G2 Esports vs Team BDS Preview: LEC 2024 Winter Play-ins

Our full G2 Esports vs Team BDS preview. We're kicking off the 2024 season with the rematch between a team with a Worlds-level top-laner and the decorated Kings of Europe.

The LEC season has finally begun. Right off the bat, the powerhouses at G2 Esports — who made it the farthest at Worlds last year — are taking the first swing against big Swiss talents at Team BDS in the week 1 round robin. The Kings of Europe are looking as strong as ever, but the opposition's unchanged roster suggests that they have the confidence for another deep run. Will Crownie and co. shake off their Playoffs curse this season? Or will BDS become another stepping stone for G2's greatness? If you're betting on the LEC in 2024, this G2 vs BDS preview is for you.

Everything we got pic.twitter.com/x9zfvWjvoF

— LEC (@LEC) January 9, 2024

G2 Esports vs Team BDS Preview

G2 Esports

The Kings of Europe take the stage once more. After their rival's fall from grace last year, the German roster enjoyed uncontested supremacy amongst most of the other teams. Only the Spanish-owned MAD Lions was able to steal a win from G2 Esports last season, but even when they were at their worst, they still had enough form to place 5th at the 2023 Mid-Season Invitationals.

Speaking of form, BrokenBlade and co.'s track record can speak for itself. They're the winners of 3/4 splits across 2023, which led to G2 getting #1 Seed at Worlds for the LEC that year. And they did it all by consistently provoking their enemies into losing fights. Suffice to say, if none of the 2023 teams learned anything from last year, we might see history repeat itself in 2024.

G2 Esports Roster

• Sergen “BrokenBlade” Çelik
• Martin “Yike” Sundelin
• Rasmus “Caps” Winther
• Steven “Hans Sama” Liv
• Mihael “Mikyx” Mehle

Team BDS

Both Team BDS' winstreak potential has proven their right to stay in the game time and time again. Spring was unboubtedly their best showing mid-2023, with the boys in blue clinching 4 straight wins early on and finishing first in Play-ins. However, it's in the latter half of the splits when Labrov's roster falters, often with the silver shield within striking distance.

Judging their performance last year, BDS has all the firepower a roster needs to make it big. Pro-players in the LEC whisper in hushed tones when they talk about Adam's indomitable bruiser picks. But from what we've seen, the team's synergy only peaks to 110% whenever Sheo finds a good rhythm, so expect good improvements from Team BDS' 23-year old Jungler.

Team BDS Roster

• Adam “Adam” Maanane
• Théo “Sheo” Borile
• Ilias “nuc” Bizriken
• Juš “Crownie” Marušič
• Labros “Labrov” Papoutsakis

G2 Esports vs Team BDS Predictions

G2's superior tactics have been known to get them out of any deficit, and it helped them survive international championships. All signs point to G2 taking the first Bo1 of the year.

How to watch Team BDS vs G2 Esports

Keep an eye on the LEC’s Twitch and YouTube channels. The Winter Split commences on January 13 – 09:00 PT // 12:00 ET // 17:00 CET

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