Despite only having climbed to the top of Europe in 2015, Unicorns of Love and H2K-Gaming represent two of the most defined brands in the EU LCS. Like old friends, we expect them to behave a certain way. H2K adhere to a rigid sense of how to play the early game and avoid the mess of a team fight as much as possible. Unicorns of Love devise puzzling strategies around risks other teams would rather not take.

On Saturday, H2K-Gaming and Unicorns of Love clash again with new lineups. For the past two years, despite multiple roster changes, H2K and UoL’s approaches have remained similar to those of their debut. Based on the games both teams have played so far, this could be the split where H2K unveil a radically different identity. Until then, Unicorns of Love can take advantage of a less stringent early game to claim victory.

Both Unicorns of Love and H2K squeezed their way into the expanded LCS in 2015 with low expectations, but both performed substantially better than expected, finishing second and third respectively in their debut split — and then the similarities end.

H2K-Gaming hiccuped at the start, only establishing momentum when Yoo “Ryu” Sangook grew comfortable, and Raymond “kaSing” Tsang joined the roster as starting support. Soon after, however, they became the team that snubbed their noses at 5v5 tussles, the team that looked to push side lanes and crow the virtues of the lane swap.

Even with radical changes in 2016, H2K retained their solo laners and coach Neil “pr0lly” Hammad. Developing side lane-focused macro play and avoiding fights became the team’s stated objective, and their seemingly highbrow approach allowed them to cast a shadow on the rowdier G2 Esports — at least until playoffs, when their infamous stubbornness often resulted in the collapse of their drafts and confidence.

Unicorns of Love have never preached such lofty notions. Their adherence to well-executed cheese in 2015 and reason-defying decision-making once made me feel as if UoL were the only European team I actually had to be paid to watch. Victory came at a near-efficient 50/50, and in this manner they slogged through two five-game series to second place in their debut season.

Erratic behavior didn’t work as well for Unicorns in subsequent splits, but they’ve hovered around fifth place in the regular season with second place Regional Final finishes in both 2015 and 2016, narrowly missing Worlds. As time progressed, their calls improved, but their roster remained inconsistent, duct taped together by top laner Tamas “Vizicsacsi” Kiss and Zdravets “Hylissang” Galabov.

What came to define the Unicorns was more a question of “Why not?” While H2K-Gaming adhered to a more staunch set of rules, Unicorns played with the fringe of what they could get away with. What champions and builds were almost relevant? What strictly (and almost literally) countered a certain champion? They brought unique Level 1s and unique champion picks. Unicorns got away with risks most teams wouldn’t attempt.

Given H2K and UoL’s philosophies have lasted four splits apiece, it’s likely they’re driven by core players and coaches. Based on the constant testimony of his players, pr0lly’s view of the game has shaped their approach, but the Unicorns are less forthcoming.

View photos Jankos in the first week of EU LCS 2017 More

The opening week of the 2017 season, however, has told a different story, especially for H2K. Unicorns of Love still retain their core fringe-teasing identity, but they played with more control and synergy around their jungler than they seemingly ever have.

Unicorns of Love’s first game against Team Vitality carried many of their old conventions. Vitality first picked Rengar, and Unicorns responded with a rotation of Poppy and Ivern. Poppy provides disengage from flanks. Ivern’s unpredictable pathing, near instant shield, and ability to chain with heavy initiators makes it a strong choice against Rengar, but the addition of Lulu made a Rengar jumping from brush next to useless.

Story continues