The LCS #1 versus #5 seed match was a complete no-show, as Team Liquid, the dominant winners of the Summer Season, easily defeated 100 Thieves. Liquid minimized their mistakes and left no room for the Thieves to recover. They advance to the Winners' Finals, remaining undefeated in Summer.
A global showcase led by APA
Except for Game 2, where Lim "Quid" Hyeon-seung's Smolder secured more kills than Team Liquid would have liked, briefly giving 100 Thieves some hope, Team Liquid dominated the series. Over 78 minutes and 51 seconds of play, it wasn't a massive stomp, but a very solid and decisive victory nonetheless.
APA was once again on the spotlight for Team Liquid
The draft phase felt like a "pick your poison" scenario for 100 Thieves. Their double support ban of Alistar and Rakan allowed Eain "APA" Stearns to secure Taliyah in two games, a champion he's increasingly mastering. In Game 1, he and Um "UmTi" Sung-hyeon formed a deadly duo with the Vi-Taliyah combo. Once they secured the early lead, Jeong "Impact" Eon-young's classic Ornn play sealed the deal, capitalizing on 100 Thieves' poor execution and effectively closing out the game.
In Game 2, 100 Thieves made fewer individual mistakes, but Team Liquid still outplayed them on the map and in teamfight setups. Sean "Yeon" Sung delivered a masterclass on Zeri, supported by a triple-frontline composition that 100 Thieves couldnât break through due to being outclassed in teamfight micro.
Then came Game 3, a swift 24-minute victory. APA's Ziggs and Yeon's Ezreal dominated, while Impact felt comfortable enough to play his signature Gangplank. Team Liquid even chose not to ban the overtuned support Senna, which 100 Thieves didnât pick anyway. This game seemed more like a data-gathering exercise for Team Liquid, as 100 Thieves completely crumbled despite some creative attempts from Kim "River" Dong-Woo on Ivern.
Team Liquid qualified to World Championship
This victory effectively qualifies Team Liquid to Worlds and maintains their winstreak. Since 100 Thieves were a relatively weaker opponents, this win doesn't give TL any particular change of status. It however confirms their very good shape and the threat they pose in the race for the LCS Title.
