We’re in the penultimate weekend of Worlds 2021 already, and just four remain. Now with just these four to go, we’re down to just Asian sides. With three coming from South Korea and one from China, we might be seeing South Korea reclaiming its throne. With so many storylines ready to be written, from the double South Korean final to Faker lifting what could be his final Worlds trophy. It’s certain to be an exciting weekend.
T1 v DAMWON Gaming – Saturday
This could very well be the real Grand Final for many fans. Arguably the best two sides at Worlds are going to meet in the Semi-Final, and it’s set to be a barnstormer. The downside of these two meeting is that South Korea will knock out at least one of their Grand Final contenders, likely setting us up for a South Korea v China Grand Final once again. Both sides were dominant in their Quarter Final Bo5, and they honestly looked like two sides they couldn’t be beaten.
On paper, DAMWON is the favourites for this series, and they have every right to be the favourites. At 20/51, the favourites in the odds as well, they’d certainly be the safest bet. However, if you’re a believer in storylines in esports, T1 coming back to Worlds and winning it all is a story worth telling. After taking a year out from Worlds, and having not won it in many years, many fans will want to see TI and Faker lift the Worlds title one last time. On the other side of the Rift, we’ve got Khan of DAMWON Gaming who might finally have a chance to win Worlds/ This year is likely to be Khan’s final year, because of his mandatory military service, and as he’s been one of the best players at Worlds this year it’d be poetic if he won the entire thing.
EDward Gaming v Gen.G – Sunday
The other Semi-Final features EDward Gaming and Gen.G. While Gen.G made it through after beating NA side Cloud9 in a fairly comfortable 3-0 fashion. EDward, however, came out as 3-2 winners against RNG though it was arguably the hardest of the Quarter Final matches. EDward came out on top, and are looking to knock out Gen.G and get a Chinese side into the Grand Final to face either T1 or DAMWON Gaming.
Odds wise, this is fairly one-sided in favour of EDward Gaming, with them currently at 5/11 compared to Gen.G at 33/20. For us, EDward is likely to be the favourites, they faced a tough test in the Quarter Finals against RNG and that 3-2 victory, while close, probably gave us a better chance to see what they’re made of. With the other sides having relatively “easy” match ups, EDward Gaming come in well-prepared having lost matches but still won a series.
*All odds correct at time of writing.