LoL Worlds Power Rankings: See The Teams To Watch

For the bigger picture and full context, make sure you read our main guide on League of Legends World Rankings: Top Teams to Watch.
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Predicting who will hoist the Summoner's Cup at Worlds is a yearly obsession. But where do you even begin to sort through the contenders? That's where lol worlds power rankings come in, giving you a snapshot of each team's perceived strength heading into the tournament. This article dives deep into how those rankings are formed and which teams are poised to make a splash.
At a glance:

  • Understand the key factors that drive LoL Worlds power rankings.
  • Identify the top-tier teams and potential dark horses.
  • Grasp the importance of regional strength in predicting international success.
  • Learn how recent performance, meta adaptation, and player skill influence rankings.
  • Get insights into specific team strengths and weaknesses.

Decoding LoL Worlds Power Rankings: It's More Than Just Wins

LoL Worlds power rankings aren't just about who has the most wins. They are a complex calculation considering many factors. These rankings aim to provide a realistic prediction of a team's chances against international competition. Want a broader view of the landscape? Explore the Top Teams Here.
Think of it like this: Team A might dominate their region, but if that region is considered weaker overall, their ranking might be lower than Team B, who performs well in a stronger region.

Key Ingredients in the Power Ranking Sauce

Several crucial elements shape the lol worlds power rankings. Ignoring any of these factors can lead to inaccurate predictions.

  • Recent Performance: This is the most obvious. How has the team performed in their recent matches and tournaments? Wins and losses matter, but so does how they win or lose. Were games clean stomps, or nail-biting comebacks?
  • Player Skill & Synergy: Individual brilliance can carry a team, but synergy and teamwork are vital for sustained success. Are the laners consistently winning their matchups? Is the jungle providing effective ganks and objective control? How well do they teamfight together?
  • Meta Adaptation: League of Legends is constantly evolving. A team that can quickly adapt to new patches, champion picks, and strategies is far more likely to succeed.
  • Regional Strength: A team's performance must be considered relative to the strength of their region. Dominating a weaker region may not translate to international success against tougher opponents.
  • International Experience: Teams with a proven track record at major international tournaments like MSI and Worlds are generally ranked higher. They've been through the pressure cooker.

The Top Tiers: Contenders, Pretenders, and Dark Horses

Based on the factors above, here's a look at the frontrunners and some teams that could surprise:

The Favorites

  • Gen.G (LCK): This team is the epitome of consistency and all-around skill. Their roster is stacked with talent, and they've shown dominance in the LCK and won MSI. However, their recent loss to HLE in the LCK finals shows they are not invincible.
  • Bilibili Gaming (BLG) (LPL): Consistently dominating the LPL splits shows their strength. Exceptional in every role allows for dominant performances that keep them a favorite.

The Contenders

  • Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) (LCK): HLE won the LCK finals, defeating Gen.G. Consistent throughout the year.
  • T1 (LCK): The reigning World Champions, T1, still have the potential to reclaim the throne. Their victory at the Esports World Cup proves they can still perform at the highest level, but inconsistency remains a concern.
  • Top Esports (TES) (LPL): Consistently placing in the top of the LPL, TES has shown they can compete with the best. Finishing second at the Esports World Cup also shows their strength. However, Mid laner Creme is considered their weak link.

The Dark Horses

  • LNG Esports (LPL): With the talent to compete with the top teams, LNG could make a deep run. The emergency substitution of Yagao for Scout due to travel issues is a definite blow.
  • G2 Esports (LEC): As the strongest team from the West, G2 has the potential to upset some of the Eastern powerhouses. However, recent struggles in Europe and questionable macro decisions raise concerns.

Regional Power Plays: Why LCK and LPL Reign Supreme

Historically, the LCK (Korea) and LPL (China) have been the dominant regions in League of Legends. This regional strength heavily influences lol worlds power rankings. Here's why:

  • Infrastructure and Coaching: These regions have invested heavily in infrastructure and coaching, leading to a higher overall level of play.
  • Competition: The sheer number of talented players and competitive teams in these regions forces teams to constantly improve.
  • Discipline and Work Ethic: LCK and LPL teams are known for their rigorous training schedules and dedication to the game.
    Looking at the Global Power Rankings (GPR) reinforces this:
  1. LCK: 1755
  2. LPL: 1604
  3. LTA North: 1394
  4. LEC: 1341
  5. LCP: 1294
  6. LTA South: 817
    The gap between LCK/LPL and the other regions is significant.

Practical Playbook: Predicting Worlds Upsets

So, how can you use this information to make your own predictions and maybe even call some upsets? Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Start with the Rankings: Use established lol worlds power rankings as a baseline, but don't take them as gospel.
  2. Analyze Recent Matches: Watch VODs (Videos on Demand) of recent games from the teams you're interested in. Pay attention to their playstyle, strengths, and weaknesses.
  3. Consider the Meta: How well does each team adapt to the current meta? Do they have champion pool diversity?
  4. Look for Hidden Strengths: Are there any underrated players or overlooked strategies that could give a team an edge?
  5. Factor in Pressure: How well does each team perform under pressure? International experience is key here.
    Example:
    Let's say Team X is ranked 8th, and they're facing Team Y, ranked 5th. On paper, Team Y should win. However, Team X has shown a strong understanding of the current meta and has a few pocket picks that could surprise Team Y. Moreover, Team Y has struggled in high-pressure situations in the past. This could be a recipe for an upset.

Quick Answers: Common Questions about LoL Worlds Power Rankings

  • Are power rankings always accurate? No. They're a prediction based on available data, but upsets happen!
  • Do power rankings influence the teams themselves? Potentially. Some teams might feel added pressure if they're highly ranked, while others might use a lower ranking as motivation.
  • How often are power rankings updated? Typically, power rankings are updated regularly leading up to and during Worlds, reflecting the latest results and meta shifts.
  • What is GPR? GPR is a measure of a team's strength in Tier 1 play, calculated using team performance, strength of opponent, difference in power score, margin of victory, game win/loss, and context of play. GPR is driven by international results.
  • Does laneswapping affect rankings? Yes, understanding of laneswaps can impact rankings.

From Prediction to Playoff Brackets: Your Worlds Edge

LoL worlds power rankings offer a valuable starting point for understanding the competitive landscape of the tournament. By combining these rankings with your own analysis and insights, you can gain a deeper understanding of each team's potential and make more informed predictions. Don't just blindly follow the rankings; use them as a tool to explore the storylines and potential upsets that make Worlds so exciting.