After defeating Fnatic and GAM Esports, Weibo and Team Liquid are going to face one final do-or-die battle to make it to the Knockout Stage.
Day 8 of the 2024 League of Legends World Championship Swiss Stage was packed with intensity as four teams battled for survival.
In the end, Weibo Gaming outplayed Fnatic in a gripping 2-1 series, while Team Liquid crushed GAM Esports 2-1, both teams securing one last chance to make it to the Knockout Stage.
All four teams came into this crucial round with a 1-2 standing, with GAM Esports previously eliminating MAD Lions in a 2-1 upset during the first week. Here’s a breakdown of the intense matches.
Weibo Gaming triumph over Fnatic 2-1
In the opening game of the series, Fnatic drafted Jax for the top lane, Skarner jungle, Syndra mid, and rounded out their composition with Varus and Rell in the bottom lane. Meanwhile, Weibo Gaming selected Renekton for the top lane, Nidalee in the jungle, Lucian mid, and Miss Fortune with Leona in the bot lane.
Weibo Gaming seized control early, securing several kills and maintaining a slight gold advantage. However, Fnatic found ways to trade effectively, keeping the game within reach. As Weibo's early-game dominance began to fade, Fnatic’s composition scaled, and they capitalised on a crucial pick in the mid lane.
With momentum on their side, Fnatic secured most of the map's objectives and, after claiming a game-ending Baron, closed out the first game in 35 minutes with an 18-9 kill lead.
Weibo Gaming responded strongly in Game 2, making adjustments to their draft by taking Jax and Skarner for the top and jungle roles, Orianna mid, and rounding out their comp with Ezreal and Rakan in the bottom lane.
Fnatic, on the other hand, went with Gnar top, Vi jungle, Ahri mid, and Miss Fortune with Rell for the bot lane.
While Fnatic managed a few early picks, it was Weibo Gaming who took control, outplaying Fnatic in team fights and dominating the map. After 29 minutes, with a commanding 22-7 kill lead, Weibo Gaming evened the series by taking down Fnatic’s Nexus.
In the final, do-or-die Game 3, Fnatic switched things up by picking Swain mid, along with Jax and Vi in the top and jungle. Ziggs made an appearance in the bot lane alongside Rell. Weibo Gaming drafted Gnar and Skarner once again for the top lane, Ahri mid, and Ezreal with Rakan bot.
Despite Fnatic’s best efforts, Weibo Gaming dominated most of the game, finding key moments to outmanoeuvre their European opponents. After 26 minutes and a 12-5 kill lead, Weibo Gaming secured the final game and the series, eliminating Fnatic.
Team Liquid overpower GAM Esports 2-1
In the first match between Team Liquid and GAM Esports, Team Liquid drafted Aurora top, Maokai jungle, Tristana mid, and Ezreal with Rell in the bot lane. GAM Esports, playing closer to the meta, chose Jax and Vi for the top-jungle combo, Orianna mid, and Ashe-Braum bot.
GAM Esports controlled the pace of the first game, forcing fights that worked in their favour. Vietnamese stars Đỗ "Levi" Duy Khánh and Trần "Kiaya" Duy Sang dominated every encounter, leading to a 21-8 kill lead and a 35-minute victory for GAM Esports.
Team Liquid adapted in Game 2, drafting a dive-heavy composition with Nocturne for Moon "UmTi" Seong-hyeon, Renekton top, Kai’Sa bot for Sean "Yeon" Sung, and rounding it out with Neeko jungle and Rakan support. GAM Esports stuck mostly to their previous draft, swapping Jax for Gnar in the top lane.
Team Liquid exploded out of the gates, catching GAM in early skirmishes and seizing control. With UmTi’s Nocturne playing a pivotal role in teamfights, the North American team stormed to victory in 25 minutes, boasting an 18,000-gold lead.
In the final game, Team Liquid made minor changes to their draft, with K’Sante top and Ezreal bot. GAM Esports picked Jax top, Wukong jungle, Akali mid, and Jhin with Poppy in the bot lane.
Despite GAM’s efforts to fight back and contest objectives, Team Liquid's superior teamfighting, spearheaded by UmTi’s Nocturne, proved overwhelming. After delaying a Baron once, GAM could not hold back Team Liquid, who secured a 16-8 kill lead and took down the Nexus in 28 minutes to win the series.
Swiss Stage: Final Round
With their wins, Weibo Gaming and Team Liquid move forward to the final round of the Swiss Stage. Team Liquid will face FlyQuest, while Weibo Gaming go up against DPlus KIA. G2 Esports are set to clash with Bilibili Gaming.
Meanwhile, both GAM Esports and Fnatic bow out of the competition in 12th-14th place, taking home $66,750 each in consolation.
