EDward Gaming vs Qing Jiu Club on January 21
The King Pro League’s upcoming battle between EDward Gaming (EDG) and Qing Jiu Club (QJC) on January 21 promises to be a spectacle that will keep fans at the edge of their seats. With both teams having a lot at stake, the Bo5 (best-of-five) showdown could be a defining moment in the tournament. EDward Gaming, one of the heavyweights in Chinese esports, is looking to maintain their dominance, while Qing Jiu Club, known for their unpredictable style, is eager to prove their mettle. Let’s dive into a comprehensive tactical preview of this match, breaking down what both teams bring to the table, the critical factors that will decide the outcome, and the key players who will make or break this encounter.
EDward Gaming: Tactical Approach and Current Form
EDward Gaming enters this clash in solid form, having won 4 out of their last 5 matches. Their recent victories have been built on an aggressive, fast-paced style that thrives on map control and efficient rotations. EDG’s tactical setup revolves around a dominant mid-lane presence, with their jungler focusing on securing key objectives and enabling the mid-lane carry to push the tempo. The team's strong point lies in their deep champion pool, which allows them to adapt to various strategies. Expect them to lean on high-impact picks like Lee Sin and Ahri, champions that enable quick skirmishes and map pressure.
In terms of statistics, EDG boasts one of the highest gold differences at 15 minutes in the tournament, indicating their ability to snowball early advantages. Their dragon control also stands out, with a 75% success rate in securing the first dragon in their last five matches. EDG’s bot-lane synergy is another key strength, with their ADC showing excellent positioning in team fights, which will be critical against QJC's aggressive early-game strategies.
Key players to watch include their mid-laner, who has been in top form, and the jungler, whose pathing and decision-making will be instrumental in controlling the tempo of the game. Currently, EDG is operating at full strength, with no major injuries or suspensions to worry about. Their synergy is undoubtedly one of the best in the league.
Qing Jiu Club: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Qing Jiu Club, while not as consistently dominant as EDward Gaming, has been one of the most volatile teams in the league. Their record over the last five matches reads 3 wins and 2 losses, but the manner in which they achieved these results has been far from conventional. QJC relies heavily on a high-risk, high-reward playstyle, with an emphasis on aggressive early-game invades and lane pressure. Their gameplay can be chaotic at times, but when it clicks, it is almost impossible to deal with. In particular, their jungler plays a central role in dictating the pace, often opting for early game control with champions like Graves and Elise.
When it comes to statistics, QJC's early-game gold lead is a key factor in their success. They are one of the top teams for first blood percentage (65%), and their early objectives, especially in securing Rift Heralds, are a fundamental part of their game plan. However, their mid-to-late game coordination can be questionable at times, leading to massive swings if they fail to close out a game with an early advantage. This is an area where EDG could capitalize, as they are known for their excellent decision-making and late-game execution.
As for key players, QJC's top-laner has been a standout performer, consistently outplaying opponents in lane and transitioning into impactful team fights. With the team's top and mid-lane synergy being crucial for their success, expect them to prioritize these lanes early on. The biggest question mark for QJC heading into this match is whether their chaotic, aggressive style will be enough to throw EDG off balance or whether they will falter under the pressure of a team like EDG.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last 3 meetings between EDward Gaming and Qing Jiu Club, the latter has only been able to secure one victory, but those losses were far from one-sided. The first match of this season saw QJC almost pull off a massive upset, taking EDG to a tense Game 5 before falling short in the final moments. In contrast, the second encounter was a more dominant display from EDG, as they managed to control the pace of the game early and never let QJC get back into it. What we can gather from these encounters is that when EDG controls the map and the tempo, they are nearly unstoppable, but when QJC can break their rhythm with unexpected aggression, they are capable of causing serious damage.
Psychologically, EDG enters this match as the favorites, but QJC thrives when playing as the underdog. The tension in their past encounters has always been high, and EDG will need to be wary of overextending and allowing QJC to exploit their tendency to take risks.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The battle in the mid-lane will undoubtedly be the most critical point of contention. Both teams have elite mid-laners, and the player who comes out on top in this lane could tip the scales in favor of their team. The jungle will also be a crucial battleground, as EDG’s jungler will need to thwart QJC’s early aggression, while QJC will hope to disrupt EDG’s map control through strategic invades and objective steals. The bot-lane matchup, too, will be interesting, as EDG’s ADC is often the focal point in late-game team fights, while QJC’s aggressive bot-lane duo could look to take advantage of EDG’s focus elsewhere.
The decisive area of the game could well be the vision game and map control, as both teams rely on objective setups and vision to execute their strategies. EDG will look to dominate objectives with precise rotations, while QJC will attempt to throw them off balance with aggressive plays in the early stages.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario is a high-paced match where EDG looks to establish control early with objective dominance. If EDG can neutralize QJC’s early aggression, they will be in a strong position to close the game out in the later stages with superior team fights and rotations. On the other hand, if QJC can execute their strategy of early-game skirmishes and successfully establish a lead, they could force EDG into uncomfortable situations and disrupt their rhythm.
My prediction is for EDG to take this series 3-1. Their tactical discipline and superior late-game decision-making should prove too much for QJC, especially if the latter cannot secure an early advantage. Expect EDG to dominate the dragon control and team fights, ultimately pulling away in the latter stages of the series.
Final Thoughts
With EDward Gaming’s disciplined, methodical approach up against Qing Jiu Club’s explosive and unpredictable style, this Bo5 promises to be a thrilling contest. The match will hinge on which team can impose its will on the game: Will EDG’s control and experience be enough to contain QJC’s aggression, or will the underdogs cause an upset with their chaotic, risk-taking style? The outcome of this series will answer whether QJC’s volatility can withstand the calculated precision of EDG. The stage is set, and the tension is palpable—this match is bound to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.
