Cloud9 vs Golden Guardians Preview: MSI 2023 Bracket Stage

The rematch of the LCS 2023 Spring Finals is on the international stage this time around.

The unfortunate bracket draw for the MSI 2023’s second stage meant we got the repeat of four matchups from the regional Spring Finals, not the finals in the LEC’s case. The first two of these matchups went the exact opposite way with T1 and G2 Esports emerging victorious over Gen.G and MAD Lions. If the trend is to continue it would mean Golden Guardians taking their revenge for the LCS Spring Finals and knocking Cloud9 out of MSI 2023. But can the Guardians fulfill their destiny?

For the readers who aren’t all that familiar with the teams, you can read our individual team previews on Cloud9 and Golden Guardians.

Cloud9 vs Golden Guardians Preview

Cloud9

There was a lot of hype around this Cloud9 squad. Many fans expected them to take games off of BLG, there even was a hope of an upset for the West. But the LCS champions looked nothing like they were during the LCS Spring. Cloud9 had pretty good ideas in all three drafts, picking a lot of engage and focusing on teamfights, but they looked uncoordinated and hesitant to pull the trigger when the push come to shove.

Blaber and Berserker had some decent moments during three rough games, but the rest of the squad looked like they were outclassed by BLG. Playing against a familiar opponent might help them gain some confidence, but GG had a good MSI so far so Cloud9 really needs to step up.

Golden Guardians

Taking a game from BLG and giving JDG a lot of trouble in the early to mid games, Golden Guardians looked like the better LCS team competing in MSI 2023. They were already so close to beating Cloud9 in the LCS Finals, the Game 1 throw comes to mind, and with the level of their individual play during the event, they seem to be leveled up.

Licorice is putting on a show like he is back at Worlds 2018, solo killing almost every opponent he faced and carrying games in a bot lane focused meta. Gori and River are still finding consistent leads, which should be easier for them to close out against Cloud9. One big question mark is the bot lane. Despite their good teamfighting, Stixxay and huhi struggled a lot in the laning phase. If they want to continue their MSI run they will need to fix that problem.

Cloud9 vs Golden Guardians Predictions

It might be unfair to judge Cloud9 off of one series at the Mid-Season Invitational, but they really did not look like they are in top form. On the other side, GG had a much better series against the better LPL team. This is the opportunity for GG to get revenge, and we think they are the favorites to take it home 3-2.

How to watch Cloud9 vs Golden Guardians

Fans can watch the event on the official LoL Esports website for the chance to earn exclusive drops from Riot, which will be available throughout the whole event. Or you can catch the action on Riot Games Twitch channel and the LoL Esports Youtube channel.