During kickoff they still achieved a good place but there were many signs that hinted towards some deeper issues, one of them being chemistry. A big difference in bangkok that I noticed is s1mon was a lot less proactive with util, and also revealed recently (I'm assuming you've seen the whole EDG internal drama thing with S1mon) is that he had many issues in terms of mental and he would openly vent it during or in between matches, which will obviously negatively affect the other teammates. KK in contrast is their hypeman, in their comm videos he is literally only positive and cheering on his teammates. And these issues were revealed to have started before split 1
As a long time EDG watcher I can tell you those 2 matches were an extremely different EDG, honestly you can probably tell if you watch yourself. EDG barely throws in China, and when they do it's purely due to being careless or undisciplined - in those 2 matches it was not that, they were genuinely struggling (to teams they never have before), and in some ways outmatched - the team coordination was so off. Now we have been given explanations for why. I'd argue if they continued with S1mon in that state, they would not have made it to an international, especially with all the internal conflicts. Like there's a reason EDG made that change, it's extremely likely thing weren't working out in scrims as well.
"If there are no issues, then why would there be changes?" - CHICHOO
"After returning from the Masters, we all felt regretful. Yet the strategies from training and matches just wouldn't stick - constantly having to ask "Where should I position? How to execute?" during games. No initiative in post-match reviews, no tactical input, even utility usage had to be arranged by coaches and teammates. While the performance at champs was unquestionable, have you considered how much others sacrificed? This two-year journey we've built together, two years of accumulated synergy exploding into peak form - it was a collective effort. But not only did we have to coddle you through champs, it continued through Kickoff and Bangkok too. After every loss or poor stat line, you'd threaten "I don't want to play anymore, just sub me out" - those were your exact words." - Nobody
It's also worth mentioning the misconception that S1mon was the only reason they won champs, he was a big factor for sure - but the bigger change for EDG was their change to Nobody IGLing - I'll reply in more detail if you're interested in that (how AfteR wanted them to play like fnatic, how that didn't work out in actual international matches, how they went back to their old style after removing him and assigning Nobody as IGL, etc.). Also there's more quotes from the rest of the EDG players if you're interested
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