This Saturday, Worlds 2024 - the most prestigious yearly tournament of League of Legends - Play-Ins gave its first harsh verdict with the two first eliminated teams of the competition: Vikings Esports and Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS gaming. With their win against VKE, paiN Gaming (2-0) has qualified for a historic qualification series to play tomorrow against Movistar R7. On the other side, 100 Thieves finally reassured themselves by defeating SHG (2-0) and now have a chance to qualify by fighting against PSG Talon tomorrow.

Obrigado Brasil

In the match between paiN Gaming and VKE, paiN secured a decisive 2-0 victory, knocking VKE out of the competition. Game 1 saw the Vikings execute a triple carry composition with Brand dominating in the jungle very early on. Đặng "Kati" Thanh Phê and Nguyễn "Shogun" Văn Huy gave VKE a significant lead by wiping a team fight at the 20-minute infernal drake, with Smolder reaching his power spike. However, paiN Gaming staged a comeback through superior team fighting later on, capitalizing on wombo combos and a standout performance from Matheus "dyNquedo" Rossini.

In Game 2, Dynquedo and Alexandre "TitaN" Lima delivered huge performances, sealing VKE’s fate as the first team eliminated. Despite a strong 2024 season, where they rivaled GAM all year, VKE fell short against Brazil’s top seed, marking a disappointing end to their run. After a very great 2024 year, VKE fell short to the Brazilian first seed. They were GAM's rival all year long. GAM who outclassed the Play-In overall. This may be seen as a deception for VKE which could've been full of hope's coming in the competition.

PNG will face R7 meaning one of the two teams will access the main event and make history for their region's last dance. This will be the first time since INTZ in 2016 we will see a South American team in the main event. If R7 wins, it will even be the very first time ever for the LLA.

Honor Among Thieves

100T secured a 2-0 victory, though without having to step up their game by a lot. Game 1 was a slow, objective-focused affair between the two teams, with 100T patiently securing advantages to close out the game. In Game 2, Shunsuke "Evi" Murase made history by locking in the first-ever Rek'Sai in toplane pick at Worlds... but this lead SHG to struggle with an outdraft. Lacking damage across the whole topside, SHG was unable to match 100T’s Nocturne and Orianna combo, which carried the Thieves to a quick 25-minute win, eliminating LJL's last hope. While 100T's drafts improved, particularly removing Sniper's from his K’Sante duty, their performance was more about restoring honor than showing true dominance over the weaker opponent.

Now moving on, 100T will have to meet expectations and beat PSG Talon to keep their journey alive. Both teams were initially seen as contenders to get out of the Play-In stage, but since 100T unexpectedly lost to R7, one of the two will exit the tournament by tomorrow.

The last day of Play-In will kick off this Sunday at 2pm CET as usual and will see the last two teams qualify for Worlds' main event.