LoL Worlds 2023 Quarterfinals - Day 1 NRG vs WBG

NRG vs WBG Games Overview

The first Bo5 series where both teams are equally favored to win so it will come down to a pretty close match in the end. The LCS team has a lot to prove and with being the only remaining Western team in the tournament, NA as a region might have a chance to redeem itself from its former reputation.

Game 1

A lot is at stake for both teams as they start the first game of the series with First Blood for Contractz, however TheShy was able to secure the kill onto Viego with the help of the top lane turret. Both teams are hovering around the top lane as NRG seeks to neutralize TheShy, but a skirmish unfolds in their jungle as Contractz falls victim Xiaohu but Palafox avenges his jungler with a trade 1 for 1. NRG showing a dominant first game as they are able to get the first Herald and kill TheShy and Weiwei. 

WBG try to stabilize the game by going for the second Herald but NRG were able to steal it by the skin of their teeth, however the LPL 4th seed was able to secure the first tower in mid lane. WBG were able to turn the tide and go for Baron, however NRG's pressure drove off WBG and NRG got the first Baron as well. Although having a strong lead, NRG seem unable to further capitalize and take the initiative as WBG look to punish any further aggressive plays.

After a long and explosive teamfight around Baron, WBG were able to secure the Baron and siege NRG's base further steamrolling their advantage as NRG fight for their life to survive. WBG were able to further push their advantage, secure the third Baron and finish NRG leading the series 1-0.

Game 2

A complete disaster for Contractz as WeiWei invaded the blue side jungle and forced Vi to flash by stealing his camps as well. WBG was able to secure First Blood on the bot lane as Rell's constant hovering and dive attempts against NRG finally paid out. A clean performance from WBG in the second game as they are able to accrue a solid gold advantage in all lanes and also secure neutral objectives. After a messy dive on bot lane by NRG, TheShy was able to teleport and secure two kills for his Aatrox.

The game slowed down allowing for Aphelios to scale into the mid game and become a big threat for future teamfights as NRG are backed into a corner. An incredible yet scrappy fight at Baron further pushed WBG's advantage in the game, however NRG were able to claim the Baron for themselves with only one player standing with the buff. Yet again, Light's Aphelios is dominating the series as Palafox's Orianna is unable to do enough damage to stop him.

WBG were able to claim Mountain soul and Baron as Xiaohu's Neeko keeps getting great ultimates onto NRG as they siege the enemy base and secure their second victory in the series going 2-0.

Game 3

A very scrappy skirmish in the red side's jungle Crisp's Heimerdinger was able to get First Blood against IgNar's Karma with the help of Weiwei. Contractz was also picked off as WBG are toying with NRG in the early game. 

Despite all of NRG's efforst, WBG are punishing the LCS 1st seed time and time again and further bolstering their lead in the series as all hope seems lost for the NA team. A fanstastic performance over the series as the LPL 4th seed are looking into locking down the win with an incredible 10K gold lead at the 25th minute of the game.

A dominant series on the side of WBG as they were able to defeat NRG and qualify for the Semifinals of the League of Legends 2023 World Championship.