Team Heretics is the first group to be eliminated from the 2023 LEC Winter Split after a lopsided matchup against SK Gaming. SK appeared to play as a much more unified team throughout the course of the two games. The entire squad was prepared and eager to commit to any move that they made, whether it was Mark “Markoon” van Woensel diving into the backline as Vi or Daniel “Sertuss” Gamani finding a well-timed knockup on Taliyah.

In contrast, heretics did not have nearly as strong coordination, particularly as the games progressed. They held a sizable gold advantage in the first game, but they were unable to take advantage of it because to poor placement and ineffective teamwork.

A few Heretics players were also often caught off guard, which led to them losing their early advantage in both games. The squad would lose teamfights while being in favourable positions, which encouraged SK to advance and continue the steamroll even though they were in a better position.

Although the dismal conclusion for Heretics supporters, this was the team’s first season together, and the rookie prospects’ inexperience contributed to the result. This team might yet get better with additional stage time with two more seasons to go.

In the meanwhile, SK has been able to recover from their series loss to KOI. When they face Team Vitality, who are still among the league’s top teams, they’ll need to capitalize on this momentum to go into the playoffs.

On Sunday, February 19, at 11 p.m. CT, the LEC resumes.