˗ˏˋ𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐬⁷ˎˊ˗ •ᴗ•

Zeus at −4.5 support proximity is the most telling dot on this chart, and it sums up HLE’s Worlds pretty well. Pre-MSI and at MSI, they were the best-reading team in the world. Their drafts were sharp, their macro felt smooth and decisive, and they knew exactly when to collapse on a skirmish. That’s how they beat BLG 3-2 in the final. By Worlds, a lot of that had faded. The drafts weren’t on the same level, the macro looked less coordinated, and the skirmishes that used to be their strongest area had too many miscommunications. Now compare that to the top-right corner. Kiin and Bin both get more jungle attention than their opponents and play with their supports, and both their teams are in the Worlds final. HLE’s top side just didn’t get the same attention, which looked more like a team-wide game plan issue than anyone’s fault, and that matters more for them than for most teams. Zeus was MSI Finals MVP for a reason: he did a lot of the heavy lifting in that final and showed again how much he can carry when he gets the chance. At Worlds, the circumstances just didn’t allow for it. As a fan this one stings, but I’m not worried. This roster has way more skill than this Worlds showed, and they proved earlier this year what they look like when everything clicks. Underwhelming run, but I’m confident they’ll come back a lot stronger next year. 🧡