Worlds 2024 kicked off with an exciting and intense match between Mad Lions (MDK) and the Vikings. Both teams came in with distinct strategies, which created an intriguing dynamic on the battlefield. Mad Lions showcased consistency in their champion picks, while the Vikings opted to experiment, but unfortunately, this didn't yield the desired outcome.By the way, we predicted the outcome of this match in one of our earlier articles: "Worlds 2024 Day One Predictions." Stay tuned for more coverage, and let’s see how the rest of the tournament unfolds!

Game 1: Dominance from Mad Lions

The champion drafts in both games revealed a calculated approach from Mad Lions. Their core picks remained the same across both matches: Xante, Nidalee, Syndra, and Jinx, with only the support role varying—Nautilus in the first game and Rell in the second. This stable draft allowed Mad Lions to focus on synergy and execution.

In contrast, the Vikings took a more experimental approach, which ultimately did not pay off. Game 1 lasted just under 30 minutes, with Mad Lions taking early control. Despite a brief comeback from the Vikings during the mid-game, when they found some good picks, Mad Lions quickly regained their momentum. Their confident play, strong teamfights, and objective control ensured that they closed out the game without giving the Vikings much room to breathe.

Game 2: Relentless Pressure

The second game was equally engaging, but the outcome was inevitable from the start. Mad Lions applied pressure right from the opening minutes, leveraging their superior draft and gameplay coordination. The Vikings struggled to keep up, and although they put up a fight, they couldn’t turn the tide. Mad Lions closed out the series convincingly, sending the Vikings to the lower bracket.

What’s Next?

Great game by the teams, but the result is MDK 2 - 0 The Vikings. Now vikings await their next opponent in the lower bracket, where they’ll have another chance to prove themselves. Meanwhile, Mad Lions move forward, looking stronger than ever as Worlds 2024 progresses. This opening match was a thrilling start to the tournament, with plenty more top-tier games and memorable moments to come.