The LEC has now finished its first-ever Winter Split, which means it's time for a new set of LEC Power Rankings. There are only a few days until the Spring Split kicks off, with a fair few roster changes in the works despite the awkward offseason timing.
We now know the teams much better, and the rankings look very different to how everyone expected at the start of the year. Here's everything you need to know about who to watch out for and who's come out ahead as we enter the run-up to MSI.
LEC Power Rankings - Spring Split 2023
A lot has changed since the start of the Winter Split, and teams very few expected to make an impact made it all the way. With a fair few roster changes too, we expect the rankings to look very different this time around.
Based on their winter performance and new rosters, we've compiled a list of who we think has the best shot at the spring title. Here's everything you need to know.
10: Excel
Someone always has to come out of these lists in last place, and after their dismal performance in winter that honour falls to XL. Despite the wealth of talent at their disposal, things haven't quite clicked, and they were only able to pick up one win out of nine games.
Often referred to as a mini-superteam, the magic that the players brought to their previous teams simply didn't materialise. With no changes to the roster so far, they will need a serious change in strategy or a favourable meta to find success in spring.
9: Fnatic
In a turn of events few expected, Fnatic place almost at the bottom of this list, in line with their placing in the LEC Winter Split. While the team has had a rocky record in the regular season the past few years, they had, until now, been able to turn it around at the last minute.
Changes made to the roster this offseason are also not a sign of improving circumstances. With the awkward timing of the splits, few players are available, so ERL player Oscarinin will be subbing in for Wunder this split.
Benching Wunder is a questionable move, as one of the few consistent parts of Fnatic. While their support is also swapping, from Rhuckz to Advienne, this is unlikely to have a huge impact, and Humanoid and Rekkles particularly will need to step up big time.
8: Astralis
After many expected Astralis to bring up the rear in Winter, they pulled it out of the bag in the final week to make it to 6th place overall. It's almost a shame to put them this low on the list, but the LEC as a whole is looking stacked as we head into Spring.
The addition of LIDER in the mid-lane to replace Dajor is a very exciting one. Dajor has been performing fine, but the team needs an X factor, and LIDER is certainly a player who can provide that. Expect to see a lot of melee mids including Sylas, Akali, and Yasuo.
7: Team Heretics
Heretics certainly showed some signs of brilliance in the LEC winter split, putting up some strong performances against top teams, particularly in the early game. However, they have failed to show consistency, leaving them firmly in the middle of the pack.
If Heretics are looking to break into the top 4 in spring, they'll need to fix their transition from early to mid-game. Jankos has the talent to hold the team together, and if they can get their carries into the right position then the late game should be a breeze, particularly with Ruby's control mages.
6: Team BDS
BDS certainly had a mixed Winter split, but compared to where expectations were beforehand, they put up an incredible performance. Much of their success was off the back of Adam in the top lane, with carry picks such as Darius which could snowball.
Sheo also seemed like a major threat, surprising many after being promoted from the academy team. This seems like a team where, if you can take away their power picks they'll struggle, but few teams have managed to completely neutralise them thus far.
5: KOI
Definitely a hard team to rank, KOI came into the Winter split looking the strongest by a distance, after their incredible Summer 2022 finals performance. The magic didn't quite materialise, however, and with their top lane performing well, it was hard to put a finger on why.
After a rough performance in the round-robin, they pulled together in the next stage and delivered a much more convincing 2-0 record. This continued in the playoffs but unfortunately, they were bested by G2.
KOI still have the tools to perform in the LEC spring split, but will need to come out the gate an awful lot stronger if they hope to make MSI. A favourable meta may be all they need to recapture the magic of old.
4: SK Gaming
After a rough first week, SK pulled a blinder in the round-robin last split. Few expected them to make a huge impact, but they were able to take down almost every top team, finishing 3rd and making it all the way to playoffs, where they took MAD the distance.
Every player on the roster had a fantastic split, but special praise has to go to Exakick, who many now laud as the best ADC in the league. Coming up from the ERLs to the LEC is no easy task, and he certainly showed up.
With only a short break, SK are primed for a repeat performance in Spring. If they can get a better start under their belt, they can certainly push for 1st.
3: Vitality
Without a roster change, Vitality would have been somewhat further down this list. Despite a fantastic regular season record and a 1st place finish, some wins were more convincing than others, and they collapsed in playoffs, with Photon being the only survivor.
Upset now joins the team however, arguably competing with Hans Sama and Comp for the best ADCs Europe has produced in recent years. After single-handedly carrying Fnatic to Worlds last year, then spending winter on the bench, he will be hungry for glory.
The key to their potential success however will be in the hands of Perkz and Bo. If the Veteran and the Mad Dog of the LPL can get back to early Winter form, Vitality have one of the most talented rosters in the World at their disposal.
2: MAD Lions
MAD has their ups and downs in the Winter split, but far more of the former, only taking losses to Vitality and BDS. Their loss to Vitality was worrying, as the team looked very shaky, but they quickly pulled it back in the following week, and went on to finish 2nd overall.
Elyoya had his best split since MAD's 2021 dominance, out farming almost every opponent while still being omnipresent on the map. Carzzy and Hyli also put on a fantastic performance, despite the expectations of running it down, and carried many a game.
A huge win condition for MAD in Spring will be Chasy's carry top lane picks, which look unstoppable when unlocked. With Elyoya by his side, he couldn't ask for a better setup.
1: G2 Esports
With the obvious exception of the Rekkles Era, G2 are becoming quite the inevitability in the LEC. With a major roster shuffle, and the acquisition of an ERL jungler, many were unsure about how the new team would perform in a very strong LEC.
Yike however, had other ideas and has proven to be the shining light of this new G2 roster. Their demolition of Fnatic early on in the split was perhaps the best indicator that he and the team were a force to be reckoned with, and one of the best teams the EU has produced since their 2019 run.
After defeating MAD 3-0 in the final, G2 proved that they were the ones to beat in the LEC, but also that they will be showing up to MSI with one goal in mind.
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