Moin Khot
Aug, 07.2023
NRG has clinched their debut appearance at the international League of Legends stage, sweeping aside Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) representatives Golden Guardians with a resounding 3–1 victory. The victory not only solidifies NRG's position as a rising force within the League Championship Series (LCS) but also highlights the team's remarkable journey from doubters to conquerors.
NRG To Play Its First-Ever International LoL Tournament in Worlds 2023
The road to glory for NRG, once a lineup plagued by skepticism following Counter Logic Gaming's departure in April, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Led by the steadfast trio of Dhokla, Contractz, and Palafox, who have been in tandem since the 2022 Spring Split, NRG defied expectations and secured a historic top-three finish in the LCS. The synergy and determination exhibited by these core players over four seasons and three playoffs have finally borne fruit, propelling them onto the global stage.
The series MVP, Contractz, was visibly overwhelmed by emotions as he basked in the euphoria of victory. His return to the World Championships after a hiatus of over six years, dating back to his tenure with Cloud9, adds a layer of sentiment to NRG's triumph. For Dhokla, the impending international debut in Busan carries a mix of excitement and humility. He admitted his readiness to face challenges head-on, even if it meant confronting adversity. Australian ADC FBI's inclusion in NRG's achievement is a testament to his consistency, marking his third consecutive Worlds appearance after previous stints with 100 Thieves. Alongside him, support IgNar has finally managed to ascend to the pinnacle of the League of Legends competitive scene.
NRG's path to the upper bracket of the LCS Championship, despite a 9–9 regular season record, showcases their unwavering determination. Triumphing over Team Liquid in a convincing 3–1 victory underscored their intentions. The showdown against Golden Guardians, a team they had previously dominated with a 2–0 lead, proved to be their ultimate test. From one-sided clashes to a game-three Baron steal, NRG's resilience shone through as they overcame the odds to secure their golden ticket to Korea.