Worlds 2024 Day 4: Predictions and AnalysisRead our detailed predictions and analysis for Day 4 of the League of Legends Worlds 2024 Play-In Stage. Discover why paiN Gaming and 100 Thieves are the favorites to win their matches and what each team needs to do to advance in this high-stakes tournament.

Day 4 of the Play-In Stage at Worlds 2024 is set to deliver intense action as teams battle for survival in the tournament. We have two highly anticipated matchups: Vikings Esports vs paiN Gaming and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Gaming vs 100 Thieves—both played in a best-of-three (Bo3) format. These matches feature clear favorites, but nothing is set in stone as the pressure mounts and surprises can happen.

Vikings Esports vs paiN Gaming: The Brazilian Giants Seeking Redemption

paiN Gaming, one of the most storied and beloved teams in South America, come into this match with a lot to prove. After an unfortunate loss to MDK, the strongest team in the Play-Ins, paiN must now show that they are still worthy contenders. MDK has already secured their spot in the Swiss Stage, and paiN Gaming’s task is to regain their confidence and momentum against a much weaker opponent—Vikings Esports.

The odds are heavily in paiN Gaming's favor. They boast years of experience at international events and consistently strong performances in Brazil’s CBLOL. Their greatest strengths lie in their coordinated team fights and ability to adapt mid-game, factors that Vikings Esports have struggled to match on the international stage. Moreover, paiN Gaming’s deep champion pool gives them a strategic edge, allowing them to flex picks and out-draft their opponents​.

For paiN Gaming, this match is not just about advancing but about proving that their loss to MDK was a fluke, not a reflection of their true capabilities. Vikings Esports, while promising, have neither the depth of experience nor the same level of individual mechanical skill that paiN Gaming brings. This makes paiN the clear favorites in this series, and they are expected to dominate if they play to their strengths.

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Gaming vs 100 Thieves: A Must-Win for the LCS Champions

The second match of the day brings us 100 Thieves against Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Gaming, and for 100 Thieves, the stakes could not be higher. After a shocking loss to Rainbow7, which marked the first victory for the Latin American region (LLA) in Worlds history, 100 Thieves find themselves in a do-or-die situation. As the summer split champions of LCS, they were expected to make a deep run, but their surprise defeat has raised serious questions about their form.

100 Thieves have a lot to prove, especially given their roster's caliber. With strong individual talent, particularly in the bot lane, they are a team that should not be losing to lower-tier opponents. Their defeat to Rainbow7 likely came as a result of underestimating their opponent and making critical mid-game mistakes. In this upcoming match, they simply cannot afford a repeat. They must approach this game with focus, ensuring that their laners, particularly the bot duo, play to their full potential​.

Despite the unexpected loss, 100 Thieves remain a strong team with considerable experience, and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Gaming, though skilled, do not pose the same threat as Rainbow7. If 100 Thieves can return to their standard of play, using their superior macro game and clean team fights, they should be able to secure a victory and continue their journey through the lower bracket.

Conclusion

Day 4 of the Play-In stage will likely see paiN Gaming and 100 Thieves emerge victorious. paiN Gaming, with their wealth of experience and tactical prowess, should comfortably outplay Vikings Esports. Meanwhile, 100 Thieves face a more intense challenge after their loss but should bounce back against Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Gaming, leveraging their strengths as LCS champions. The pressure is on, and both teams must bring their A-game to stay in the tournament.