PLAYER RANKINGS
in big letters with a weird font because I lack a banner
Before getting into this, this list was based on the starting LC slots of week 1 so sorry Sken, Tko and Tcr :( Other than that, thanks to the LCWC managers for providing their thoughts, especially
Coconut for helping me with the good descriptions.
#1, Kingler12345, 1,67
Being one of the bigger household names of LC, Kingler’s got an impressive past and is generally considered one of the best LCers hands down. While being slightly inconsistent, even at his worst he’s a solid player and generally a good pick for Drakes. With solid help from former Snake teammate Plas, Kingler is likely to pull a solid run through this tour.
#2, Ninjadog, 2,83
Being hyped up and recognised in the LC tour scene early 2018, Ninja has had an impressive year reaching circuit playoffs and gotten far in numerous single man tournaments, while otherwise staying mostly even in team tournaments with a 3-3 in LCWC so far and a more impressive 5-2 in LCPL. Ninja has proven to be a reliable player, and is likely to at least go even or better this tournament.
#3, Shrug, 3,86
Shrug did really well in his first Snake tournament, going positive against many of LC’s finest, and is a hot name still to this very day. While not having an impressive show this year in team tournaments, he has been able to reach Semifinals in the LC Circuit Playoffs through the winner brackets, taking down many a big LCer. Shrug is definitely a player capable of playing LC to a very high level and is one of the most frightening names in this tour capable of winning games with Alolan-Geodude. Having one of the best teambuilding supports in Trash means he is likely to have a hot run this Exhibition.
#4, Heysup, 4
Heysup is one of the oldest LCers still playing, and while he’s one of the most fmous LCers in this tournament and one of the all-time scariest players, he’s been a bit lacking lately compared to his earlier years. Still, a lacking Heysup is still able to be drafted for one of the best Snake teams and get to the LC Circuit Playoffs, and being known for his weird team selections, Heysup will be a scary player to face for anyone.
#5 Toadow, 4,67
One of the freshest names on this list, Toadow made an impressive appearance through Seasonals and KOTH. This up-and-coming LCer is already a name to be afraid of, but his team choices are often very similar and basic compared to the players ranked above him which leaves him one of the easier players to counterteam amongst the upper echelon of this tour. Still, Toadow should be able to pull out a solid record, allredy having copped his first win of this tournament.
#6 Tazz 5,57
While being more known for playing good ORAS, Tazz is without a doubt a solid USM player. Being able to reach LC Circuit Playoffs as well as getting a 4-2 record in LCPL (notably in older gens), Tazz has proved he’s a solid player overall, although this being gen 7 might not be to his benefit vs other players who are more versed in this gen. His win week 1 vs big gun Shrug makes it apparent though that he is fully capable to get a positive run, and might end up being more known for gen 7 after this tour.
#7 BurntZebra, 6,83
Being yet one of the fresher names in this tournament, Levi made a big deal out of him back in the spring of 2018 and for a good reason. While his LCPL run was above average, his LCWC run hasn’t been quite up there yet, so this could be the tournament where Zebra proves he truly is one of the best LC players at the moment. However, he’s got heavy competition from many more experienced players, so it will be tough.
#8, Plas, 7,14
While not playing any games in Snake, he was still drafted and proved himself a valuable building asset, and having a generally solid tour record to show off from individual tournaments and reaching LC Circuit Playofs, he still has a bit to prove when it comes to team tournaments. This may be the year Plas takes one of the top slots, especially if Kingler can provide him with some solid backup, and his week 1 win might’ve been what kicks this off.
#9, Fille, 9,6
Fille has been quickly rising as one of the more upstanding members of the community. While his recent placings do not quite show his skill, his ranking is absolutely nothing to scoff at. He has an eye for creativity and he is absolutely not afraid to experiment with his teams whatsoever. However, his greatest strength also happens to be his greatest weakness, as he will often go overboard with the creativity. Hopefully, his teammates in Osh and LilyAC will be able to ensure he does not get too zealous.
#10, Fatty, 9,71
Despite being relatively inactive this year, Fatty has been a great player for a long time, playing in SPL 8 amongst other big tournaments. However, his inactivity has possibly left him rusty, and while he came back for LCWC with a solid 4-1 record, proving he’s still capable of playing to a high level, he’s got a life and might not have the time to give as much for this tournament compared to the other players in the pool.
#11, Wabane, 10,33
Being the freshest face in this tournament, Wabane is fresh off a 2-4 record from LCWC. Despite this though, he has solid backing in Dcae and Levi as managers, as well as his fellow frenchman Toadow, both of which makes an excellent pair, and while his results from the past world cup aren’t great, he has shown a capacity to play pokemon at a high level and has the potential to cause an upset in his first major team tournament.
#12, LilyAC, 10,6
As one of the more consistent LC players as of late, LilyAC makes her debut in her first major team tour. While she lacks the experience of some of the players higher on this list, it is remedied by solid teambuilding and generally safe plays. With a successful managing campaign in LCWC, LilyAC is certainly no joke of a player. Having results in the LC circuit tours, LilyAC's biggest weakness might be tournament nerves, as she lacks real experience in major team tours.
#13, Luthier, 10,67
3-1 in LCWC is not bad, but LCPL records and just above average singles tournaments showings leaves Luthier at one of the lower spots. Still, Luthier has shown he is a capable player, and coming off of an impressive Open run where he reached playoffs, it’s not difficult to say that Luthier has the potential to end up being one of the bigger names in this tournament. With solid teambuilding support from Heysup, Luthier is definitely still a scary player.
#14, HT, 11
Being the only starting player who doesn’t main LC, that’s really all HT has going for him. In a pool with arguably many of the most creative LC players, it’s going to be tough going up in a meta one’s not as familiar with as the rest. However, HT got a decent showing in past LC Teamtours, and has time after time proven he’s a top-tier tourplayer, with showing in many major tours including SPL.
#15, Taranteeeno, 12,8
Another fresh face, Taranteeeno isn’t coming off from a very impressive LCWC run. While his LCPL run started out well with a 2-0, it quickly dropped to an even 2-2, and leaves little to desire. Still, being drafted for exhibition from an actual competitive LC pool does mean something, and with some support form Shrug this could be Taranteeenos chance to impress, which is fully possible he’s definitely a solid player.
#16, London13, 13,14
The lowest ranked player on this list, but still quite the competent player. While he didn’t play in LCWC, he did have an impressive showing in BLT, going 3-0 vs an actual ok LC pool, and while 2-2 in LCPL isn’t impressive, it also shows that he isn’t someone to just trample over. London certainly has a lot to prove, and while he’s ranked at the bottom of this list, he definitely will put up a fight, and his BLT run shows that he’s good at preparing, even with the lack of solid prep-help from managers and teammates other than Tko.