LCS predictions for the 2022 spring split

Nicholas James Published 12/12/2021

Every LCS team has confirmed their starting roster for the 2022 spring split and LCS Lock In tournament. It’s shaping up to be an exciting time for North American League of Legends so here are our predictions for the upcoming LCS split for the most exciting rosters.

Team Liquid’s superteam threatens the LCS order

The first of our LCS predictions involves Team Liquid’s brand new superteam, with the organization shelling out money to acquire big names similar to its tactic when franchising began. Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, the most dominant domestic mid laner in North American history, has exited retirement and left his long-time organization, TSM. The only remaining members from Team Liquid’s last iteration are jungler Lucas “Santorin” Larsen and world champion support Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-In.

The final additions are Gabriel “Bwipo” Rau, swapping back from jungling for Fnatic, and AD carry Steven “Hans Sama” Liv. These five members at their height have been top players in their role for considerable lengths of time and this team has to potential to return Team Liquid to dominance.

We predict Team Liquid to start slower than expected, with their mid laner freshly returning to the stage, but to become one of the strongest teams in the spring split. They should contest defending champions 100 Thieves for the title of spring split favorites.

100 Thieves challenged by newcomers

100 Thieves’ first LCS win was a massive accomplishment for the organization, demolishing Team Liquid in the LCS finals to take home their first trophy. 100 Thieves distinguished themselves with aggressive, relentless play that kept opponents on their heels.

100 Thieves’ roster is the exact same as their previous split, with the exception of a sixth man added to the roster. Milan “Tenacity” Oleksij is a top laner than has been taking Academy and amateur play by storm. He’s made his name on 100 Thieves’ developmental rosters and has finally earned the opportunity to play alongside Kim “Ssumday” Chan-ho.

100 Thieves’ struggles at Worlds did highlight weaknesses that other teams might exploit come spring split, but we expect them to rally back to be a top-two team in North America. 100 Thieves are our favorites to win the LCS Lock In tournament, but they’re not without competition.

TSM’s rebuild makes LCS predictions difficult

North American titan TSM has completely restructured its approach to talent acquisition by bringing in two LDL talents and a PCS coach. TSM’s roster does have high potential, but none of its elements are proven enough to be placed ahead of the other rosters at the start of this year. TSM’s journey will have to be seen in practice but fans can remain optimistic.

TSM will need to be able to meet the other top teams and challenge skill check plays that teams like Team Liquid and 100 Thieves are sure to employ.

Check out our breakdown of TSM’s newest members here.

Cloud9’s church of LS defies LCS predictions

After it was leaked that Nick “LS” deCesare would be the coach of Cloud9, many fans were incredibly excited. LS has been making himself one of the scene’s premier voices for strategy, pro play, and metagame development in the past few years. Cloud9 had already valued LS’ opinion highly by hiring Max Waldo and other elements for their previous year.

Cloud9’s new roster includes several players that fans might not recognize. Kim “Berserker” Min-cheol is the T1 Academy AD carry that Cloud9 has acquired alongside support Kim “Winsome” Dong-keon, and OCE support Jonah “Isles” Rosario. Cloud9’s roster will have to work for the synergy required to contest top teams but they certainly have the potential.

Nicholas James

About Nicholas James

Nicholas James is a gaming writer with a passion for all things geekdom, as well as live theater. Nicholas is best known for covering League of Legends and other top MOBA titles, but his expertise covers numerous games across multiple genres. When not watching the LCS or playing the latest new release, Nicholas can be found doing some tabletop gaming and painting his favorite miniatures. Nicholas has also published with Hotspawn, TheGamer, Dexerto, Esports.gg and other industry outlets.

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