by Excel Esports are leading the LEC Summer Split group stage standings after defeating MAD Lions but are tied with G2 Esports with a 4-1 record. Having suffered only a lone defeat at the hands of G2 in five outings, Excel have proven to be a top-tier team.
While some fans believed the team’s first-place position at the start of the tournament was a fluke. The team led by head coach Joey “YoungBuck” Steltenpool have continuously been consistent with their stellar performances.
MAD Lions came into the game on the back of a huge win against Fnatic. Pegged as one of the best teams in the league, the team was the favorite to win the game with the top betting sites. But were handed a thrashing by Excel Esports in their second week 2 fixture.
While their new laner Yasin “Nisqy” Din?er, who seems to have settled in quickly with the franchise, adds some depth to the team. Even he could not be of much help to the team against the British esports organization. The Belgian, who joined the team from Fnatic secured the lone kill recorded by the Spanish-owned franchise.
Excel’s opening moment in the best-of-one outing was nothing short of dominating. They posted a perfect three-man dive in the bottom lane, recorded by jungler Mark “Markoon” van Woense. At the top lane was Erlend “nukeduck” V?tevik Holm who made a great roam, they looked compact and confident in their approach.
Under 17 minutes, Excel Esports had secured three dragons, locked in two Rift Heralds, and only lost two towers. Their gameplay was stellar with Markoon acting as a perfect catalyst for the team, allowing bot laner Patrik “Patrik” Jiru and mid-laner Nukeduck the opportunity to eliminate their opponents.
Excel Esports secured 18 kills as opposed to MAD Lions’ lone kill. Patrik led Excel with 9 kills and 7 assists, with Markoon behind him with 7 kills and 8 assists. Nukeduck was the only player who suffered a defeat to MAD Lions’ Nisqy but recorded 2 kills and 9 assists of his own.
The lone death is a key performance indicator of how almost perfect Excel Esports performed, alongside great team fight positioning. Their early dominance saw them secure a massive lead that MAD Lions could not withstand. In 21 minutes, Excel had destroyed MAD Lions’ nexus, leaving the strong and fierce team that took down Fnatic in impressive fashion with their heads hanging low.
Excel Esports have thus far had a good run in the summer split, securing wins against Team Vitality, Fnatic, Misfits Gaming, and MAD Lions. They have been pegged as a possible challenger for the title, having defeated two championship contenders.
They will be taking on Rogue Esports in their first week 3 fixture and the last place Team BDS in their second.
