Giants Gaming have taken the first step in defending their spot in the European LCS, while opponents Copenhagen Wolves are headed home.
The match was a do-or-die series for both sides and it took all five maps to decide the eventual winner. Giants came out on top in the fifth and final game, though it was Copenhagen Wolves who put the early pressure on, leading the series 2-1 at one point.
Giants fought back, however, managing to secure two victories in a row, meaning they still stand a chance of staying alive in the LCS. They will go up against Splyce on Saturday, with the winner of that series retaining their LCS spot and the loser dropping down into the decider match. The other side of the bracket sees ROCCAT face Team Huma, with the same stakes on the line.
Giants made huge changes to their roster just weeks before the end of the regular season, swapping out four of their five starting players. Only Isaac “xPepii” Flores remained on the starting lineup. Korean players Kim “Wisdom” Tae-wan and Son “Sonstar” Seung-ik joined in the jungle and AD carry position, while former Dignitas starter Lennart “SmittyJ” Warkus came in to the top lane and Morgan “Hustlin” Granberg was a surprise addition to support.
Copenhagen Wolves features veteran top laner Mike “Wickd” Petersen and former Gambit AD Carry Kristoffer “P1noy” Pederson. That veteran experience wasn’t enough to take the team past Giants. For youngsters Risto “SirNukesAlot” Luuri, Tri Tin “K0u” Lam, and Marc “Caedrel” Lamont, this defeat may still serve as valuable experience in their next LCS promotion bid.
