The article chronicles the thrilling quarter-final match between Gen.G and Flyquest during the 2024 League of Legends World Championship. Initially seen as a one-sided contest, Flyquest surprisingly gains momentum in the first match. However, Gen.G responds strongly in subsequent games, showcasing exceptional individual performances. Despite Flyquest’s impressive journey and valor, they ultimately fall short, allowing Gen.G to advance to the semi-finals. The match highlights a significant moment for both teams, with Gen.G now set to face T1.
Flyquest Amazes with Near Upset in Quarter-finals
The quarter-final match-up struck many as highly one-sided. On one side, Gen.G, the champions of the LCK Spring Split and MSI, faced off against Flyquest, the LCS Summer Split champions. The odds heavily favored Gen.G, leading many to anticipate a decisive victory, potentially a clean sweep or at least a dominating 3-1 series.
The opening minutes of Match 1 were initially uneventful, characterized by a lane swap orchestrated by Flyquest. Gen.G opted for a more traditional champion composition featuring Jinx, while Flyquest surprised with a unique choice of Seraphine in the mid lane. The teams clashed for the first time at the second grubs, and it was Flyquest who gained the lead. Chovy attempted a flank but was intercepted by Busio’s Alistar, which resulted in two more kills for Flyquest, inciting cheers from the fans. Shortly after, Lehends initiated an engagement in the mid lane, but Flyquest quickly responded, securing two more kills.
From that moment forward, Flyquest maintained control throughout the match. Gen.G’s composition struggled with damage output (Jinx was under-equipped, and Chovy’s Ahri was behind in items) compared to Flyquest’s robust lineup, enhanced by Seraphine’s heals. Team fights became unwinnable for Gen.G as Flyquest dominated in securing the Mountain Soul, leading to a decisive victory in the first match. This victory marked a historic achievement, as it was the first time since 2020 that a Western team won a nexus from an Asian team in the World Championship quarter-finals.
Heading into the next match, Gen.G aimed to set things right. With Canyon on his famed Nidalee and Chovy showcasing an efficient Kassadin, the synergy was palpable. In the early minutes, Gen.G took an aggressive stance, leading to significant advantages. Although Flyquest tried to counter by engaging Chovy, they were outmaneuvered. The gold gap widened rapidly, pushing the LCS champions to force plays in a desperate attempt to turn the tide, but Gen.G adeptly foiled each response. The unstoppable Kassadin propelled Gen.G to an easy equalizer.
After witnessing Gen.G’s resurgence, it seemed they were rapidly gaining momentum, and a swift win appeared to be on the horizon. Yet, Flyquest was far from finished. This time, they fielded a composition with Bwipo on Urgot and Quad’s Zeri in the mid lane. The stage was set for a thrilling encounter focused primarily in the bot lane. When Gen.G attempted a dive, Bwipo’s timely teleport saved his teammates, while Peyz’s clutch performance on Ezreal led to a double kill for Massu on Kai’sa shortly thereafter.
Following this, Flyquest opted to relinquish neutral objectives, aiming not to jeopardize their scaling (though some of this was due to poor macro decisions). The first major 5v5 team fight erupted in mid, with Gen.G coming out on top; however, Chovy and his team made a costly mistake by overcommitting in pursuit of the fleeing Flyquest. Inspired, having returned from base, aided his team in achieving a clean ace, followed by securing the Baron. After this point, Flyquest snowballed their lead effectively, except for an ill-timed team fight, putting them one match away from eliminating the favorites.
Gen.G Ends Flyquest’s Bid
With monumental stakes, Gen.G turned to their star players, Kiin on K’sante and Canyon on Nidalee. Right from the get-go, both champions delivered an astounding display of skill. Kiin held his own against the Flyquest bot lane 1v2, while Canyon roamed effectively across the map, providing vision and support to his teammates. Gen.G’s superior macro strategies resulted in a steady flow of gold, leading Flyquest into panic mode. They forced poorly calculated moves, which Gen.G exploited to bring the series to a nail-biting 2-2.
The initial phase of the fifth match unfolded slowly, with both teams carefully trading waves. Gen.G struck first, managing to catch Massu mid-lane thanks to a clever initiation by Lehends’ Ma