Dignitas Rising

 By Helmight

            Earlier this year, Grab the Lantern covered the acquisition of ZionSpartan and Shiphtur by Dignitas, stating that there were two possible outcomes of such a move. One was that the former Coast players don’t integrate well with the team and keep Dig in a solidly middle-of-the-pack condition; the other was that the two star players would carry Dignitas higher in the standings.

After Week 2 of the NA LCS, I think it’s safe to say that the latter scenario has occurred. Zion and Shiphtur have proven in their first six games with the organization that they are threats to be feared and have led Dig to a 5-1 record. This includes victories over both Team SoloMid and Cloud 9, the two teams that absolutely dominated the Spring Split.

Early ganks by Crumbzz in the mid or top lane have rarely failed to give Zion or Shiphtur first blood and allow Dignitas’s solo laners to start snowballing their advantage. This allows Crumbzz to spend as much as he needs ganking for Kiwikid and Imaqtpie, helping the duo lane get rolling as well. By the time teamfights roll around, Dig’s already got enough of an advantage to stomp their opponents and take objectives.

And it’s Zion and Shiphtur always leading the charge for Dignitas. In four of their five wins, Dig’s new top and midlaner have had one or fewer deaths combined - quite an impressive feat – and typically have the majority of their team’s kills. Without a doubt, these two players have become the crux of Dig’s strategy.

So how does one defeat the new Dignitas then? The answer was revealed by Curse in their Super Week showing against Dig: beat them in the laning phase, and keep Zion from playing carry champions. While ZionSpartan shines on Shyvana and Jax, being forced onto Dr. Mundo prevented him from becoming the unstoppable splitpushing monster he’s used to. In addition, Crumbzz’s inability to pull off successful ganks kept Curse from falling too far behind and let them come back in the midgame.

Unless other teams find ways of stopping Dignitas’s new solo laners though, it’s very probable that Dig will stay on top of the NA LCS this split – and possibly find their way into the World Championships. Only time will tell if Dig can stay hot. 

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!