Potential unlocks in the recent League of Legends World Championship Play-In stage. 100 Thieves and Rainbow7 found themselves in an exciting situation as they faced each other for a play-in match. The esports showdown between these teams also gives a preview of what fans are about to see in the upcoming Americas merger for 2025.
Thrill filled their best-of-three series, which left R7 with a victory. The history is writing itself that perhaps merging LCS, CBLOL, and LLA might be the most genius decision of Riot Games.
A Historic Clash
It was a gripping, nerve-wracking three-game series that placed Rainbow7 on top of 100Thieves. A 2-1 victory ended in favor of R7 that gave the Latin American region their first-ever best-of-three victory in the World Stage. This achievement boosted the potential of the merged league structure to bring out the competitiveness of American teams.
Unpredictability Breeds Excitement
The series ran with excitement brought by the unpredictability of this matchup. It takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride as teams give intense action performances and heart-stopping moments. This level of uncertainty and anticipation are precisely what the fans are craving in for their regional leagues.
LCS faced criticism in recent years due to a lower quality of gameplay that diminishes the interest of the viewers. However, fans are beginning to see light in this 2025 Americas Merger after the clash between 100T and R7. Their eye for an eye match caused tingling in the nerves of viewers as teams heat up the stage with their exchange plays. Definitely, the cross-regional matchups fuel a refreshing energy to the competitive scene. It is enthralling to see different playstyle and strategies played against one another.
Bridging the Gap
Going back, LLA and CBLOL teams have initially displayed struggles to compete in the higher league of LCS. Yet, the match between 100T and R7 suggested otherwise. Perhaps, the gaps between them are in the available resources and opportunities, not in skills. Moreover, their fight also proved that Latin American teams can stood over their North American counterparts.
It is crucial to narrow down the skill gap before the merged Americas league begins. After all, the premise for this decision is to build cross-regional competitiveness. With a balanced tournament, fans are surely to tuned in and give support to the participating teams.
A New Era of Rivalry
The match between 100T and R7 gave birth to a new rivalry that goes beyond the national borders. Funny enough, it is like a reminiscent of the excitement spun by the old Rift Rivals tournament. Only except that the stakes are higher this time. The merged Americas league gave additional weight on these teams’ shoulders as this competition also serves as international qualifiers. Indeed, every game matters in the 2025 Americas League.
The 100T vs R7 match has ignited a new rivalry that spans beyond national borders. This burgeoning inter-regional competition is reminiscent of the excitement generated by the old Rift Rivals tournament, but with higher stakes. In the merged Americas league, these rivalries will have the added weight of international qualification, ensuring that every match matters.
Structure of the Merged League
In Riot Games’ announcement, the new Americas Merger League will follow this structure:
- The LCS and CBLOL serve as the North and South conferences.
- For each conference, it includes six existing partnered teams, a team from the LLA, and one spot for the ‘guest team’.
- Eight teams fight for the championship in each conference.
- A chance to be promoted or relegated in Tier 2 leagues.
- Implements a three-split structure for its seasons.
- There will be new international events after each split tournament.
With this structure, it is guaranteed that players will get more opportunities to join the peak level of competition.
Looking Ahead
The 2-1 victory sealed the match for R7 vs. 100T during the League of Legends World Play-In Stage. Their match serves as a preview of what the region will see for their upcoming 2025 Americas merger league. Definitely, the eyes are on R7 after they secured their region the first ever Worlds stage match win. This raised the anticipation for their succeeding performances in the competition.
Moreover, as the days inch closer to the end of 2024, the American teams are starting to gear up for a new league structure. The success of these teams heavily depends on Riot Games and the participation of the organizations. Riot will have to weave the perfect inter-regional story lines and rivalries. Meanwhile, team organizations just need to show impressive and intensive game performances.