow to them and recognize their serfdom.
Grats Cloud 9...and hail to the kings, baby!
-----
Wild Turtle enjoys a beverage backstage before their match vs Cloud 9.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Fnatic: Taking the Erratic Road to Victory
EU Spring Split Champions, Fnatic, could be the poster boys for those cheesy inspiration photos you find hanging in cubicle-laden offices, with words like 'Dedication,' 'Determination,' and 'Perseverance' peppered beneath their faces. During Season Four, the teen idol team was like a runaway mine cart, careening wildly along a track that ran from soaring peaks to hellish pits in the span of just two months. But they had seen the sunrise from the top of the mountain, and they knew it was where they belonged.
Fighting their despair, the diligent young men of Fnatic dug deep into their souls - refusing to buckle under pressure or fight and blame each other. They attacked and climbed the sheer cliff ahead of them first with their fingertips, then with their hands, then with their iron fists, taking back what they knew was theirs. And when the dust cleared, it was almost inappropriate that they regained their crown with a surrender - because as this split of the EU Spring series showed, surrender was the one thing Fnatic refused to do.
Fighting their despair, the diligent young men of Fnatic dug deep into their souls - refusing to buckle under pressure or fight and blame each other. They attacked and climbed the sheer cliff ahead of them first with their fingertips, then with their hands, then with their iron fists, taking back what they knew was theirs. And when the dust cleared, it was almost inappropriate that they regained their crown with a surrender - because as this split of the EU Spring series showed, surrender was the one thing Fnatic refused to do.
Congratulations Fnatic! You earned your win in every sense of the word.
EU LCS FINALS PREDICTION
EU LCS Finals Prediction by Jeremy “Ne0 Jets” Heimann
Fnatic (17-11) vs SK Gaming (18-10)
Season series won 3-1
by SK Gaming
Fnatic is LCS Royalty. Winners of both the Spring and Summer
Playoffs in 2013 and close runners-up at IEM Katowice 2014, Fnatic
started the split going 7-0 and looked like the team to beat. Then they lost eight
in a row and their place among the top contenders was in serious jeopardy. The
team was able to recover and finished strong with a record of 10-3 coming down the stretch. The
team is very experienced in the playoffs save for Rekkles, the boy wonder.
Rekkles, at the age
of 16, was a huge part of Fnatic defeating CLG EU and winning Winter Dreamhack
2012. Rekkles is fearless out on the rift - making plays that are usually setup by his
support Yellowstar. The bottom lane combo has been deadly this season. Former
ADC Yellowstar knows the ins and outs of the role and has great synergy with Rekkles. Mid lane doesn't require much introduction. It is Fnatic's
own Xpeke, famous for his back door Kassadin play. He doesn't run teleport mid
much anymore, but teams still strive or fail based on how the center of the map is going. Xpeke led the whole of EU
LCS in kills this split with 125 total kills. Patch 4.5 hasn’t been so kind to
Xpeke having his most played champion Gragas nerfed hard. Champions I see him
aiming to get in champ select are Leblanc, Nidalee and Orianna.
Top lane Soaz has one of the deeper champion pools and he isn't
afraid of anyone. He does his job time and again. His top lane Lulu came up
huge in the semifinals and he isn't scared to play anything top. He also likes
playing Trundle against tanky tops so whatever Freddy122 comes up with he will
have an answer for. In the jungle is Cyanide. He has a lot of games on Elise
this season. He also plays Lee Sin and Vi. I don’t expect any target bans
thrown his way. He has been a very solid jungler for some time, but he needs to
be a play maker more.
SK Gaming wasn't expected to finish at the top of the spring
season. Many predicted them to be near the bottom of the league. They were also
pushed to their limits during regulations by Supa Hot Crew. N-rated has been on
fire lately in the support role - setting up most of what SK does in lane and
in team fights. SK is team-oriented, living or dying with what the team does
as a whole and not individually. A weakness I could see is in mid lane, Jesiz. Twelve
of his eighteen wins are on three champs: Ziggs, Nidalee and Orianna. He has
tried to learn new champs such as LeBlanc, but has had mixed results when he is
forced off his comfort picks. A strategy could be to ban those three champs and
force him onto something he isn't comfortable with.
Freddy122 has been a beast with the tanky top meta. He has
an impressive five out of five wins on Trundle. Svenskeren has impressive win
rates with Eve, Pantheon and Elise. With the recent Pantheon nerfs, I don’t see
him looking that way. Eve and Elise will be high priority. I don’t think he
would care which one he got as long as it was one of the two. Candypanda’s Vayne
gets banned out a lot, but he has nearly identical win rates on Lucian and Jinx.
He laughs at the Vayne bans because it does not hurt him or his team at all.
Prediction: Fnatic wins a close series 3-2. Experience in the
playoffs will tilt the series.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
NA LCS Playoff Predictions
NA LCS Playoff Predictions by antdrioite.
I’ll try and explain why I believe each team will win. Note
that I add percentages to some matches. I believe those have more chance for an
upset.
1. Quarterfinals
CLG – Coast H2H (4-0) Expectations (2-0)
Even when CLG didn’t have Dexter on the team they had no
problems with Team Coast .
CLG has shown they can adapt quickly to new patches and clearly have a better
mid/late game than Coast. If ZionSpartan or Shiphtur don’t get too big in the
early game, CLG will just walk over them with good rotations and objective
control. Dexter just has to control the pace of the game, and lane swapping can
lessen the impact Zion has early in
the game. Link can definitely handle himself against Shiphtur and the rush hour
botlane has not shown fear of to many other botlanes. If both teams get evenly
strong team comps then CLG should have no problems closing out the series in two
quick games.
Dignitas – Curse H2H (1-3) Expectations (2-1) 60-40%
Curse has been in a weak spot the last couple of weeks and
will need to prove themselves during the playoffs. A win against CLG (who were
obviously not taking the game seriously and had problems with the Shen bug)
doesn’t convince me that Curse is back. Even though Curse has a lead in the
head to head, Dig won the last game and has shown much improvement since Scarra
stepped down as mid and became the full-time coach of Dignitas. Both teams have
some unorthodox picks and might surprise each other with that, but Dig has
shown that they can adapt quickly. Curse could definitely take a game off
Dignitas with some strong picks or early snowballing but Dig shouldn't be
surprised twice and I give them a good chance of winning the series 2-1 or even
2-0. Curse can’t be underestimated and will definitely show a good match, I
give them a 40% chance of actually making an upset and winning the series but I
do not expect them to actually win it.
2. Semifinals
TSM – CLG H2H (3-1) Expectations (1-2) 35-65%
Fans will hate me for this but I just think TSM is a bit
weaker these days. They also admitted to having problems adjusting to new
patches. With patch 4.5 being such a big one, CLG will have a clear advantage
in that point. TSM got a few blows during Super Week, losing to last place XDG
and getting (sorry for my words) crushed by C9. CLG had a much better game
against C9 and were on a mission the last day of Super Week. CLG has admitted
that TSM is a strong (maybe even stronger) opponent, and much will be decided
in the pick and ban phase. TSM can choose which side they start on, so they have
a small edge in that if they want to counterpick mid twice or just have the
strong first pick jungle/adc. TSM wins most of their games by having strong
lanes and forcing team fights in the mid game so they can take an objective
after they win that fight.
Dexter is a bit stronger in the jungle than OddOne. If CLG
can have even lane match-ups, they should have the edge transitioning into the
mid/late game. They have stronger rotations and are clearly better in lane swapping.
If Bjergsen and Dyrus don’t get too big, Dexter should be able to control the
pace of the game until his team's rotations help them close out the game. Much
will be decided in the botlane since both botlanes have shown they can carry
the game. Wildturtle’s Twitch can’t be underestimated and neither supports
should be given Thresh for free. Dyrus might not be the shining star of TSM,
but he's been their rock for a long time and will have to be at his best if TSM
wants a chance to win this series. I believe CLG can win this series 2-1, but
TSM will not just roll over and die. I do fear their slow adjustments to new
patches and worse objective control/jungle early will cost them. Whatever the
outcome may be, this should be one hell of a series to watch for all the fans.
Cloud 9 – Dignitas H2H (3-1) Expectations (2-0)
Cloud 9 has been on fire. They evened their win streak
record and after being in TSM’s shadow for most of the split, they want to show
they are still the number one team in NA. Dignitas beat them once in the start
of the split but these aren’t the same teams anymore. C9’s rotations are almost
perfect and even if the lanes falter, Meteos can step up and solo the game.
Dignitas will not surprise Cloud 9 with special picks. All
lanes are solid and if one gets behind, the rest will step up to carry the
game. Dignitas fans might hope on a miracle but a focused C9 is almost
unbeatable. Dropping only seven games in two splits and ending number one in
both those splits tells enough, in my opinion. The team also has the biggest
KDA and much better synergy than the new Dignitas with Goldenglue. This will
probably be the most one-sided series of the playoffs and is mostly just
preparation for C9 to win the playoffs. Dignitas should just try and show they
can perform and take lessons for the third place match against TSM.
3. 5th and 3rd place
match.
Coast – Curse H2H (1-3) Expectations (2-1) 50-50%
Both teams are at the bottom of the table and have problems
being consistent. Coast has shown some improvement in the last few weeks and I
always have the feeling they can win the game they are playing. Like Scarra
said, up until they lose the game, they're winning. Shiphtur and Zion
are incredible sololaners and show time and again that they can take control of
a game. But winning is a team effort and league is a five man game, so the rest
of Coast will need to step up to help get themselves out of relegations.
Curse shows some life now and then but they lack consistency
and a solid plan when going into pick and ban phase. If Coast can pick up LeBlanc
or Nidalee for Shiphtur, then Curse will have a lot of problems dealing with both
him and the always strong Zionspartan in the top lane. I feel those two might
be just enough for Coast and they can avoid relegations if the rest of the team
just doesn’t fall behind in this match. Curse has the advantage in the head to
head standings and might take that to the playoffs but will not have it easy. I
believe both teams are evenly matched but Coast will take the series on the
backs of Shiphtur and mostly Zionspartan.
Dignitas – TSM H2H (0-4) Expectations (0-2) 30-70%
TSM will be hungry for the victory after their most likely
close loss to CLG and will not give Dignitas an easy time. The head to head
record shows that TSM have had no problems with Dignitas this split and I think
that will continue into the playoffs. Bjergsen will have little issues with Goldenglue
and the superior laning should give TSM the match quite convincingly. Dignitas
should definitely show some strength after their games against C9, but I
believe TSM will win this match without many issues.
4. The Finals
Cloud 9 – CLG H2H (3-1) Expectations (3-1) 60-40%
Cloud 9 proved to be the superior team in their last two
meetings with CLG and, with near flawless rotations, they deserve the number
one seed they earned this split. But they showed some weakness in their last
game against Coast, and CLG will exploit any weakness that they can find. The
pick and ban phase of every game will be very important for the outcome of the
match. Both Cloud 9 and CLG have great rotations and the small skirmishes
around objectives like dragon will probably decide the outcome of every game.
Dexter and Meteos will watch each other, and the team that
wins the jungle battle will most likely come out victorious. If their latest
match in Super Week was a taste, then this will definitely be the best series
of the weekend. I expect both teams to show everything they have, but C9 will
have a clear edge because they are the older and a more consistent team. Dexter
has made big impacts for CLG and they will keep growing, but C9 has proven and
should prove that they are still the number one team in NA.
5. Persons to watch
Zionspartan is the strongest player from Coast and is also
their voice. If the team gets into late game, he will be the man that gives the
commands and will lead Coast to victory. Not just through skill but through
leadership. If he has a good game and the team doesn’t fall behind, anything
can happen for Coast.
Bjergsen is maybe new to the shot caller role but he'll need
to be at the top of his game if TSM wants to end in the top three and maybe
even win the playoffs. TSM is solid and will fight for every game, and Bjergsen
will definitely not be easy on his opponents. Watch out for TSM when they get
to the midgame with a good teamfighting comp or with Bjergsen on LeBlanc in a
strong pickcomp. Even his Syndra should spread fear to his opponents and not to
be underestimated. TSM won’t win or break with Bjergsen but he will have a big
part in their victory.
Meteos and Dexter: Both junglers help their team immensely
during the early game and their control around dragons and buffs will determine
the success of their matches. Both junglers should be feared, but note that
without their team they can be punished for aggressive behavior. Meteos might
opt more to farm and Dexter to roam but if they get a small lead, they will be
aggressive and dominating throughout every game.
These are my predictions for the NA LCS playoffs. Whatever
you might believe or agree too, just support your team and enjoy the matches. They
should be amazing!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
An Interview with Eefje "Sjokz" Depoortere
Foreword by Jodi McClure
Belgium-born Eefje "Sjokz" Depoortere is a paradox in a world of contradictions. Neither overtly sexy nor overtly a nerd, the LCS's alluring hostess still manages to be both of those things with the effortless ease of person who has been born into their position. She is EU LCS royalty, the queen of the court. But she is also the lone female in a heavily male dominated world - a world that probably would have been just as fine had the microphone been thrust into the hands of some busty airhead in hot pants and six-inch spiked heels.
Surviving and thriving in that potentially hostile environment is a testament to Eefje's intelligence and resourcefulness. This is no airhead they've stuck on the stage. This is a platinum level player with a Masters degree in both History and Journalism, and she knows the game inside and out. Her smile is warm and welcoming, her voice confident and demure, but with a single flash of her dangerous eyes, she can put a barrier around herself, warning any fool who dares to cross it. Delicate in appearance but tough as nails, the stage is her hood and she's got street smarts.
At once both dignified and playfully coy, reticent and outgoing, she is a living Schrodinger's Cat, managing to exist in two different states while tying them both together, and the fact that she is revered by both male and female fans alike speaks volumes to her success. Standing on a pedestal in the middle of an infamously toxic crowd, nary a condescending word is hurled in her direction. She is loved and cherished across the board, and we are honored to have her as our first LCS Central interview.
-----
Interview with Eefje "Sjokz" Depoortere
by Andy L. Bloodvayne
First off, I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to do this interview. Everyone at LCS Central is a big fan of yours. So the spring split of the EU LCS is closing out. How do you see your progression as a host since its start?
- I definitely feel like I have grown a lot since the start of Season 3 - so last year. As time went on I've moved a way a little from the pure 'Hosting' role and been able to do things like anchor the Analysis desk at the Battle of the Atlantic - I'm very happy that I am able to grow in that role.
Do you feel your understanding of the game and its dynamics has deepened since becoming host and therefore become a more integral part of the show?
- Absolutely - although I still need to learn a lot more. The LCS environment is so great to learn about the game. First off you work in a team of casters that do nothing but talk about the game most of the time, and with analyst's like Quickshot, Deficio and Jatt who I very much look up to. Besides that, talking to pros during LCS and watching all the game most certainly improves the game knowledge. That and playing, of course!
How far in advance do you start prepping for each LCS week?
- When LCS is on Thursday and Friday we prep Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and then of course additional script read-throughs and rehearsals the day of the show itself. Monday we set out the storylines for that week and start fleshing out the script, to finalize it on Wednesday. The other time is spent looking back at VODs of games both to look at teams playstyles and to review our own performance, watch games from other Leagues like OGN or NA LCS, play ourselves and other forms of preparation.
What's been your favorite part about your job? Any fond memories come to mind?
- The coolest part for me is getting to live these grand moments together with the fans who also live and love League of Legends. It always touches me when someone comes up to thank us for what we are doing because they enjoy the shows - when we should also be thanking them :)
What's your opinion on the several YouTube videos that have gone somewhat viral in the league community (Fnatic Cyanide checks out Sjokz, sjokzwhipsherhairbackandforth.com, Peke flirts with Sjokz, etc.)? Do you see them as harmless fun or is there a small part of you that finds them irritating?
- I think that most of it is harmless fun and we often sit around and laugh at the videos people make of us as well. It's part of being in the public eye that people make these things and if its funny, why not! I have a good sense of humor but there are limits of course. If I was dating everyone I am rumored to be dating I would have a very busy life! ;)
Do you have any long term goals in the e-sports industry? Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
- That is something I actually think about a lot myself - where is this leading, where am I going, the good old questions of life. But I recently realized that I wanna be where I am right now and grow as much as possible in this role. I adore League of Legends and I love this job and everything that comes with it, and I want to make the best of it for the longest time possible. And after? The sky is the limit!
Getting back to the LCS, NA seems to lack a host, opting for “analyst desk” interviews. Do you think it would benefit for them to find their own Sjokz figure or do you think that each region provides a unique flavor in its formats?
- We actually don't have a host per se on stage anymore as we did last year either. Both NA and EU LCS now have two people conducting interviews or analysis, a very similar setup. I feel like this is the best way as well. I certainly feel like people sometimes say 'NA needs a Sjokz' and just mean 'NA needs a girl!' and that is not the right approach!
How involved do you get in player drama? Since Riot's videos makes player's (and teams) personal dramas part of the show, do you keep up on what's going on in the team's lives?
- I don't feel like we ever delve deep into 'drama' that players themselves don't want to portray. The things we talk about are relevant to the storylines of the #LCS or have been brought up by the pros themselves on social media. Backstage or after shows I of course pick things up here and there, but that is not for publication! :)
To wrap things up, what are your predictions for the EU play-offs? Is there a team that stands out to you that will win and represent Europe in this year's All-Stars?
- It's going to be so incredibly close, especially on the new patch! I feel like Gambit is a team that can do very well pulling out new strats and they thrive in these tournament environments. Fnatic and Alliance have also shown that if they're on point, they are razor sharp. And then what about the first seed SK-Gaming? What can CW and Roccat show after a week of intense training? I can't predict anything, and isn't that the best thing? :)
Monday, April 14, 2014
LCS eSports Question of the Day:
Question of the Day:
How long do you think the LCS can conceivably last on its present map?
Here were some of your responses:
@TheRealTZT wrote: Until the internet dies and explodes #LCS
@AverageGuyNA wrote: I give it 3 more years, just like anything, everything has to end.
@nuggetsauce wrote: I think they're already expanding the map with NACS. They need to open up LCS size though, and perhaps double the number of games.
@Joe_Sorci wrote: I think for LoL to be relevant in the future They need to make the bad champs good You see the same champs every game #GetsOld
@SFFpunk wrote: StarCraft is still relevant today and it went competitive long ago. I think LOL is more popular, so I don't see it going away soon. I can see Riot making minor tweaks to Rift, but sports don't change fields, and I view LoL as more sport than game.
@CheetahBotVeLoL wrote: Considering competitive Tetris is still around...League will be alive & an e-sport for quite a long time if Rito plays this right.
@Matheson_Allen wrote: 2 more seasons
@Prof_Random wrote: Depends on how many champions are going to have getaways that let them go through terrain. Thresh is broken for that in a way
@CoC_Pepitas wrote: Truthfully it's hard to say. Starcraft had a 10 year cycle and was never this ingrained in the culture. I'm saying 5+.
@Zeke640 wrote: No other pro sport changes it's field, I don't see why LCS needs to. New champs, players, and strategies are what keep it alive.
@RobMeyer7 wrote: Seems the history of MOBAs + LoL presents different maps as diversions or alternates to the *main* 5v5 map. Obviously MOBAs =/= RTSs when it comes to map rotations. Has any MOBA ever switched its main focus map? So I guess my answer is: how long the present map lasts is equal to how long the LCS will last & since that itself is a non-answer to your original question, I say LCS will last another 5 years, all on its current map. :)
@SabrewoIf wrote: A S-Rift Upgrade will come at the right time and bring a whole new feel to the game, thats why SR hasnt gotten any skins recently