With 96 players going to Worlds, being in the top 20 is quite impressive, and # 19 and 20 are two ad carries that have been showing World class play all year round. Lolesports.com is slowly releasing these mini articles on the top 20 to get us ready for all the actions. First up is CLG’s ADC Doublelift, Frank Fields talks about the strengths of NA’s best carry:
Doublelift shines because of his ability to outplay opponents at each stage of the game. This ability is most evident in his laning phase, and is almost unparalleled by any other player on this list. But Doublelift has his share of weaknesses as well — his boisterous personality has at times clashed with teammates, and his decision making is suspect in the mid and late game.
However most of that is mitigated by the team CLG has assembled around him. As time has passed, Doublelift is more patient — his faith in his teammates enables him to play like a true backline carry, rather than a frontline initiator. As such, not only does Doublelift play as an early-game lane bully, but he’s also come into his own as a late-game power house. Every CLG game is a timer, representing when Doublelift becomes a great teamfighting ADC, and opponents are usually behind because of his dominant early game.
Check out the full article here, along with a video highlighting Doublelift’s great season, just remember, Everybody is Trash!
And over at #19, we have Korea’s #1 Solo Queue player and SKT1’s adc Bang! Alex Manisier understands what Bang has that sets him apart from the competition, instinct:
More so than many AD carries at the pro level, Bang plays by his instincts, relying on his mobility and quick reaction, rather than level-headed positioning, to carry himself through fights. While his unhinged playstyle seems to be at odds with SKT’s more methodical methods, Bang isn’t as much of a loose cannon as his highlight reels might seem to suggest.
Rather, with Wolf backing him up, every single potential hazard in Bang’s high-octane team-fighting is identified and accounted for beforehand. Such is Bang’s synergy with Wolf that he will hold onto an important cooldown like Corki’s Valkyrie for as long as necessary, juggling its downtime with Wolf’s defensive spells.
Though he is far from SKT’s star player, it would be foolish to say that Bang is merely playing second fiddle to ace mid laner, Faker. He has been SKT’s designated carry on more than one occasion, even going as far as to save the team from Playoffs elimination against CJ Entus in a particularly memorable Game 4 in Spring.
You can find out more about SKT1’s other carry here. And keep an eye out for the next players. Will Faker take the top spot? What about last years winner Imp? I can’t wait to see the list pan out, lets build some hype! Only 10 more days till groups start!
