On June 15, 2023, DRX became the first team to advance from the Play-In stage to the World Championship Final of League of Legends. This historic achievement came after months of hard work and determination from both the players and coaches. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how DRX managed to achieve this feat and what it means for the future of competitive League of Legends.
DRX’s Journey to Worlds: From Play-In to Grand Finals
DRX was one of 12 teams that qualified for the 2023 LCS Spring Split Play-In, a tournament held to determine which teams would advance to the LCS Championship Series. DRX played in Group A, alongside Royal Never Winter and Gen.G Esports. After finishing third in the group with a record of 6-10, DRX was eligible for the Play-In Gauntlet.
The Play-In Gauntlet is a series of best-of-five matches that pits the bottom two teams from each group against each other. The winners of the Gauntlet advance to the LCS Championship Series, while the losers are eliminated. DRX faced off against Gen.G Esports in the first round of the Gauntlet and won 3-1, securing their spot in the next round.
In the second round, DRX faced off against Royal Never Winter and emerged victorious once again with a 3-0 sweep. This put DRX in the third place match, where they faced off against Gen.G Esports again. Despite being down 0-2, DRX managed to come back and win the series 3-2, securing their spot in the LCS Championship Series.
The LCS Championship Series is a double round-robin tournament featuring the top eight teams from each region of the world. Each team plays four matches against every other team in the group, with the top two teams advancing to the World Championship Final. DRX finished first in their group with a record of 14-6 and earned a spot in the World Championship.
What Makes DRX Different?
DRX’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including their strong coaching staff, talented roster, and teamwork. Coach Kim "SooHwan" Wan Ho has been with DRX since its inception and has played a key role in building the team from scratch. He is known for his strategic mindset and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, which was crucial in helping DRX advance through the Play-In tournament.
DRX’s roster is also a factor in their success. They have a mix of experienced players and up-and-coming talents, including top laner Jeong "Imp" Wan Ho, mid laner Kim "ChoiWoong" Woo Woo, and support player Lee "Takkeo" Si Woo. This combination of skill and experience allowed DRX to overcome their opponents in the Play-In tournament and succeed in the LCS Championship Series.
Finally, DRX’s teamwork was crucial in their success. They worked together as a unit, constantly communicating and adapting to changing circumstances on the field. This helped them stay focused and maintain their composure during high-pressure situations, which was especially important in the Play-In tournament where one loss could mean the end of their season.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Competitive League of Legends?
DRX’s success has significant implications for the future of competitive League of Legends. First and foremost, it shows that even teams that start in the Play-In can still advance to the World Championship. This opens up more opportunities for up-and-coming teams and players who may not have had a chance to compete at the highest level before.
Additionally, DRX’s success demonstrates the importance of teamwork and strategic thinking in competitive League of Legends.