Cloud9 become first LCS team to qualify for MSI 2023
Cloud9 has dismantled FlyQuest 3-0 in the LCS 2023 Spring Split Upper Bracket Final and has become the first LCS team to secure their spot at the Midseason Invitational in London.
In truth, today was Cloud9’s series to lose. While FlyQuest had recently come off of a dominant 3-0 series against 100 Thieves, expectations were still centered around Cloud9 as the favorites in this series, and there was a good reason. Even with a midlane swap to promote Jang “EMENES” Min-soo from Cloud9 Challengers, the team did not falter. They became stronger as they cemented themselves as the team to beat in the LCS 2023 Spring Split playoffs.
For the first two games, it was clear that Cloud9 was the dominant team between the two. The first game saw Cloud9 capitalize on FlyQuest’s poor draft while the second game was about perfect team fight positions. Throughout both of these games, FlyQuest was unable to make any advances towards Cloud9’s carries, despite FlyQuest botlaner Lee “Prince” Chae-hwan’s best attempts. Heading into game three, Cloud9 held a 2-0 lead over FlyQuest as they looked to close out the series strong.
Smooth sailing so far for @C9LoL on the road to Raleigh. #LCS pic.twitter.com/IE671ESUio
— LCS (@LCSOfficial) March 30, 2023
While FlyQuest put up a strong fight in the third game, such as a sneaky baron steal on the side of FlyQuest jungler Spica, it was not enough to stop Cloud9 as they secured the 3-0 victory.
With this victory, Cloud9 has secured its spot in the LCS 2023 Spring Split Grand Finals. They will await the winner of FlyQuest vs. Evil Geniuses/Golden Guardians in their quest for their fifth LCS title.
As for FlyQuest, this loss does not signify the end of their push for the LCS 2023 Spring Split championship. They will still have an opportunity to join Cloud9 in the Grand Final if they can defeat Evil Geniuses/Golden Guardians in the Lower Bracket Final. Regardless, FlyQuest will be going to LCS Finals Weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina which will take place from April 8-9, 2023.
Where to watch the LCS 2023 Spring Split
Viewers will be able to tune into the LCS 2023 Spring Split playoffs through the LCS Twitch and YouTube channels.
Sage got his start in esports as a volunteer writer in 2016 for esports organization, Dignitas. Since then, he has continued to work on his craft as a journalist and reporter for a number of established esports publications, such as esports.gg, Unikrn, Akshon Esports, Howla, The Player’s Lobby, Nerd Street Gamers, and most recently Dot Esports. Now, as a member of Esports Illustrated’s content team, Sage’s primary duties are centered around creating groundbreaking written and video content about the esports industry that impacts the community in a meaningful way. Sage graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Informatics. There, he was a member of the Rutgers Esports Executive Board, both as the head of the fighting game community and a videographer/photographer for the Content team.