JD Gaming: Two domestic titles, an MSI, but are they untouchable?

Rarely has a team seemed as favoured as the Chinese squad JD Gaming in the 2023 Worlds. The anticipation of their victory stems from an impeccable season : the famous "Golden Road." Indeed, JDG has won everything they could, LPL Spring&Summer plus MSI.

Astonishing individual talents

There isn't a weak link within JDG, not one. This means that JDG lacks easily identifiable weaknesses. If we go from top to bottom, 369 has already gained unanimous recognition after dominating Bin and Zika in the LPL with ease. Kanavi, arguably the best player in the world, operates on a different level in the jungle. Knight faces slightly more challenge; he's only the top 3 in his role, behind Scout and Chovy (and that's debatable). Then, there are Ruler and MISSING. The former engages in a neck-and-neck battle with GALA, while the latter competes evenly with ON and Delight, his fiercest rivals. In short, in terms of individual hierarchy, no one comes close to JDG.

But such a list doesn't do justice to what truly underlies JDG's individual strength: versatility. JDG is as effective as they are well-rounded. 369 is undoubtedly less of a hard carry than Zika or Zeus, but he can become one if necessary. In the bot lane, they can play everything, even though we're unlikely to see Ruler on Jhin.

It's especially in the mid-jungle that the diversity is staggering. During the regular season, they mainly played carry champions. Still, when the playoffs required a Sejuani or Rell player, Kanavi quickly adapted to the tanky jungle side. In the mid lane, Knight has proven himself with champions like Jayce, even though he hadn't played it during the summer split. In summary, JDG is inscrutable and adaptable to the meta. It's not a team you defeat through a draft trap or a lack of champion pool.

This is what sets JDG apart the most. Strategically, it's highly likely that teams like BLG, GEN G, or even KT can reach a similar level of mastery, but the combination of individual consistency and significant unpredictability is a massive differentiating factor in best-of-five matches. So, who can stop them?

LNG: The Dragon Slayers Closest in Line

The LPL playoffs gave us an extraordinary final. Many were preparing for a showdown between BLG and JDG at the top, but the surprising LNG Esport came closer to challenging the reigning MSI champions.

While Bilibili Gaming suffered a clean 3-0 defeat at the hands of JDG, LNG pushed JDG to a close 2-3 in the first best-of-five series. Then, in the final, LNG came very close to creating an upset by leading 2-1 at one point. If there's anyone who can bring down JDG, it's them. LNG's advantage is that they don't suffer as much from the individual gap that JDG typically inflicts: Zika, especially in the final, managed to hold his ground against 369, GALA compensates for Hang's less sharp performance, and Scout, on his good day, can outperform Knight, while on his best day, he demolishes him.

GEN G: The Gap to Bridge Isn't as Large Anymore

It's hard not to mention the LCK's number one team when challenging the Chinese favorites. However, they represent a weakened league. South Korea, dominated by KT and GEN G in the regular season, witnessed the former collapsing in the playoffs and transitioning from a brilliant level to a resounding choke. While T1 was still in a rebuilding phase after Faker's return from injury, GEN G capitalized on the opportunity to win their third LCK title.

GEN G's topside hasn't changed from 2022; Doran remains a steadfast force that's challenging to move, but it's hard to imagine him outperforming 369. Peanut seems to have found a second wind but struggles with a disadvantageous matchup against Kanavi. Finally, Chovy, the team's hero, enters the Worlds once again, perhaps with a chance not to choke when it matters most.

The strength of the South Korean seed 1 lies more in the bot lane, which is more fiery than the Ruler-MISSING duo. They have their cards to play. Peyz, a 17-year-old rookie, plays limitlessly, and Delight, truth be told, doesn't hold back either. Against JDG, GEN G has what it takes to disrupt the game, especially because JDG has never faced them before.

T1: Experience... and Faker

T1, like LNG and BLG, are the only teams to take JDG to five games. We've already discussed LNG and BLG's struggles against their compatriots, but T1 brings something extra to the table. It's T1 at the Worlds, which means Keria and Gumayusi, but most importantly, Faker.

When Faker is at the Worlds, he's always considered a favorite. He may have lost some of his luster since Bengi's departure after 2016, but we have to consider his team among the contenders. This is why T1 is on this list. They may not look great on paper against JDG, but they are T1, and they can defeat anyone.

It's worth noting that T1 has the same five players as last year, with considerable experience that JDG lacks, and the home advantage. Individually, T1 doesn't come up short, even though the jungle matchup could be a significant point of contention; Oner has always performed better in international competitions.

Considering T1 as a serious contender to beat JDG might be wishful thinking, especially given their complex season and a total collapse against GEN G in the playoffs. But it was the same in 2022, and even in 2016 and 2013 too. Nothing is certain for T1, not even their future loss against JDG.