LoL Worlds 2019 Knockout Stage matchups revealed

The League of Legends World Championship group stage has concluded, establishing the final eight elite teams who will compete for the Summoner’s Cup. This marks a critical tournament milestone where only the strongest competitors remain.

Following Invictus Gaming’s decisive victory over Team Liquid in the concluding group stage match, analyst Alfonso “Mithy” Rodriguez transitioned from commentary duties to conduct the quarterfinal matchup draw ceremony. The random selection process created compelling regional clashes and strategic pairings.

Regional representation shows significant shifts in competitive balance. All three Korean LCK squads and European LEC representatives advanced, joined by two Chinese LPL teams. Notably absent are any North American LCS organizations, marking the first time since 2015 that no Western hemisphere team reached the knockout stage.

The quarterfinal pairings present fascinating stylistic matchups and regional rivalries that will test each team’s adaptability and championship mettle.

Griffin vs. Invictus Gaming

The opening quarterfinal presents a compelling narrative: Griffin, Korea’s explosive second seed, confronts reigning world champions Invictus Gaming in what promises to be an explosive series.

During group stage competition, Griffin demonstrated remarkable resilience by posting a dominant 5-1 performance despite dropping their initial match against G2 Esports. Their tournament trajectory showcased impressive adaptation, culminating in back-to-back victories over G2 that not only avenged their opening loss but secured group supremacy through a decisive tiebreaker victory.

Invictus Gaming’s path featured challenges against regional rival Damwon Gaming, suffering two defeats against the Korean squad. However, they demonstrated championship poise by securing perfect 2-0 records against both Team Liquid and ahq e-Sports Club, advancing with a solid 4-2 group stage record.

Strategic Analysis: Griffin’s hyper-aggressive early game approach will test Invictus Gaming’s defensive structures. The key matchup lies in jungle pathing and early objective control, where both teams excel but through different methodologies.

FunPlus Phoenix vs. Fnatic

FunPlus Phoenix confronts last year’s championship finalist Fnatic in a classic East versus West confrontation that highlights different regional philosophies.

FPX entered Worlds 2019 as China’s premier representative following their LPL Summer Split championship victory. Their tournament initiation proved challenging with an unexpected loss to J Team, the LMS Summer Split titleholders, immediately raising scrutiny about their international readiness. The squad effectively silenced doubters by compiling a 4-1 record in subsequent matches.

Their additional group stage defeat came against European contender Splyce, yet FPX demonstrated championship character by securing vengeance against J Team and overcoming Splyce in a tiebreaker to claim group leadership.

Regional Style Clash: This matchup epitomizes the contrast between LPL’s aggressive teamfighting and LEC’s structured macro play. Success will hinge on which team can impose their preferred tempo and strategic approach.

Both this compelling series and the Griffin versus Invictus Gaming confrontation are scheduled for Saturday, October 26, creating a stacked competitive day.

SK Telecom T1 vs. Splyce

Splyce’s impressive performance against FPX, where they secured a crucial victory, positioned them competitively within their group. Although the European squad didn’t ultimately claim group supremacy, their showing proved remarkable considering their inconsistent form during the Worlds 2019 play-in qualification stage.

The team’s Worlds journey began unevenly but culminated successfully as they progressed to the main event by defeating Unicorns of Love. Their tournament narrative represents an inspiring underdog story, though they now face the daunting challenge of confronting three-time world champion SK Telecom T1.

Following their absence from last year’s World Championship, SKT has returned with commanding form. They spearhead Korea’s competitive renaissance at Worlds, with all three LCK representatives securing group stage dominance. SKT’s lone group stage defeat came against Fnatic during Group C’s final competition day.

SKT concluded group play with an impressive 5-1 record and currently stand as the projected favorites to claim the championship title.

Upset Potential: While Splyce faces overwhelming odds, their victory over FPX demonstrates capacity for strategic innovation that could challenge even established powerhouses.

Damwon Gaming vs. G2 Esports

Damwon Gaming first captured attention during last year’s World Championship by defeating multiple elite opponents in scrimmage sessions. Their progression continued with LCK qualification, a strong 13-5 Summer Split performance, and Worlds qualification through regional playoffs.

At the current World Championship, Damwon maintained competitive parity with SKT and Griffin by achieving an identical 5-1 group stage record. Their quarterfinal challenge comes against Mid-Season Invitational champions G2 Esports.

Following their MSI championship victory, G2 compiled an impressive 15-3 record during the LEC Summer Split and ultimately defeated Fnatic in a five-game series to secure their fourth European championship title.

After appearing poised for an undefeated group stage run, G2 suffered consecutive defeats against Griffin, resulting in their descent to the group’s second position.

Playstyle Contrast: This series features Damwon’s methodical, controlled approach against G2’s innovative, unpredictable strategies. The outcome will likely determine which competitive philosophy proves superior in the current meta.

The Damwon Gaming versus G2 Esports and SK Telecom T1 versus Splyce matches are scheduled for Sunday, October 27.

Tournament Implications: The quarterfinals represent more than individual matchups—they signal potential shifts in regional dominance and competitive meta evolution.

Korea’s perfect group stage performance marks a significant resurgence after last year’s disappointing showing. The LCK’s systematic, disciplined approach appears to have regained competitive advantage against other regions.

Prediction Analysis: SK Telecom T1 enters with the most compelling championship pedigree and current form. However, G2 Esports’ innovative strategies and FunPlus Phoenix’s aggressive teamfighting present legitimate challenges to Korean supremacy.

The absence of North American representation underscores the region’s developmental challenges and highlights the increasing competitive gap between major regions.

Strategic Evolution: These matchups will test whether methodical macro play or explosive teamfighting proves more effective in the current competitive landscape.

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