CLG stuck together throughout the LCS and MSI © Riot esports

The dust has settled, The Mid Season Invitational is over, and the Koreans have triumphed again. After an uncharacteristically poor group stage, SKT brought it back together in the bracket stage and defeated America’s faithfuls, Counter Logic Gaming, in the final 3-0. However, CLG showed up the as the real winner of the tournament, showing the naysayers that they weren’t just any NA team, but a developing international threat. By their “Respect all, fear none” mantra, they powered through the group stage as the second seed and had what is likely the strongest North American international performance of all time.

It’s no secret that CLG came into the Mid Season Invitational as underdogs -- Many experts predicted them to be unable to make it out of the group stage based on their LCS finals performance and weak role players. This criticism was hardly new either, as it was levied against them at the beginning of the LCS split. However, just as they persevered and showed their dedication to victory during the LCS regular season and playoffs, they fought on against the best teams each major region had to offer.

Kicking out the gate

From the beginning of the event, CLG looked to be more competitive than anyone imagined. They split some incredibly close games with Royal Never Give Up and Flash Wolves, edging out a victory against the latter. It was clear that CLG’s ability to punish the opposing team’s mistakes and turn the tides of just about any teamfight had them more of a threat than anyone imagined. In fact, prior to their victory over Flash Wolves, it is well known that FW support SwordArT, claimed that CLG was the worst team in the group stage — aside from the wildcard team, that is. The first day proved that CLG was not to be underestimated and were certainly not the worst team (that honor would eventually go to G2 Esports).

Funnily enough, the upstart team would lose to the Turkish team, Supermassive, but quickly bounced back from that folly of a game. A win over SKT in the group stage would solidify CLG’s legitimacy at the tournament, being the first North American team to ever take out the storied team. There were no questions anymore -- CLG showed no fear, were ready to play and had their eyes set on the tournament, rather than a measly group stage.

CLG exhibited many qualities of the former North American hope, Cloud9, in their triumph over the group stage. Gold deficits and kill deficits were not enough to down the team, as they even came back from the seemingly colossal 17k gold deficit against RNG. The team’s clear shotcalling, led by star support player, Aphromoo, never had them clamoring for a chance, but rather lying in wait for their opponent’s next mistake. No skittish tendencies, no suicidal barons — Just fairly measured play for a North American team.

CLG did not shy away from the MSI spotlight © Riot esports

CLG’s teamwork in general was quite admirable. Coming into MSI, many saw CLG as one of the less talented rosters, with players like Huhi and Xmithie clearly being at odds in their respective positions. Huhi had his fair share of mechanical struggles, failing more than a few Shurima shuffles on the likes of Azir, but played well as a facilitator for Stixxay in teamfights and as a key part of their 1-3-1 strategy. Xmithie also proved to be the tipping point for CLG in the early game, out-farming his adversaries and generally being a menace when it came to river control.

The knockout stage saw little different from CLG, as they rolled over the Flash Wolves in a 3-1 series, showing superior champion pool flexibility at both bottom lane positions and superior late game teamfighting. Stixxay and Aphromoo both forced FW into uncomfortable pick/ban situations and even when there were answers, CLG only had more questions for the pups — They even brought out Sona at the support position, throwing the mother of all curve balls, as she hasn’t seen consistent competitive play in years. CLG played their game the whole way through and showed little care in the world.

Perhaps that is what is most respectable about their later performance against SK Telecom T1 in the finals — Even down a game in the finals, CLG was bold enough to draft the exact same composition two games in a row, against the reigning IEM and Riot world champions. While it may not have been the best move strategically, it sends a message that they’re not a unit to back down, not even to the mightiest of foes. Even against SKT, they had solid games, making North American fans everywhere proud of the scrappy team.

CLG was supposed to be that middle of the pack team this Spring, but they turned out to be the most commendable North American team, winning the LCS and becoming the first NA team to make a Riot final. CLG revels in being the underdog; not because it is a position where there is no pressure, but because it is the best position to prove everyone wrong.

Regardless of the situation, regardless of the opponent, CLG is ready to play their game and do whatever it takes to win. That’s something that North America has been missing for a while, and should be glad to have back in the Counter Logic unit.