Cloud9 Nisqy expects to face Team Liquid in LCS Summer final

Cloud9 demonstrated championship form during a pivotal LCS weekend, decisively defeating both OpTic Gaming and Golden Guardians to lock in their playoff qualification. The team’s dominant performance was complemented by 100 Thieves’ unexpected victory over CounterLogic Gaming, which granted Cloud9 a valuable playoff bye that propels them directly into the semifinal round.

In an exclusive interview with WIN.gg, mid laner Yasin “Nisqy” Dinçer provided detailed analysis of his team’s strategic approach, championship expectations, and assessment of North America’s competitive standing against international opponents.

How were you feeling going into the match against OpTic today? 

Nisqy: We entered with strong confidence based on our previous dominant performances against them. Their recent inconsistent results and tendency to drop unexpected games reinforced our belief in our strategic advantage.

You guys pulled ahead really early, and kept that lead. How were you able to maintain such consistent pressure? 

OpTic committed several critical early-game errors that we capitalized on immediately. Once we established lane dominance with our scaling composition, the game became increasingly difficult for them to recover. Their champions were significantly disadvantaged, and they attempted to force engagements during phases where we held clear advantages.

What were some of their most consequential mistakes? 

They attempted an ill-advised mid lane gank without proper vision of our jungler, Sejuani. Crown’s aggressive tower dive attempt resulted in both opponents falling, creating an insurmountable gold and experience gap.

Their decision-making appeared disjointed throughout the match. They executed actions without clear strategic purpose, which allowed us to systematically extend our lead.

You also beat Golden Guardians yesterday. 

That match presented unusual strategic elements. Froggen’s Karma selection was particularly surprising given his historical champion preferences and limited experience with supportive mid lane roles. His unconventional pick combined with their passive map movement created limited pressure points for us to counter.

Their overall impact on game tempo remained minimal throughout the match. The strategic approach seemed disconnected from optimal competitive play.

Why do you think Cloud9 has been so strong in the Summer Split? 

Our success stems from strategic courage—we embrace calculated risks only when the potential reward justifies the action. This balanced approach prevents reckless play while maintaining aggressive momentum.

Mechanical excellence provides another crucial advantage, particularly in lane phases where Licorice and I can create significant pressure advantages. Understanding optimal engagement timing—when to apply maximum pressure versus when to prioritize strategic patience—represents one of our most developed competitive strengths.

How are you feeling about your guaranteed spot in the playoffs? 

Playoff qualification aligns with our performance expectations—it represents an anticipated outcome rather than an unexpected achievement. While we maintain professional satisfaction in achieving this milestone, our focus remains on championship aspirations.

Are you confident about a potential match against Counter Logic Gaming?

Our previous encounter featured unconventional strategic elements, including my Vladimir selection that diverged from typical play patterns. Since that match, I’ve substantially evolved my approach to create more dynamic and impactful performances in future meetings.

Which team are you most looking forward to facing in the playoffs? 

Team Liquid represents the definitive benchmark opponent. Despite their current standing, they maintain elite individual talent and competent team coordination.

You guys haven’t yet lost to them this split.

Regular season best-of-one results provide limited insight into playoff best-of-five capabilities. The extended series format demands different strategic preparations and mental resilience.

Impact’s current form demonstrates exceptional individual performance that demands specific strategic attention.

Do you think you guys have what it takes to beat them in a best-of-five?

Victory becomes achievable if we execute our strategic identity without hesitation. Team Liquid historically elevates their performance during playoff scenarios, demonstrating increased risk tolerance when championship implications are highest.

Who do you think it will be in the finals? 

The championship match will likely feature Team Liquid alongside one other contender—potentially ourselves, though TSM’s recent struggles and CLG’s improved form create competitive uncertainty.

How do you think North America will do against other regions right now? 

The region’s competitive ceiling remains difficult to precisely assess. Elite teams like Cloud9 and Team Liquid possess the capability to challenge international opponents. Our Rift Rivals performance didn’t accurately reflect North America’s true competitive level, though the experience provided valuable strategic lessons.

What did you learn? 

We identified the necessity for expanded champion versatility and increased strategic aggression. European teams demonstrate superior risk-reward calculation that frequently generates advantages, while Korean opponents typically employ more methodical, controlled strategies that create different competitive challenges.

Professional Insight: Success in international competition requires adapting to diverse strategic philosophies. European aggression demands calculated response, while Korean systematic approaches necessitate disciplined counter-strategies. For teams looking to improve their competitive standing, our Complete Guide provides comprehensive framework for developing these competitive capabilities.

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