After a long and exciting Summer, we finally know the six teams who are heading to the EU LCS playoffs this split. Now, all that remains is for the playoff teams to fight for positioning, and other teams to play spoiler. There are many storylines to follow across the league this season. So, if you aren’t sure who to follow, and who to cheer for this coming post-season, we can help you decide.

With the conclusion of Week 8, all six Playoff spots are now locked! The final Week of the 2018 #EULCS Regular Season and the battle for the top spots will kick off on Friday! #RoadToWorlds pic.twitter.com/SfUNKtrCla — lolesports (@lolesports) August 11, 2018

1. Splyce

If you want to root for an underdog, then Splyce is your team. This team is currently 8-8 for the split, with two tough games coming up against top team Schalke 04 and Giants Gaming. They just came off of one of the most exciting matches of the season, where Fnatic would defeat them in a 54-minute bloodbath. The name of the game for Splyce is consistency. Even until now, they have not been able to find solid consistency in their synergy and play.

For example, last week Splyce would give the worst team in the league, H2K, their first win of the split. However, the week before, they would manage to take down Misfits Gaming. This team can go from looking like a championship contender to a bottom-tier squad within a week. Splyce was able to bring back their season after a pretty bad beginning to their Summer. I do think that their run through the playoffs will depend on how well Xerxe plays in the jungle. He has to be able to push himself, especially in the early game.

Their bottom lane of Kobbe and KaSing have been pretty impressive lately, and I think they should be able to perform come the playoffs. If this team is able to defeat Schalke 04, who has been looking exceptionally strong, then they could have a chance at the title. They need a lot of momentum to help them get past the rest of the pack.

2. Team Vitality

Teamspe Vitality has been looking way better as of late, ecially with new jungler Kikis in the mix. They play really aggressively and are confident in themselves, which I believe is an effect of him joining the active roster. However, there are multiple moments where they get overaggressive with their play. They also get really cocky, especially with some of their decision making in the mid to late game. There have been multiple moments when they throw games due to their overconfidence.

Therefore, the biggest focus for Vitality right now would be to stay calm and to not get greedy when they have a lead. They do have a pretty talented roster of players, so if they are able to keep their emotions and egos in check, they could be a dangerous team come the EU LCS playoffs.

3. G2 Esports

The perennial regional champions are ready to take the crown from Fnatic this season. However, their second half of the split did not go as planned, dropping games against ROCCAT and Giants Gaming. I do think they have come to the end of the split with enough momentum to make them a strong contender though. Veteran jungler Jankos seems to have found his form just in time and looks like one of the best junglers in the EU LCS.

I also think that G2 is one of the best teams when ahead, as they love to take early towers and press their advantage whenever they can. They have one of the best early games of any team in the playoffs, so if they can play around their solo laners and gain early leads, they can be dangerous. The only problem is if they aren’t able to push the envelope and their solo lanes do not get ahead. It seems that they lose their way if Perkz and Wunder do not leave lane with a lead, so they still have some work to do before the postseason hits Europe.

4. FC Schalke 04

FC Schalke 04 have been looking quite strong this EU LCS season, especially from week five and onward. They’ve already proven themselves against the best of the best, taking games from every top team in the league except Fnatic. Their macro play and overall synergy look great, and the individual skill on the team is always on display. Vizicsacsi may be the best top laner in Europe right now, and people have been calling it The Year of the Duck for good reason.

Schalke 04 is on a five-game winning streak, with wins against Misfits, G2 Esports, and Vitality. Next week, they have matches against Splyce and H2K, which will be a good test for them going into the festivities come August 24th. This team has a lot of momentum, and every player is firing on all cylinders. Look for this dark horse to push for a Finals appearance this season.

5. Misfits Gaming

Misfits Gaming had one of the best starts to the season, going 9-0 within the first five weeks in the EU LCS. However, they are now 11-5 and have only won two games in their last seven matches. They have definitely cooled down from their hot start, but they will need to find a way to get back into form for the playoffs. They have also replaced support Mikyx with former coach Jesiz, which was a pretty confusing addition for most fans.

It seems that teams have adapted to the meta, compared to early in the season where people were still experimenting with compositions. Misfits were able to take advantage of these moments of weakness, and so they shot up the standings. They need to play more around the bottom side of the map, as I think Hans Sama could be the catalyst for their success in the playoffs. Also, Sencux needs to find his footing again, as he has been faltering as of late.

6. Fnatic

The Kings of Europe look poised to defend their crown, and they seem to be stronger than ever. They have only dropped one game in the past eight, and have looked prepared, aggressive and calculated in almost every game they played. Their star mid laner Caps seems to be a landslide MVP candidate this split and has been a huge driving force for Fnatic’s success as of late. Bwipo has been impressive in the bottom lane, but with the return of Rekkles, he can now flex his skills in the top lane where he belongs.

Fnatic may be the favorites to take it all, but they do need to be careful not to underestimate their opponents. Their jungler Broxah says that they are most afraid of teams who can pull out any strategy, like Vitality or FC Schalke 04. However, if they are able to run their gameplan, there aren’t many teams in the EU LCS who can defeat them.

What do you think of the six teams in the EU LCS Playoffs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! If you want more League of Legends content, check us out here!