TL vs LNG: can NA make the upset? – Worlds 2024 Swiss Stage Preview

Is TL in a position to take down LNG in the first round of the Worlds 2024 Swiss stage? Check out our breakdown on the series.

Image Credit: Tom Chansiraphet/Riot Games

TL vs LNG – if there is a chance, it’s now

TL was the other Western team alongside FNC (who will face DK, see their breakdown) among the Worlds Pool 2 teams and unfortunately, they probably got the best team from Pool 3, LNG.

While I rate LNG quite highly, I also believe there are good chances for TL to make an upset happen. Let’s see why.

Swiss Stage Match Breakdown

There is one premise with the series: the LNG we might see will not be the level LNG is usually used to. While Scout was confirmed to take part at Worlds, all the various situations must have somewhat influenced the team’s preparation heading into the tournament, considering they weren’t sure he would participate right from the start.

This means that LNG might still need some time to figure out what works best for them. Nonetheless, I still expect them to be one of the eight teams heading into the Knockout stage. With two carries like Scout and GALA, the team’s ceiling cannot be low.

My main question mark about LNG is how Zika and Mark will deliver: they are solid players but not outstanding ones so they will have to find a way to make up the individual skills through macro and teamfighting.

With that in mind, I believe TL can keep up with LNG. The team has already shown some potential at MSI earlier this season. If UmTi, who should be comfortable in this meta, can find opportunities in the mid and bot side of the map, we can have a series on our hands.

Impact and Zika are likely going to have a handshake matchup while APA will have pull out a rabbit out of a hat against one of the best mids in the world. While the match is still LNG favored, having a close game against them will increase TL’s chances to become a top 8 candidate for the rest of the Swiss stage.