Disclaimer: I am a T1 fan, but I am also a fan of the game of League as a whole, and for that reason I am writing this post. It is opinionated and if anyone wishes to discuss their opinions, feel free to go for it.
Normally, I would say that we should respect WBG, they are in the finals for a reason, we should not underestimate them, etc. Especially after last year where the underdog DRX won, people have been more wary of their predictions because it proved that miracles could happen and we shouldn’t base it solely on statistics. However, WBG was on a red carpet going to the finals wherein they had NRG (NA, do I really have to explain) and BLG (who got stomped by T1 which proved that they aren’t the same team who was good at MSI). This isn’t like Suning back in 2020, they lost as the underdogs, but beat TES and JDG along the way, which proved they deserve to be in the finals even though they are statistically weaker than Damwon. The finals wasn’t even fun, and I am a T1 fan at that. I like it if my team wins 3-0, but make it competitive at least. WBG did not deserve to be in the finals, which is further proof that we need double elimination at Worlds. If they still won’t do that, I suggest that draws for Knockouts should not be random, and instead be based on statistics, to make sure that the integrity of the game is competitive until the very finals.
People are saying that single elimination is good for Worlds because it makes it so that teams will work harder because they know that there will be no second chance. I understand their sentiment, and I agree. Sure, for MSI, it’s fine that it has the standard double elimination format, but for Worlds, I agree with Doublelift, go for the standard double elimination format, but add an advantage for the upper bracket finalist (not just side selection), maybe like make them twice-to-beat or something.
Double elimination is unfair as the finalist has no second chance but ever other team has. Futher, the world best team can lose and win against the second best team which would be weird. If its more competitive for you praise MSI more. (Oh while typing I see you already mentioned that lol)
We deserved a boring final after last year lol beginning with giga stomp into struggling and many baron miracle steals. More than deserved it is a present of T1 giving it their all with no underestimation except Faker feeling bored, but got it back with sick Akali plays.
So format wise I am fine with both how you include an advantage as long as T1 wins it lol. Someone said the teasers are so hype and good because of single elimination and weeks between, so mabye worth it.
I looked so many T1 games and they mostly won blue side with getting Jinx in those big game ( even if it was memed, they were dominant on blue side lol). Them having such a good redside draft was such a nice thing to see.
It is kinda fearsome thinking about facing JDG and Gen G again, so I like it like that lol. Ty BLG for stopping another Gen G vs. T1 final and epic 4 LPL story.