Buzz
(Homeland) - Riot's alterations to Worlds 2023 format presented numerous hurdles for VCS representatives - Team Whales.
Just hours ago, the results of the World Championship (CKTG) 2023 group stage draw were officially announced. GAM Esports will be in Group A alongside LOUD, PSG Talon, and Movistar R7. Meanwhile, the remaining representative of VCS - Team Whales (TW) will be in Group B with CBTC Flying Oyster, Detonation Focus Me, and the winner of the match between Golden Guardians (GG) and Team BDS (BDS).
Immediately after the draw results were announced, the League of Legends community had various predictions about the outcome of the play-in stage. However, there was a common consensus that TW from VCS is emerging as the most sympathetic team at Worlds 2023. The reason comes from Riot changing the format of CKTG 2023, leaving TW uncertain about their opponents.
'I see TW as the most sympathetic team at Worlds this year. Having to face teams from larger regions already puts them at a huge disadvantage. Moreover, Riot's format changes and scheduling the GG versus BDS match just before the play-in stage make it even more challenging for them. TW doesn't even know who their opponent is and has to prepare for both of these teams,' a player shared.
With Riot making significant changes to the tournament format, only one of the fourth-seed teams from LEC and LCS has a ticket to Worlds 2023. Hence, they've set up a match called the Worlds Qualifying Series to determine the final team to participate in the play-in stage. This match will take place on October 9th, just one day before the play-in stage begins.
Currently, the situation facing TW is incredibly challenging in terms of preparation as they are yet to even know who their opponent is. Moreover, the VCS representatives have endured this for nearly a month before the GG versus BDS match has a result. Meanwhile, the other teams in the Play-In Stage are not faced with this unfortunate circumstance.
Fundamentally, the alteration in the format of Worlds 2023 has exposed the first instance of injustice, unfortunately borne by the VCS - TW representatives. Hopefully, the collective effort of TW will devise a reasonable solution to overcome the aforementioned challenges and prepare optimally for the upcoming Worlds 2023.
