Edward Gaming has defeated DWG Kia to become the 2021 League of Legends World Champions. In a thrilling five-game series, EDG managed to undermine the seeming dominance of their LCK opponents DWG to take home the victory in a 3-2.
The series started with a bang, as EDG immediately struck first, taking the first point from DWG in a shock upset start. DWG had been heavily favored heading into the series, with EDG, a lower seed from the LPL, being considered a weaker opponent than others DWG had crushed in the playoffs.
But in the opening game, EDG shocked DWG, decisively claiming first blood, before striking at Baron pit and winning a crucial team fight.
This put DWG on the back foot, with the Korean team playing with renewed intensity. The team quickly equalised in Game 2, and pushed into the lead in Game 3. Despite a bump in the road, it looked like DWG was on track to be champions.
But EDG never said die. The squad were able to equalize the score, forcing a brutal game 5 situation. With Worlds 2021 on the line, EDG faced off in a new best-of-one for the entire championship.
EDG’s win ends DWG’s hopes for a repeat victory, after the team claimed the gold in Worlds 2020. The win also marks a return to form for China. The region raised the LoL Championship Trophy in 2019 and 2018, with Invictus Gaming and FunPlus Phoenix taking gold. But last year, Korea regained their champion status.
The finals in ReykjavĂk, Iceland were somewhat marred by recent revelations of deception by Riot Games. But for EDG, the victory is as pure as it can be, becoming just the 9th team in history to claim a World Championship.