What we learned after a week of Worlds 2025

A week has passed since the start of Worlds 2025, and plenty has already been learned — both in terms of power dynamics and how the meta is shaping up.

Europe is currently the worst-performing region in the world

It’s harsh, but true: Europe has recorded only one win outside of intra-regional matchups since the beginning of the tournament. Fnatic was the first team to be eliminated (0–3) and MKOI threw away what looked like a free game against KT, who then went 3-0 in the Swiss stage. Overall, the level of play shown by all three European teams leaves little room for optimism. It’s not exactly a reassuring sign, considering this trend has now lasted three years — with Rogue in 2022 being the last Western team to reach playoffs.

Still, G2 and MKOI have one last shot to redeem the region’s honor: G2 will face the North American champion for a spot in playoffs, while MKOI takes on Team Secret Whales, the LCP’s second seed. On paper, both matchups look winnable — but two losses could once again spell another international disappointment for the Old Continent.

The Chinese champion looks even worse than Europe

Not everything is doom and gloom for EU — after all, G2 did manage to take down the LPL champion. The problem is, that champion doesn’t really look the part right now. Bilibili Gaming (BLG) started their tournament the way they often do: completely flat. Their opening loss to 100 Thieves, the LTA’s second seed, marked one of the biggest upsets in Worlds history. Even though it was was followed by a win over the weakest team at the event, Fnatic, another defeat came against G2, who expertly drafted to punish BLG’s short-range composition.

Despite a favorable bracket, BLG have failed to find solutions — even after swapping junglers following their loss to 100T. As if that weren’t enough, their next opponent is VKS, a team they should again be heavily favored against. But this time there are no excuses, because there’s no more a safety net and they have only have a Bo3 to adapt. Another collapse, especially on home soil, could be devastating — not just for the organization, but for the region as a whole.

Anyone’s Legend rise above the world’s best — and CFO join the conversation

While BLG fell flat against 100T and G2, TES managed to beat both in dominant fashion during their best-of-ones — no real surprise for a team known for its early-game aggression and clean execution. But what no one expected was to see them get stomped by KT, who many considered Korea’s weakest team, in a BO3 — supposedly their comfort zone. Is this the start of another classic TES meltdown, or the resurgence of a KT roster capable of moving mountains, as they did against GEN in the LCK’s upper bracket?

One thing’s for sure: the most convincing Chinese team so far has been Anyone’s Legend. Drawn into one of the toughest draw on paper, AL took down both the Korean champion and runner-up, before going up against CFO — the team that had just defeated the reigning World Champions — and coming out on top once again.  Against all odds, the hopes of the LPL seem to rest in the hands of the Pandas. As for CFO, they’re already proving themselves as one of the best teams in the world. With meticulous preparation and players stepping up to the level required for the biggest stage of the year, their upcoming series against HLE is one to watch. A best-of-three between two teams that never shy away from a fight — expect absolute carnage.

Jarvan IV is the new Kalista

Remember Kalista’s infamous MSI run, where she failed to win a single game (0–10)? Well, this time, Jarvan IV seems to have taken over that cursed mantle. The Exemplar of Demacia currently sits at a miserable 2–9 record — and he can thank the tournament’s four weakest teams for gifting him those two wins last Sunday. K’Santé is even worse, at 2–10.

Nothing is impossible for Europe #Worlds2025 https://t.co/wzuMXPDJKT pic.twitter.com/MwK9piUDVh

— Monsieur Yordle 📊 (@MonsieurYordle) October 19, 2025

On the flip side, Sion, Xin Zhao, Corki, and Poppy have emerged as the tournament’s key picks, each boasting an 83% win rate after just one week of play.