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The main autumn event in esports is getting closer. Worlds 2023 - the World Championship, this year taking place in the cradle of competitive League of Legends - South Korea - is getting ready for Long Run.
The modified Worlds 2023 will kick off with the first round matches of the Play-In stage, where 8 teams will be divided into 2 baskets with 4 clubs in each. Opening the action will be PSG Talon and Rainbow7.
It is a common practice for Worlds tournaments to play in the first stages. Nevertheless, all of the Worlds matches are worth watching.
Let's see which of the teams will be stronger in the opening Worlds match and start the Play-In with an important victory, and who will have to start the Worlds on a high note. Let's go.
PSG Talon uniforms
Let's start the breakdown by analysing PSG Talon's playing form. In this duel they will play in the status of favourite.
This is indicated by the League of Legends betting sites. The odds for PSG Talon victory are at 1.1 and, in fact, everything is predetermined here.
Again, this situation is quite expected. In Minor Region matches, it's always the more titular one that takes the lead, and so in this match it's PSG Talon, who are PCS residents.
PSG Talon made it to Worlds 2023 pretty easily through the Taiwanese quota. Roughly speaking, they simply had no competition in their region.
During the year, PSG Talon were twice crowned champions of PCS home tournaments. They won at PCS Spring 2023 and PCS Summer 2023.
- PSG Talon roster: Azhi, Junjin, Maple, Wako, Woody.
In addition to regional successes, PSG Talon has been consistently recognised at the international level. And they have been doing so since their appearance on the competition scene, i.e. 2020.
At the Worlds series championships the results are as follows: TOP-12 at the 2020 Worlds, TOP-11 at the 2021 Worlds. Skipped the Worlds last year, finishing in the Top 3 on the home stage for the first time. Still appeared at MSIs, where the best result was a top-3 at MSI 2021. By the way, this year we also travelled to MSI, but we couldn't jump above the top-9.
All in all, the track record is there.
The most popular champions of PSG Talon
The most popular and successful top line champion remains Gragas (3 matches, 100% wins), and also Kennen (3 matches, 66% wins).
Wukong (6 games, 33% wins) and Sejuani (4 matches, 100% wins) play in the forest.
The centre line is played with Ahri (4 matches, 0% wins), Tristana (3 matches, 100% wins) and Syndra (3 matches, 100% wins).
The ADC position is most often occupied by Lucian (4 matches. 50% wins), Aphelios (4 matches, 75% wins).
Nami (3 games, 66% wins), Thresh (3 matches, 100% wins) are often paired with shooters.
Rainbow7 uniforms
We continue our breakdown of the first match of Worlds 2023 with an analysis of Rainbow7's form. In this match, they are playing as a number two side.
This is indicated by the odds. Bookmakers don't believe in R7 at all - the odds for their victory are at a feverish 8.
Again, everything is almost decided here. We leave room for a mini sensation, but don't hold out much hope for it.
Rainbow7 made it to Worlds 2023 under the South American quota. The Mexican club with zero Mexicans in its roster had a successful home season: first it was Top 1 at LLA Opening 2023 with a 3-2 win against Six Karma, and then Top 1 at LLA Closing 2023, where they defeated Estra Esports 3-0 in the final.
- Rainbow7 line-up: Bong, Oddie, Mireu, Ceo, Lyonz .
In addition to regional honours, Raibow7 have the experience of playing at MSI in their pocket. They got there this year after personnel changes in the lineup at the Long Season. There they expectedly showed their game by finishing in the top 11.
Worlds 2023 is the 3rd tournament of the series for the Mexican club. Rainbow7 were previously featured in the main event of the year in 2017 and 2020 and twice they finished in the top 20. There is a minimal chance of rectifying the situation now, but it is hard to believe it all.
Rainbow7's most popular champions
On the top line, the most frequent guest is Renekton (5 matches, 40% wins).
The forest is favoured by Sejuani (6 matches, 83% wins).
The centre line is for Gragas (5 matches, 60% wins).
Among shooters the most popular is the ubiquitous Zeri (7 games, 42% wins).
On support, Nautilus is the most frequent (5 matches, 60% wins).
History of head-to-head meetings
The last time the teams crossed paths with each other was in 2020, at Worlds 2020. In general, we can say that they have not played each other before.
Predicted result of PSG Talon vs Rainbow7
Considering the overall form of the teams and their performance, I don't see PSG Talon as an obstacle. They have slightly better results on the international stage and in Play-In matches it will be enough. And it will be enough for a clean 2-0 win.
Bottom line: PSG Talon wins.
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