Eight things to watch at the ALGS Split 1 Playoffs

 The ALGS Split 1 Playoffs will gather 40 of the best Apex Legends teams in the world together, to compete for a share of $1 million. 

But, with so much action going on, what should you be looking out for during the weekends games?

Here are esports.gg’s eight things to watch at the ALGS Split 1 Playoffs.

Whenever there is an Apex Legends LAN event, this is always the question on everyone's mind. There has still never been an ALGS LAN won by anyone other than the current TSM or DarkZero rosters. At this stage, that is becoming a pretty unbelievable statistic. 

Speaking to other ALGS players, they still feel that TSM and DarkZero are a cut above in a Match Point format tournament. Both sides are also in good form. TSM won the Regional Finals, and DarkZero won the ALGS Pro League in North America.

Their experience and confidence is perhaps what really gives them the edge. There are other teams who undoubtedly have the capabilities. (Not) Moist and SSG being two leading contenders. But, when the pressure is on can those teams seal the deal, or will the two ALGS goliaths snatch another victory?

Not Moist have had a very disrupted build up to the ALGS Split 1 Playoffs in Los Angeles. Major Visa issues forced their organization, Moist Esports to release them in order for them to be allowed entry into the United States.

This roster in theory is one of the best chances we have to see a new ALGS LAN winner. Emtee and Wxltzy have a crucial combination of LAN experience and Match Point pedigree. Gild, their North American addition also has a lot of LAN experience including a second place at the last Split 1 Playoffs in London.

However, their preparation being marred by issues could damage their chances. Wxltzy was left in Lisbon for several days, unable to play. Even if there is no actual impact on their mechanical or macro talents just the mental aspect of feeling unprepared can cause issues.

North America always seems to dominate the discussion before a LAN event. They have four more teams than other regions, and are considered a powerhouse region.

Alliance have often been heralded as one of the non North American teams who could win a LAN event. They underperformed at the ALGS Championship, largely down to a messy contest against ‘The Dojo’ (now Disguised). If the Oversight Pro Series is any indicator, Alliance are much happier to ‘flex’ drop spots, which could give them a good chance at a big performance in finals.

Unlucky has been a great addition to the Alliance roster. His mechanical talents have really helped lift the burden from Effect, who is no longer expected to output the majority of their offensive damage in engagements. He seems to be really enjoying his anchor role on Alliance, and the young Austrian will be determined to put down a better LAN showing than his time on Vexed.

Bangalore has become a major staple of ALGS play in recent splits. She has reached the lofty heights of a 100% pick rate in some lobbies. Pros gravitate towards her due to her flexible abilities. With the addition of the new Evo system and Legend Upgrades, having some flexibility in your composition has become even more important than in previous metas. 

However, Bangalore took some pretty hefty nerfs in the Season 20 mid season patch. Yet, she still seems to be a very popular legend in scrims leading up to the ALGS Split 1 Playoffs. We have seen metas shape and develop across an event in response to certain team or legend doing particularly well. 

XSET are a big miss from the ALGS Split 1 Playoff lineup. However Koyful, the young controller prodigy, will still be competing at the event. He’s standing in for EZFlashkid of Legends Gaming.

Legends Gaming were one of the standout stars at the ALGS Championship. Then operating under the name Blvkhvnd they surprised the ALGS community with their disciplined and effective zone heavy playstyle.

Koyful has also practiced with this team for almost the entirety of the build up to the event. This makes the situation a bit different to other stand ins at past ALGS events where late visa issues have meant a sudden swap of player.

In a late twist, XSET have also announced that they will be withdrawing from Apex Legends before Split 2. In response, Koyful has announced he is exploring team options. What better chance to put yourself in the ‘shop window’, than an ALGS LAN?

Another team with a point to prove is Luminosity. Both Fuhhnq and Slayr have never competed at a LAN event. However, Sweetdreams is one of the leading in game leaders anywhere in Apex Legends. He will be desperate to snag a LAN victory, and firmly cement his status alongside Zer0 and ImperialHal. 

How well LG perform, at least in the Group Stage, may well come down to how Fuhhnq and Slayr handle the occasion. They have the vast experience of Sweet to lean on, but LAN debuts are never easy. 

During International Scrims, it has felt like things are really clicking for Luminosity. Slayr is settling into his role, and is benefitting from Catalyst not being in the meta. Fuhhnq has found a good balance supporting Sweets decision making, and Sweet seems incredibly dialed in. This roster could be a major dark horse.

Geared Gaming and BR Demonz will carry the flag of South America at the ALGS Split 1 Playoffs. This is the first LAN event since South America lost its Pro League and these teams will be keen to make sure their presence is felt at this event.

The result of the new format, that essentially operated as a Challenger Circuit, is that these teams have played far less ALGS level Apex Legends in the lead up to this event. Ultimately this could be seen as a major disadvantage. This event will set the Benchmark for South America in the new ALGS format.

Sharky will make his return to ALGS LAN action alongside the new Virtus.pro roster. Sharky is one of two LAN winners not on DarkZero or TSM competing at the event, and this roster perhaps now takes the APAC South mantle after Moist (or… not) relocated to the United States.

His experience will be a big plus to the roster, who has also added EMEA fragger Urban to their ranks as a coach.

The side has not performed very well in scrims, but for teams all the way in Australia the ping difference can really hinder your performance. This side feels like one that has the capability to snowball. How their first set of matches goes may well determine if their LAN is to be a successful one.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for full coverage of the ALGS and all things Apex Legends.