I think most people have heard of DWG KIA, if not, at least they’re phenomenal achievements this past year. Indeed, ever since last year, only one word has been associated with this team – ‘dominant’. However, the 2020 World Championships are not looking too hot right now – read on for an in-depth discussion on what exactly is going on and whether there is cause to worry.
Dethroned at MSI – ‘We Are Not At Our Peak Yet’
To kick things off, we need to wind back the clock to MSI 2021. Following a dominant 16-2 record at the LCK Spring 2021, DWG KIA kicked off the season where they left off, as champions of the world. With first seed in the bag, they also trounced the Group Stage of the international event followed by Stage 2.
Yet, despite being hailed the favourites, nothing prepared them for the grand final against Royal Never Give Up. Albeit a close and exciting match-up, RNG clutched up and served DWG KIA a bitter loss, one of their first in a while.
Of course, placing second at an international event is nothing to complain about. Moreso, it’s what mid-laner Showmaker told Dexerto that contributes to this discussion:
I believe we are not at our peak yet. I don’t think we are as strong as we were at Worlds last year. We’ve got some homework to do in order to bring up our performance. We’re getting picked off a lot in game when we’re trying to secure vision. Our laning phases aren’t going as well as we hope to, so we will work on those
Credits: Dexerto Interview with Showmaker
Perhaps, by being at the top for so long, many did do their homework and are adapting to the playstyle of DWG KIA.
DWG KIA Doubting Themselves Heading into LCK Summer?
Following the international event, they had some time to take a break and try sort things out. However, kicking off on June 9th, the LCK Summer would test this roster once again – one which looks slightly off.
Accordingly, after almost 3 weeks, they’ve lost as many games as in their entire Spring season. Here’s their match record so far for context:
- DWG KIA vs T1 (2-1)
- KT Rolster vs DWG KIA (2-0)
- DWG KIA vs Afreeca Freecs (2-0)
- DRX vs DWG KIA (0-2)
- DWG KIA vs BRO (1-2)
In this fashion, the organization finds itself at fourth place – the lowest they’ve been in quite some while. Meanwhile, Gen.G maintain a perfectly clean record at 5-0.
What’s more is that DWG have also recently attempted swapping roles, which clearly speaks volumes.
Swapping Roles – Clearly Out of Rhythm
Specifically, on June 17th, it was announced that the legendary Jungle player of ‘Canyon’ would be moving to Mid while ‘ShowMaker’ with reciprocate with a move to Jungle.
This happened while before their win against Afreeca Freecs, the teaam opted to sub out Ghost with substitute jungler of Malrang. This also resulted in the entire team playing a little differently, and quite sloppy too, yet still winning!
So, why have DWG KIA lost their balance? Let’s discuss a few possible reasons.
What’s Changed – Game, Competition or Team?
There are three main things I can think of to result in this new look from DWG KIA:
- Game – do note that since Worlds 2020 (Patch 10.19), we are now playing on Patch 11.11. Indeed, with how much LoL can change, it’s only natural that at times, teams need to reinvent how they play and adapt to a new style which might be the case here.
- Competition – as noted, Gen.G are now flawless to kick off the LCK Summer 2021 season. Perhaps the competition in the LCK is getting fiercer than DWG anticipated? Otherwise, perhaps teams are now preparing for them better.
- Team – after winning for so long, perhaps there are some internal problems the team needs to sort out as a unit – this is evident in the role switches. Perhaps losing MSI hurt their confidence?
DWG KIA Off-Balance But Not Falling – Brighter Days Ahead?
Again, such a discussion is only possible with a team like DWG KIA – one which has dominated the region for so long. Accordingly, upon seeing struggle upon returning to the LCK we knew we had to discuss it. However, we’re also aware that DWG KIA will likely take care of everything and be back stronger.
Indeed, if there’s a time to make mistakes to learn from it’s now – like this they have plenty of time to bounce back for Worlds later on this year! Everyone expects more, and we’re sure they’ll deliver.
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