This was not the semifinal that anyone expected from this side of the bracket. Invictus Gaming had their hands full against KT Rolster last weekend, and they were about a 3-1 underdog to advance per the eSports betting odds. However, they won the first two games of the series and eventually rallied to win the fifth game after losing Games 3 and 4 to the Korean champs. Invictus getting to the semifinals was an upset, but it wasn’t in the same ballpark as G2 Esports knocking off Royal Never Give Up.
G2 was a massive underdog against RNG. RNG was the undisputed best team in the world coming into Worlds after winning the Mid-Season Invitational, two domestic titles, and leading China to a win over Korea at Rift Rivals. Myself and others gave them no chance, but they paid the doubters no mind and ended up besting RNG in an epic five-game series.
Now these teams will meet with a spot in the World Championship Finals on the line. Neither team has reached this stage before, and nerves could be a major factor with so much at stake.
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2018 League of Legends World Championships Semifinals Betting Odds
Invictus Gaming -265
G2 Esports +205
Let’s break this one down tale of the tape style by looking at all of the individual match-ups
Top Lane
Invictus have one of the most talented top laners in the world in TheShy, and a very good reserve in Duke. Neither player has an incredibly impressive KDA at Worlds, but TheShy’s presence has been felt throughout the tournament as he has bulldozed his opponent in lane quite a few times. G2’s Wunder has alternated between carries and tanks in the top lane, but at this tournament he has largely played either Aatrox or Urgot. If those champions are banned out, it will be interesting to see if he takes a safe champion like Ornn or goes with another pick.
Edge: Invictus Gaming
Jungle
Jankos has been hit or miss this season. The veteran jungler has had some great pathing, and he has had some fantastic Baron steals too, but he has also made some big mistakes that have cost his team. Jankos has been at his best on an early game champion like Olaf or Nocturne, yet his ability to perform well on Gragas limits G2’s options. Ning is a jungler that will look to match his early aggressiveness. He has played 10 games or more of Camille and Xin Zhao according to Games of Legends, and he will look to grab one of those picks or perhaps go with Kindred or Lee Sin for an early game advantage.
Edge: Even
Mid Lane
Rookie has been the best mid laner in the world over the course of the year. While Faker has struggled, he has shined and his play has been pivotal for Invictus’ success. He has a 5.3 KDA in all matches this year per Games of Legends, and he has showed proficiency on almost 20 champions. G2’s best player is mid laner Perkz, and he has been great too. Perkz was the lynchpin of the team throughout the year, and his presence has meant almost as much as his play. However, it’s going to be tough for him to get the upper hand here.
Edge: Invictus Gaming
Bottom Lane
Props to G2’s bottom lane for coming up huge over the last couple years. Hjarnan and Wadid were the team’s weak link until recently, but both players have come up huge and Hjarnan was fantastic in the upset of G2. Meanwhile, Invictus’ bottom lane of JackeyLove and Baolan has been solid too, although JackeyLove has made some crucial mental errors at times. Still, he is more mechanically gifted than his counterpart.
Edge: Invictus Gaming
Prediction
I’m in the same position as last week. I tried to come up with a reason to back G2, but it’s been hard. They just don’t have the talent of Invictus, and as long as Invictus don’t make some of the early game mistakes that have plagued them in the past, they should win this series.
At BookMaker Sportsbook, our team of writers breaks down every betting matchup on the wagering board. eSports are exploding in popularity and we at BookMaker have you covered for all of your betting needs.
From League of Legends to CS:GO, BookMaker has all of the eSports betting lines you can hope for. Open an account and get in on the action today!
