The Battle For APAC Heats Up

Heading into the Spring Split, APAC is primed for its most competitive split yet. Having taken their first international game in LA with a 1-3 loss to FaZe, an improved Major Qualifier format, and some roster changes already made, it’s all to play for in the region’s Spring Split, and a host of teams will be fighting for the elusive London Major slot.

APAC North:

APAC North has proved themselves to be the superior of the pair so far in RLCS Season 2021-2022, and that doesn’t look like stopping in Spring, with a few high caliber rosters standing told heading into the split.

First off, we have the major attendees, DeToNator. Although third in both splits this season, DeToNator’s play at the Major Qualifier and in LA was perhaps the best we’ve seen out of Asia so far. They’re aggressive, they’re physical, and their play style is a struggle for some of Asia’s best to find an edge against. Expect DeToNator’s hunger to only be fueled by their time on LAN, and certainly a big split to come.

But if DeToNator wishes to progress to London, they’re going to have to get past APAC’s greatest team, Tokyo Verdy. Equipped with the best player in Asia, ReaLize, and having won 5/6 regionals, Verdy will be back for vengeance in Spring. The only issue presented is the potential nervousness of Tenhow and Kanra, especially in the Major Qualifier, who seem the fear the wrath of ReaLize if they make a mistake, which can cause hesitations and even more mistakes to be made. For Verdy to become a truly great team, the load needs to be shared between the trio.

And waiting in the shadows, lies a team starved of the results they’re capable of, Nimmt55, who are the third of APAC North’s big 3. As the only team to have defeated Verdy regionally, and having placed 2nd in Winter before scheduling problems took them out of the Major Qualifier, Nimmt55 will be back, better than ever in Spring. The addition of top tier player Maru to the team to aid them in the high pressure situations, adding to Popo’s unreal mechanical ability and Shaolon’s vast experience, having been in the scene since the very beginning.

As well as this, there’s also the dark horse contender of Hilltop Picnic. The diverse lineup will be missing the experience of veteran player Doomsee, who’ll now be on the bench, but have time to improve their chances after a long break between splits. Their release from Parabelleum, however, was conducted in a very worrying matter, which could present issues within the team, and Hilltop may not have the firepower needed to challenge the region’s big 3.

APAC South:

APAC South appears set to be the tightest it’s been for the 3 splits thus far. The favorites are still comfortably Gaimin Gladiators, whose core team of Maxeew and LCT has won 6/6 regionals this season. However, with Kaotik removed from the team and no obvious replacements in his wake, the Gladiators could find themselves being vulnerable in Spring and be open to some real challenges for the first time ever.

Directly behind the Gladiators sits UHUH, the hard working team who have finished 2nd in APAC South for the previous two splits. But with their original roster back together thanks to BunnyDummy returning to Asia, the aid of Coach Curtis, and challenging the Gladiators throughout Winter, this could just be the split that UHUH can find the breakthrough. The other contender to the throne will be Slot Machine, formerly known as Dark Rift Esports, who are coming off back to back 2nd place finishes in Winter. Although their full roster is unknown, ballerrees will be able to use his inside knowledge to pick the Gladiators apart, and duo Poofy has proven himself to be one of APAC’s strongest players over time.

Additionally, there is also the element of free agents currently seeking a team within the scene, whose movements could cause a shock wave in APAC. Abscrazy is arguably top 5 in APAC and will be a valued commodity for the coming split, Kaotik is one of the region’s best mechanical masterminds, and Ficeo could help elevate a roster to the top of the region.

Overall Thoughts:

Ultimately, Spring will likely see APAC North stay on top of the two, and perhaps even extend the gap. Their big 3 teams looked primed to take it to the next level, and Gaimin Gladiator’s current situation, as unable to find a stable third with Max and LCT, is worrying for APAC South’s biggest contender.

Our prediction for Spring is for Nimmt55 to rise big time with the addition of Maru, and for Popo to step up to the mantle of becoming APAC’s next big superstar. The result would see APAC sending a third different team to the third major of the season, and the ability to for this to happen shows just how competitive this area has become.