The Dark Horses Coming Into League of Legends Worlds 2023

As we prepare ourselves for the launch of League of Legends Worlds 2023, let us take a moment to reflect on Worlds 2022. DRX’s dark horse run was unprecedented and their victories over more heavily favored teams at the event was one of the biggest highlights of the tournament.

Everyone loves a good underdog story, and that is essentially what a Dark Horse provides in a tournament. An exciting albeit unlikely run to the top. Without further ado, here are the Dark Horse teams coming into League of Legends Worlds 2023.

KT Rolster

Gwak "Bdd" Bo-seong. 2017 World Championship Group Stage at Wuhan Sports Center Gymnasium in Wuhan, Hubei, China on 8 October 2017. Credit: LoL Esports.

Coming in at the top of the list is KT Rolster. Composed of some of the strongest veterans in the South Korean scene, KT Rolster is a sleeper pick for Worlds 2023. Their lineup includes illustrious names like long-time mid lane legend “Bdd”, former Worlds champions “Cuzz”, and one of the most exciting and sturdy supports in “Lehends.” This is not a team to be trifled with and will be a sure test for those favored to win the event. Should they not be able to pass this team with flying colors, they will be unlikely to win the tournament.

DPLUS KIA

Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu of DRX poses at the League of Legends World Championship Groups Stage on October 9, 2022 in New York City. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Next up, we have a remake of the ‘Return of the King,’ with defending champion “Deft” back to the Worlds stage. By his side is an enviable lineup that includes some of Korea’s best. “Canyon” in the Jungle always promises to deliver and has consistently been rated one of the best junglers in the world. “ShowMaker,” was for a time, considered to be one of the mid laners who could compete with “Faker” in the later years of the latter’s career and continues to deliver consistency and experience. In their top lane, they have T1 alumni in “Canna.” Not a bad lineup for Korea’s 4th seeded team.

Moreover, we all remember what Korea’s 4th seed was able to do last year. Perhaps history repeats itself.

Weibo Gaming

Kang "TheShy" Seung-lok. 2018 World Championship Semifinals Stage at the Gwangju Women's University Universiade Gymnasium in Gwangju, South Korea. Credit: LoL Esports

“TheShy” returns to Worlds after 4 years. Despite winning in 2018 with Invictus Gaming and earning notoriety as one of the best mechanical top laners of his generation, “TheShy” has faded a little more into obscurity in recent years. In 2023, Weibo finally managed to make it to Worlds with a strong core of players. Having finished 5th-6th in the Summer Playoffs, Weibo picked up steam just in time for the last qualifiers to Worlds, finishing in 2nd place ahead of EDG.

Their innovate and bold gamestyle has led them to a Worlds appearance and they have shown their capabilities to face down some of the world’s best. Do not discount this team, for if “TheShy” returns to his old ways, Weibo may just very well make a dream run.

Fnatic

Ivan "Razork" Martin of Fnatic poses at the League of Legends World Championship Play-Ins Features Day on September 26, 2022 in Mexico City, Mexico. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

Last but not least, we have Fnatic. We did consider G2 for dark horse candidacy, but we decided we had to give Europe some hope. Fnatic’s resurgence in form from their Winter run to their Summer Playoffs performance with new ADC “Noah” has some salivating at the prospect of another LEC team being able to give Eastern teams a run for their money.

With some talented individuals on their squad such as “Razork” and “Humanoid”, alongside rookie “Oscarinin” and stellar support “Trymbi,” this is a deadly second squad that Europe has produced.

Conclusion

Either way, Worlds 2023 is shaping up to be a spectacular affair, and there are many teams from all the regions to cheer for. Whilst there are of course the notable favorites, it is worth noting that there are perhaps nearly as many dark horse candidates that could very well steal the show.

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Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games