FlyQuest push Gen.G to Silver Scrapes at Worlds 2024 Quarterfinals

In an incredible turn of events, the North American FlyQuest pushed Gen.G to the limit in the Quarterfinals of Worlds 2024. After a heroic effort by the LCS' first seed, Gen.G qualify for the Semifinals with a 3-2 victory over a FlyQuest team that has done their region proud.

FlyQuest and Gen.G put up an incredible display throughout the exciting series, as the teams left it all on the rift. From thrilling new champion picks to edge-of-the-seat team fights, FlyQuest's blood, sweat and tears were there for all to witness, and it was nothing short of inspirational.

"In the games that we lost, I think they outplayed us really well."

-GEN Kiin on their series against FlyQuest

FlyQuest stand tall

Coming into their Quarterfinals matchup against Gen.G, no one could have predicted just how far FlyQuest would push back.

The LCS representatives of FlyQuest came into Worlds 2024 as an exciting team of young players who would look to do little more than ruffle a few feathers on their way to learning as much as they could from the experience.

Gen.G, in turn, weren't just coming into the tournament as one of the strongest teams from the LCK, they were the absolute favorites to take home the Worlds 2024 trophy.

After winning MSI earlier in the year, Gen.G showed up at Worlds 2024 as the tournament favorites. (Credit: Liu YiCun/Riot Games)

With the two teams' expected power levels so drastically far apart, many expected Gen.G to breeze their way into the Semifinals after what was thought to be the easiest draw they could possibly get. What ended up ensuing when the two teams met on the rift, however, could not have been further from that.

In truly unexpected fashion, FlyQuest showed up to the first game of the series with an entire arsenal up their sleeves. And as it turned out, it was one for which Gen.G were not prepared.

Displaying complete confidence in their ability, FlyQuest went on to dominate Gen.G to start the series, immediately sending their rivals, as much as the viewers, into shock.

"From the get-go in Game 1 I realized their prep was so on point. I think that maybe got into our minds, so we were feeling a little nervous after that."

-GEN Canyon during the post-game interview

As it turns out, however, Gen.G happened to have tricks of their own, which they felt forced to bring out in Game 2. Gen.G's Kassadin pick for Chovy in the mid lane proved pivotal and the South Korean side ran away with the game to even up the series.

FlyQuest push the South Korean gods to the limit

What previously seemed like an unreachable, uncontestable superior entity, were quickly shown to be mere humans as FlyQuest pushed Gen.G to the brink of elimination.

Powered by incredible individual performances from Massu and Quad, FlyQuest pushed back and claimed the third game of the series, going up 2-1 and standing only a single game away from Worlds 2024 Semifinals.

Gen.G, however, were not quite done yet. The LCK's second seed answered back by dominating FlyQuest in the fourth game of the series thanks to Canyon's unrivaled ability on Nidalee, a champion on whom he has a career winrate of 82.22%.

As we prepared for the final game of the series to the sound of Silver Scrapes, everyone's minds were on just what tricks, if any, FlyQuest had left in the repertoire. Naturally, the boys in green did not disappoint as they pulled out a composition based around Sett in the top lane and Fiddlesticks in the jungle.

A model to follow

In the end, Gen.G's methodical approach to the game proved too much for FlyQuest despite the North American side's superhuman efforts. As Gen.G grabbed an early hold on the game, it became growingly apparent that FlyQuest's time was quickly running out.

Though the South Korean overlords may have prevailed in the end, FlyQuest may just have inspired all Western League of Legends teams to aim higher heading into future international tournaments.

The series between FlyQuest and Gen.G at Worlds 2024 marked the first time that a Western team has won a game during the Knockout Stage of Worlds since 2020. Facing off against the tournament favorites, FlyQuest didn't do it just once, but twice.

It wasn't just the fact that they won 2 games and pushed the unbeatable Gen.G to the brink, though. It's how they did it. FlyQuest's approach to this series served as a testament that if you want to succeed in professional League of Legends, you must forge your own path.

During their Quarterfinals matchup, we saw a total of four  new champion picks that had not been played yet at Worlds 2024. Those champions were Seraphine, Kassadin, Sett and Fiddlesticks.

"I think the biggest part that we showed is if you stick to your team's strengths and you kind of play your own meta, you have your own picks that you know how to play, you have your own comps that you know how to pilot, I think that's a really important part when you go up against Eastern teams.

And, yeah, for sure, I think it's some good hope for next year. "

-FLY Massu on North America's ability to compete against China and South Korea

With the LCS facing an imminent overhaul for the upcoming year, FlyQuest's run at Worlds 2024 could well be remembered as the last great LCS effort at Worlds.

For the latest League of Legends news, follow Strafe Esports. To follow everything on Worlds 2024, check out our full guide. Also follow the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews with your favorite players and coaches.

Image source: Yicun Liu/Riot Games

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