Throughout all League of Legends competitive history there have been no regional rivalries quite as entertaining -- and superfluous -- as the North America versus European rivalry. So much so that they created a tournament with the sole purpose of giving both of these regions more time in the spotlight, all while playing into the jovial back and forth between the two.
This year, after both regions topped the rest of the world at the Mid-Season Invitational, Rift Rivals took on even more of a fun vibe. No longer did either region have to prove themselves to the rest of the world, so all six teams brought the memes out at almost every opportunity.
Whether it be with weird flex picks, pulling champions out of the trash and throwing them onto the rift, or swapping players around with substitutes and different members, it was all fun and games at the LCS Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Through the group stage, North America managed to win 3 out of 9 matches against the EU, but it was almost all dominance from the European squads.
Even in all of the fun and festivities, it was pretty obvious right out of the gate that one regions top three teams are just a step above in terms of talent. It was a pleasure for North American fans to see that their best team, Team Liquid, took 3 wins against EU teams. Including two against the same G2 Esports that wiped the floor Team Liquid not two months ago in Vietnam.
In the end, all six teams qualified for playoffs automatically -- the group stage matches are mostly just for fun -- and it would be Europe that would take it after winning three of the four games against North America. That one loss, was none other than Team Liquid beating G2 Esports yet again.
The question that everyone asks now is; does Rift Rivals prove anything? The answer is mostly yes. WIth caveats. This tournament definitely proves that the upper echelon of Europe is better and more disciplined on the rift than their Western rivals. North America’s number two and number three just couldn't really dance with Europe’s best this weekend.
It also proved that Team Liquid is probably the real deal. While some might think that Team Liquid fluked their way to the Grand Finals on the international stage, this NA sqaud can compete with the best of them, and they proved this weekend that they can definitely hold their own and even beat the best of Europe.
Next week both the LCS and the LEC will be continuing their 2019 Summer Splits, as we make out way towards the Worlds 2019 tournament, where most of these teams will face the toughest competition.
