2017 Worlds Finals: A Dragon's Tale

Hey guys, let's dive into the epic 2017 World Championship Finals, specifically focusing on the thrilling dragon battles that unfolded! This tournament was a rollercoaster of emotions, skill, and strategic masterclasses, and the dragon fights played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. The 2017 Finals saw two titans clash: Samsung Galaxy (SSG) and SK Telecom T1 (SKT T1). Both teams were legendary in their own right, and the series was a highly anticipated showdown, with many experts predicting a nail-biting encounter. The games delivered on the hype, showcasing incredible plays and moments that would be talked about for years to come. One of the most critical aspects of the game was the dragon control, which provided significant advantages. In the world of League of Legends, dragons provide stackable buffs that dramatically increase a team's combat effectiveness. Securing dragon kills wasn't just about gaining a temporary advantage; it was about building a long-term edge. The team that consistently controlled the dragon pit held a significant strategic advantage, and this was particularly true in the high-stakes environment of the World Championship Finals. We'll be breaking down the specific dragon fights, strategies, and key moments from each game, looking at how SSG and SKT T1 used the dragons to their advantage and how these battles influenced the final result. Get ready for a deep dive into the dragon-filled heart of the 2017 Worlds Finals!

The Significance of Dragon Control in 2017 Worlds

Alright, let's get into why dragon control was so incredibly important in the 2017 World Championship Finals. Think about it: securing those dragon buffs wasn't just a bonus; it was a fundamental pillar of strategic gameplay. The dragons in League of Legends, even back then, provided significant and stackable advantages. The first dragon, the Cloud Dragon, offered movement speed, helping teams with their rotations and map pressure. Then came the Infernal Dragon, which provided increased attack damage and ability power, crucial for team fights and objective control. Next up, the Mountain Dragon increased damage to structures and Epic Monsters like Baron Nashor, and the Ocean Dragon restored health and mana. The Elder Dragon, the ultimate prize, offered a powerful execute effect that could quickly turn the tide of a team fight. The team that had consistent control over these objectives gained a massive advantage. Securing these dragons wasn’t just about the immediate benefits; it was about building a persistent advantage that grew over time. Imagine the pressure of knowing your opponent could get the stronger dragons or the Elder Dragon. It forced teams to play defensively, sacrifice objectives, or make risky plays to maintain control. This is the ultimate competitive level; every decision carried immense weight, and every dragon battle became a crucial turning point. In the 2017 finals, both SSG and SKT T1 demonstrated their understanding of dragon control. They were always looking for opportunities to contest, secure, or deny these key objectives. We will be examining the specific strategies and tactics employed by each team to gain a competitive edge. This will highlight how they used dragon control to dictate the pace of the game and ultimately influence the final outcome. Dragon control in the 2017 World Championship wasn’t just a nice-to-have; it was a non-negotiable component of a winning strategy. Mastering the art of dragon control was essential to triumph.

Game 1: Early Dragon Dominance and Strategic Implications

Let’s rewind to Game 1 of the 2017 World Championship Finals. From the get-go, both SSG and SKT T1 approached the game with extreme caution. The dragon pit was, as always, a hot zone. Early game skirmishes often revolved around establishing vision and control around the dragon. This first game was interesting as SSG took an early lead, primarily thanks to their superior team fighting composition and macro play. SSG’s focus on objective control paid off. SSG secured the first two dragons, building a significant advantage. Having these early dragons gave them the edge in several fights, and it made it more difficult for SKT to make a comeback. SKT T1, despite their best efforts, struggled to contest the dragons, which further compounded their disadvantage. SKT T1 was known for their calculated approach. However, in this game, they seemed a bit off-balance. The first dragon was a Cloud Dragon, offering movement speed. SSG's ability to move faster allowed them to set up ganks and counter-ganks, putting extra pressure on SKT. The second was an Infernal Dragon, which provided increased damage. This buff gave SSG even more raw power in team fights. It was not just about the stats, though. The psychological impact of securing these early dragons cannot be ignored. Every time SSG secured a dragon, it put more pressure on SKT T1. It forced SKT T1 into tough decisions. The early game dragon dominance by SSG set the stage for a compelling first match. Their smart execution of game plans around dragon control became a central point in their strategy for the entire series. This game highlighted how crucial early dragon control was. SSG utilized this early advantage very smartly, which helped them lead the game. The result of the first game showed how it shaped the rest of the series.

Game 2: The Tide Turns – SKT's Dragon Strategy

Game 2 was a different story. SKT T1 came in with a revised strategy. They understood the importance of dragon control, and they were determined to turn things around. SKT T1 started more aggressively, contesting the dragon early on. This was a critical shift. Their commitment to control the dragon pit paid off as they managed to secure the first dragon. This was a significant momentum shift. SKT started to build their advantage in the early game. Securing the first dragon gave SKT T1 a much-needed morale boost. Their gameplay was more confident and coordinated. SKT's ability to counter the objective control of SSG became more efficient. SKT T1 prioritized the dragon, but they also carefully managed their resources. They made smart decisions about when to engage, when to disengage, and when to focus on objective control. Their strategic shift helped them get the edge against SSG. The dragon fights were brutal. Both teams had a few close calls. SKT T1 emerged victorious. It was a game of cat-and-mouse. The teams were constantly looking to outmaneuver each other. SKT T1’s control of the second dragon was a key turning point. It gave them a valuable advantage as they continued the game. This allowed them to pressure SSG and ultimately win the game. SKT T1 also used clever lane swaps and rotations to gain map control. This was essential for securing vision around the dragon pit. Their strategy paid off as they managed to prevent SSG from gaining control. SKT T1 was able to re-establish their dominance and regain their confidence. Game 2 showed the importance of adaptation. SKT T1 was able to read the game, change their strategy, and win the game. The win put them back in the series and made it even more exciting. The dragon played a critical role in this win, as it helped the team to establish control.

Game 3 & 4: Dragon Battles and Championship Momentum

As the series progressed into Games 3 and 4, the dragon fights intensified, becoming a focal point of each match. Both SSG and SKT T1 had learned from their previous encounters, adjusting their strategies and drafting around the dragons. The stakes were incredibly high, with each dragon kill carrying significant implications for the overall series momentum. In Game 3, both teams adopted more cautious approaches, aware that one wrong move could cost them the game. SSG managed to secure an early dragon, putting pressure on SKT T1. They seemed to learn from their mistakes. The psychological impact of the dragon control was immense. However, SKT T1 responded with some smart rotations, trying to regain control, but SSG managed to maintain their advantage. The teams continued to contest the dragon, with each fight being incredibly close. The team fights during these objective battles were a spectacle of skill, showcasing the world's best players at their peak. These were not just battles for buffs but for map control and momentum. The winner of each dragon fight often dictated the flow of the game. Game 4 was even more intense. This game was pivotal, and the dragon fights were extremely contested. The strategic depth of the teams was evident, with both teams making smart use of vision control, warding, and counter-jungling to get an advantage. Every dragon kill had a dramatic impact on the game's flow. SSG, with their superior team fighting, managed to win the game, taking a commanding lead in the series. The dragon fights highlighted the importance of a balanced approach. While the dragons provided raw stats, teams also needed to maintain proper vision, manage waves, and make smart rotations. These games highlighted the strategic depth of the 2017 Worlds Finals. It was a fascinating display of strategic depth, and the dragon fights played a central role in each game. These fights had the greatest significance of the entire series. The dragon fights highlighted the importance of a balanced approach, with both teams showing a mastery of both macro and micro elements.

The Elder Dragon Finale and Series Conclusion

The climax of the 2017 World Championship Finals arrived in Game 5, with the series tied at 2-2. The final game featured some of the most intense and strategic dragon fights in the entire tournament. The pressure was on both teams. This single game would decide the world champion. The teams played with remarkable patience, knowing that a single mistake could cost them everything. Dragon control was as important as ever. Securing the Elder Dragon, which was the final objective to come into play, was key to winning the game. The Elder Dragon gave a team the ability to execute opponents. Both teams understood this and fought hard. The Elder Dragon had become a symbol of victory. The fight for the Elder Dragon was a tense affair. Both teams engaged in a back-and-forth battle, each attempting to secure the final, crucial buff. Samsung Galaxy ultimately prevailed, securing the Elder Dragon and using its power to push for the win. They executed their strategy flawlessly, showing their high level of understanding. SSG’s strategic execution was a key element. SSG's ability to control and use the Elder Dragon was the defining moment. The final push from SSG, powered by the Elder Dragon, led to the destruction of SKT T1’s Nexus, and SSG was crowned the champions. This moment marked the end of the series, but it would remain a testament to strategic brilliance. The 2017 World Championship Finals was a testament to the importance of dragon control. It helped to highlight its impact on the outcome. SSG's victory was a testament to their preparation, their strategic understanding, and their ability to execute under pressure. The 2017 World Championship Finals were a celebration of skill, strategy, and teamwork. It will always be remembered for its dragon fights. This series highlighted the importance of dragon control in high-level League of Legends play. The event had shown just how crucial these objectives were. The series has become a symbol for a high-level competitive environment. It would be remembered for its exceptional display of skill and its nail-biting finishes.