The 2024 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) witnessed a truly unique matchup between representatives from the LPL (League of Legends Pro League) and the LEC (League of Legends European Championship). Traditionally, the LPL, boasting a vast player pool and intense competition, is considered a powerhouse in international tournaments. This time, however, expectations were shattered as G2 Esports, the LEC’s representative, demolished Top Esports (TES) in a clean 3-0 sweep.
But this wasn’t just any ordinary 3-0. This BO5 (best-of-five) series etched itself into MSI history for a more peculiar reason – neither team’s primary carry activated their champion’s unique passive ability in the second game.
Let’s delve deeper into this unprecedented event.
A Tale of Two Ad Carries: The Power of Positioning and Patience
JackeyLove’s Frustrating Draven:
TES’ star AD Carry, JackeyLove, opted for Draven, a champion whose passive, “Glories of War,” rewards aggressive play by showering the champion with gold upon securing kills. Unfortunately for JackeyLove, G2’s dominant performance throughout the game left him with zero kills and a constant threat of death. This effectively rendered Draven’s passive useless, crippling his gold income and delaying his power spike.
Hans Sama’s Untouchable Kog’Maw:
On the other side of the rift, G2’s AD Carry, Hans Sama, piloted Kog’Maw, a hyper-carry known for his devastating late-game potential. Kog’Maw’s passive, “Living Artillery,” spawns a void monster replica upon his death that chases enemies and explodes, dealing significant area-of-effect damage. However, the brilliance of G2’s strategy lay in protecting Hans Sama so effectively that he remained unscathed throughout the entire game. This not only denied TES the opportunity to capitalize on his death with the Living Artillery passive but also allowed Hans Sama to scale safely into a late-game monster.
A Microcosm of the Matchup: G2’s Superior Strategy vs. TES’ Frustrations
This anomaly in the second game perfectly encapsulated the larger story of the entire series. G2’s calculated aggression and team-oriented approach stifled TES’ early game aggression and shut down their win conditions. JackeyLove’s Draven, reliant on snowballing through kills, became a non-factor. Conversely, Hans Sama’s Kog’Maw, protected by his team and allowed to farm safely, became an unstoppable force in the late game.
G2’s Tactical Masterclass:
G2’s victory wasn’t solely a result of JackeyLove’s struggles. Their meticulous champion select and strategic execution deserve significant credit. By drafting champions that excel at lane control and objective securement, G2 choked out TES’ aggression and pressured them on all fronts. This suffocating pressure further amplified JackeyLove’s predicament and prevented him from finding any breathing room.
TES’ Unsolved Puzzle:
For TES, the series exposed their vulnerability to well-coordinated play. Their aggressive playstyle, while effective in the LPL, proved unsuited against G2’s calculated approach. Unable to secure early kills or snowball their lead, they were left scrambling for answers as G2 systematically dismantled their game plan.
History Repeats Itself:
This defeat marked yet another unexpected exit for the LPL at an international tournament. Historically, the LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) has been their biggest challenger. However, G2’s victory demonstrated that other regions are increasingly capable of challenging the LPL’s dominance.
Beyond the Upset: The Enduring Legacy of the “No-Passive” Game
The second game of this MSI series will undoubtedly be remembered for the unique phenomenon of both AD Carries failing to activate their passives. However, a closer look reveals a deeper story about team strategy, player positioning, and the importance of adaptability in a high-pressure environment. G2’s triumph serves as a reminder that meticulous planning and strategic execution can trump individual heroics. TES, on the other hand, must re-evaluate their approach to international competition and adapt to the evolving global meta. The 2023 MSI will forever hold a place in League of Legends history not just for G2’s dominant win but also for the unprecedented “No-Passive” game that highlighted the strategic nuances and ever-changing landscape of professional League of Legends.
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