LoL Worlds 2024 Play-In: Which Teams Will Advance? Celebrity and Analyst Picks Analyzed

The Road to the Swiss Stage: Analysts’ Top Picks for Worlds 2024 Play-In

As the League of Legends Worlds 2024 approaches, fans and analysts alike are deep in predictions. With eight teams competing in the Play-In stage, only four will advance to the Swiss stage. In an effort to uncover which teams might rise to the occasion, we gathered insights from 52 prominent analysts, including streamers, ex-pro players, and celebrities within the esports community.

Based on their expert picks, the data reveals a clear hierarchy among the teams. In this article, we break down the most likely contenders to advance, the regions they represent, and how analysts’ predictions align across the board.

The 4 Most Favored Teams to Advance

According to the 52 analysts, the following four teams emerged as the strongest picks to advance:

1. PSG Talon (PCS) – Picked 51 times
   • Region: Pacific Championship Series (PCS)
   • Why Analysts Favor PSG: With a dominant performance in recent tournaments and a strong roster, PSG is a top contender for advancement. Their consistent success in the PCS makes them a popular pick among analysts, nearly sweeping the field with 51 out of 52 analysts backing them.
2. MAD Lions KOI (LEC) – Picked 46 times
   • Region: League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC)
   • Why Analysts Favor MDK: As one of the top teams in the LEC, MDK has built a reputation for strong international showings. Analysts trust in their experience and competitive consistency, placing them as a solid second in overall picks.
3. 100 Thieves (LCS) – Picked 44 times
   • Region: League Championship Series (LCS)
   • Why Analysts Favor 100: Representing North America’s LCS, 100 Thieves are known for their resilience and adaptability. They’ve made strong strides in the global scene, with 44 analysts expecting them to push through the Play-In stage.
4. GAM Esports (VCS) – Picked 34 times
   • Region: Vietnam Championship Series (VCS)
   • Why Analysts Favor GAM: Vietnam’s GAM Esports rounds out the top four. Known for their aggressive playstyle, GAM has earned the respect of 34 analysts, who see them as a wildcard team with potential to disrupt stronger regions.

Analysts’ Complete Breakdown of Team Picks

Here’s a full breakdown of how many times each team was picked by the 52 analysts:

• PSG (PCS): 51 picks
• MDK (LEC): 46 picks
• 100 (LCS): 44 picks
• GAM (VCS): 34 picks
• SHG (PCS): 18 picks
• PNG (CBLOL): 6 picks
• R7 (LLA): 6 picks
• VKE (VCS): 3 picks

These numbers clearly demonstrate the dominance of certain teams in the analysts’ predictions, with a wide gap between the top four and the rest.

Regional Representation: Which Regions Are Dominating?

The League of Legends competitive scene spans multiple regions, and analysts’ preferences provide insights into how regions are perceived. Here’s a regional breakdown based on the picks:

• Pacific Championship Series (PCS): 69 total picks (driven mainly by PSG’s popularity).
• League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC): 46 total picks, primarily through MDK.
• League Championship Series (LCS): 44 total picks, backed strongly by 100 Thieves.
• Vietnam Championship Series (VCS): 37 total picks, thanks to GAM and VKE.
• Campeonato Brasileiro de League of Legends (CBLOL): 6 total picks (paiN Gaming).
• Liga Latinoamérica (LLA): 6 total picks (Movistar R7).

This analysis shows a strong leaning towards teams from the PCS, LEC, and LCS, reflecting the dominance of these regions in global esports. Notably, the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS) also maintains a strong presence, primarily through GAM Esports. On the other hand, regions like Brazil’s CBLOL and Latin America’s LLA are less favored, with only a handful of picks.

Predictions and Insights: Who Will Likely Advance?

Based on the numbers, it’s clear that analysts heavily favor PSG, MDK, 100, and GAM to advance to the Swiss stage. These four teams not only boast experienced rosters but also represent some of the most competitive regions in the League of Legends esports scene. Here’s why they are the most likely candidates to move forward:

1. PSG Talon (PSG): With an overwhelming 51 picks, PSG is a near-lock for advancement. Analysts believe in the strength of their playstyle and their ability to dominate smaller regions.
2. MAD Lions KOI (MDK): As a perennial favorite from Europe, MDK’s consistency and adaptability make them a top contender.
3. 100 Thieves (100T): Representing North America, 100 Thieves has proven they can compete at the highest levels. Their 44 picks place them firmly in the top tier.
4. GAM Esports (GAM): GAM Esports is a fan-favorite due to their aggressive gameplay. They may not be as dominant as the top three, but with 34 picks, they are still a strong bet to advance.

Tips for Viewers: Teams to Watch

• PSG: With nearly unanimous support from analysts, PSG is the team to watch. Their strong performances and dominant regional presence suggest they are well-prepared for Worlds.
• MDK: Always a contender, MDK is a safe pick for fans looking for a team that consistently performs well on the international stage.
• 100T: If you’re a fan of the LCS, keep an eye on 100 Thieves. They’ve consistently shown they can rise to the occasion in high-pressure scenarios.
• GAM: For viewers seeking a more unpredictable team, GAM offers excitement with their unique playstyle. While they may not be as highly favored as PSG or MDK, they are still a serious threat.

Analysts and Celebrities list

Analysis made on 24.09.2024.
Analysts list:
Abdiel, Adam, Shoutcaster, Akofena, Aloonea, Apoka, Autophil, Broeki, Caedrel, Charleemanderz, Chastefol, Chiquito, Corsario, Diamondprox, Fahren, Fancy, feviknight, Finghin, FOGUETA, Gralou, janelleyace, Jankos, Jime, JimRising, Kev, Kholio, Lahgolas, Lilynn02, LoboMolotov, Manamo, Midbeast, Minerva, Momoko, MoonFalling, Munchables, Naru, Nickdaboom, Nidhoggr, Skyyart, Raux TV, RazzieBinx, Rbiana, Smurf, Solari, Starky, Terenas, tockers, Tolkin, Venoshi, WANDAKUN, YamatoCannon, Yotalogy, Zanzarah.

Conclusion: Who Will Advance to the Swiss Stage?

While anything can happen on the Rift, the data from these 52 analysts presents a clear picture. The four most likely teams to advance from the Play-In stage of the League of Legends Worlds 2024 are PSG Talon, Mad Lions KOI, 100 Thives, and GAM Esports. Each of these teams not only boasts impressive records in their respective regions but also has garnered overwhelming support from the analysts.

As the Play-In stage unfolds, these teams are the ones to keep an eye on. Will the analysts’ predictions hold true, or will we see an unexpected underdog rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but for now, these are the teams to watch.