2021 Worlds is right around the corner. Frankly, not everyone’s elated — some of the most revered Western players of all time have failed to qualify for 2021 Worlds, which means that we’re bound to witness a wholly different status quo once teams step foot on European soil to compete.

For some, this is an insanely exciting new chapter of Western League of Legends. For others, it is a bittersweet moment that, in all fairness, was bound to happen sooner or later. Competitive esports is a grueling business, and those who thrive and remain on top for long periods rarely get their due — they’re not celebrated nearly enough as they should be. We’re all so caught up in the moment that we often fail to realize that it, too, shall pass.

The moments of brilliance, the flashes of absolute genius, the mind-boggling twists, and thrills and agonies go hand in hand with such a profession. Worlds is the biggest stage in competitive League and, as such, is a very fertile ground for the most exciting narratives and storylines that can make one water at the mouth. 

It is also a macrocosm in itself — we’re all so used to seeing the same faces and brands compete that it’s impossible not to be shocked whenever a veteran lineup fails to qualify (for whatever reason). But the times are changing, and the veterans we all adore so much will get fewer and fewer chances to represent their region on the biggest of stages. And even those that do probably won’t be able to accomplish much as they’ll be past their prime. Their drive and ambition will probably remain, but their mechanics and their reflexes will regress, either considerably or enough for it to make a difference. 

Ever since they had reached the LEC, G2 Esports has been a mainstay at Worlds. Watching them dominate and push the envelope year after year was always a delight, and, in a way, it became the “norm.” G2 had upset the status quo on so many occasions in the past that we all became accustomed to it.

We’re still shellshocked that Rasmus “Caps” Winther, Martin “Rekkles” Larsson. The rest of G2’s stupendously talented lineup won’t be representing Europe. The fact that such a thing still lingers in our minds despite being multiple days removed from their Best of 5 loss to Fnatic speaks volumes. They had always managed to find a way, to succeed, to reverse the tides of battle, and yet for one reason or another, we saw none of that “magic” last week. 

It is as if their “luck” had run out. Then again, maybe it wasn’t the lack of good fortune but rather complacency? You be the judge. 

In any case, it is a welcome reminder that resting on your laurels can cost you dearly; there are some new kids on the block, and they’re fighting with the utmost fervor and grit. And, well, they’re surprisingly talented, too. Upsetting the status quo once is great and all (a palette cleanser, if you will), but doing it twice? That’s not a flash in the pan, but an indication there’s a very real shift on the horizon and that veterans we’ve all become so accustomed to will be “phased out” and supplanted with young, brash talents who’ve yet to make a name for themselves.

It’s exciting and terrifying in equal measure. 

Over in North America — in a never-ending battle between the obscenely rich and those partial to frivolous spending — the situation isn’t much different. Many new faces will compete at Worlds, but most of them hail from other regions. Team Liquid only has a single North American player, with 100 Thieves and Cloud9 being ever so slightly better in that regard. 

And, the thing is, there are many unearthed “gems” in North America just waiting for their opportunity to take the stage — as evidenced by this spectacular rookie — and yet they’re being overlooked and neglected almost by default.

Signing young, unproven players is always a risk, but it’s fairly cheap and easily mitigated. The biggest teams in North America are spending millions upon millions of dollars, yet success still eludes them. As it turns out, there are still things that a blank cheque can’t buy. 

And, who knows? Maybe such an outcome was inevitable. The lessons that cost us the most are often the lessons we learn best. We hope that teams do learn from these experiences — if they go through 2022 and make the same mistakes again, it might as well be time to sound the alarms. 

Western teams will have some big shoes to fill at 2021 Worlds. Frankly, we can’t wait to see whether they’ll deliver! Some of them, naturally, have a better shot at leaving a mark than others. Still, if recent history is any indication, there’s very little use in predicting anything ahead of time. The world of competitive League is too volatile right now, and that especially holds true for North American representatives. 

MAD Lions is the only Western team that has earned our benefit of the doubt — and will surely deliver in one way or another. The way this ragtag group performed at this year’s Mid-Season Invitational had left no one indifferent, and if they bring that same aggression and gusto to Worlds, they will no doubt stand a chance against the many LPL and LCK giants.

Everyone else, however, will face an uphill battle.