LPL 2021 Summer Playoffs Finals Preview, Odds and Picks – FunPlusPhoenix vs EDward Gaming
- The LPL Summer Playoff Finals take place on September 2nd, 2021 between FunPlus Phoenix and EDward Gaming
- FPX are the hefty favorites after sweeping their two matches on their way to the final
- The winner will receive the LPL’s number 1 seed for Worlds 2021
With Worlds 2021 quickly approaching, the international leagues are wrapping up their Summer seasons. DWG KIA, MAD Lions, and 100 Thieves have already locked up the number #1 seed for their respective regions. Of the major regions, only the LPL is left to determine the #1 seed, and it’ll come down to FunPlus Phoenix or EDward Gaming.
The loser of this series will also qualify for Worlds as the LPL’s second seed, thanks to Championship points. FPX is the heavy favorite going into the final best-of-five of LPL Summer, and it’s well deserved based on their recent success.
LPL Summer Playoffs Finals Odds
| September 2nd, 2021 | Map Handicap | Total Maps | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| FunPlus Phoenix | -1.5 -143 | O 4.5 +170 | -334 |
| EDward Gaming | +1.5 -106 | U 4.5 -286 | +220 |
Odds as of August 31st at Betway
First time betting on League of Legends? Check out the League of Legends betting guide before locking in your bets!
The FPX Rollercoaster
It’s been a wild two years for FunPlus Phoenix. They won the World Championship in 2019, missed out on Worlds in 2020, and are now going back to the big dance in 2021. Before they head to Worlds, there’s one final best-of-five to determine if they will be the LPL’s first or second seed. FPX finished first in the Summer regular season with a 13-3 series record. As impressive as that is, it pales in comparison to their current playoff run. Through two best-of-five series in the upper bracket, FPX has yet to drop a game.
FunPlus Phoenix has swept LNG Esports and Team WE, and now only EDG stands in their way. EDG had the second-best record in the regular season, but they could have finished first if they had beaten FPX in the final week. EDG were able to take the second game of that best-of-three, but they ultimately lost to the 2019 World Champs.
EDward Gaming has had an up-and-down playoff run so far. They started in the upper bracket but were immediately sent down to the loser’s side after a five-game loss to Team WE. Since then, EDG has beaten LNG 3-1 and got revenge against WE with a 3-0 sweep. Even though both teams ended up sweeping Team WE to book their spot in the finals, oddsmakers are still heavily siding with FPX. At -334, there’s not too much value to be had, but FPX feels like a safe bet heading into the final. As talented as EDG is, the explosiveness of this FPX team has been too much for any LPL squad to handle. As far as the handicap goes, FPX has been handing out sweeps to all of their playoff opponents so far. I don’t expect EDG to take more than one game in the final best-of-five.
Best Total Bet for LPL Finals
As for weighing the over/under, although EDward Gaming is no slouch of a team, their level of dominance has been undoubtedly lesser than that of FPX. Will we get the EDG that fell to Team WE in five games, or the EDG that later swept that very same team. Perhaps that turning of the table points to a strength of EDG. The ability to learn from mistakes is incredibly valuable in League of Legends. If EDward Gaming can adapt to FPX’s playstyle after that loss in the final week of the regular season, then maybe EDG can take FPX the distance.
However, it’s currently a much safer bet that FPX continues their dominant streak and rolls over EDG in three or four games. I’m expecting a dominant showing from FunPlus Phoenix in the final.
Pick: FPX (-334), -1.5 (-143), U4.5 (-286)
Growing up, Matthew was in love with sports. So, following his undergrad, it only made sense to dive head-first into the world of sports media. Rather than sticking to traditional sports, Matt found his way to eSports and gaming. He also produces, edits and serves as an analyst for SQUAD.
