Worlds: Play-in Teams to Watch

6. Detonation FocusMe: The LJL champion are back in Iceland for round 2! They already showed they can be a tough nut to crack at MSI, taking a win off Cloud9 and making reigning world champions DWG KIA work hard for their wins. That wasn't even their final form, however - back then, they had their coach as their support, as one of their players could not attend. This time, they are brinding their A-team. Will we finally see a LJL team in the Worlds groups? © Detonation FocusMe

5. Unicorns of Love: Unicorns of Love have been the LCL’s representatives for several years in a row and shown they are not to be trifled with. After a disappointing MSI run in the spring, they made some changes to their roster for the summer split. They faced their biggest challenge for the title yet, but in the end, they once more lifted the LCL cup and represent the CIS region at Worlds. Are the unicorns losing the power of their horns, or has the challenge made them stronger? We will see. © LCL / Riot Games

4. Beyond Gaming: You might have missed this team if you didn't follow the PCS, but don't sleep on this team. While it was only founded in January 2021, Beyond made the PCS finals twice in its first year and earned its place at Worlds. Their AD carry ADC Chiu "Doggo" Tzu-Chuan played for PSG Talon at MSI and helped them get to semifinals. With his usual teammates, he should be even scarier. © Riot Games / Pacific Championship Series

3. Cloud9: The spring champions of LCS had a harder time in the summer, but Cloud9 have long had a history of overperforming at Worlds. C9 had their ups and downs, but remain a top-tier team in the LCS. In the summer, we saw them stumble against TL in the playoffs, only to win three series in the lower bracket before 100 Thieves managed to stop them. This is a volatile team, but as we saw at MSI they can beat anyone when they are at their best. With Luka "Perkz" Perković at the helm, C9 are a serious contender.© Riot Games

2. Hanwha Life Esports: After a summer season that can be politely described as "disappointing", we did not expect to see Hanwha make worlds. However, their spring performance was enough for them to make the regional finals - and there, we saw a much different team. Led by Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon and Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu, Hanwha knocked out Liiv SANDBOX and NS RedForce, before meeting T1 in the finals in an epic five-game series. Is this the Hanwha Life we will see at Worlds? If yes, they can do a lot more than just make groups. © Hanwha Life Esports

1. LNG Esports: This season has been a wild ride for LNG. After several weeks at the top, they slid down into the middle of the pack, only to show their mettle once more in the playoffs. While they come as only the 4th seed of the LPL, getting so high in what many consider the best region of the world comes with its own challenges. Led by jungler Lee "Tarzan" Seung-yong, LNG could be the strongest team in play-ins - or disintegrate under pressure. © LPL