NIP2-1 defeats MVKE! MVKE suffers multiple disconnections during Baron fight, NIP makes a comeback and wins.

The Asian Invitational BO3 between NIP and MVKE was yet another showdown between the LPL region and a Vietnamese squad. After three intense matches, NIP secured a 2-1 win over MVKE to take the series.

In the opening game, NIP fielded Renekton top, Jarvan jungle, Ryze mid, and Sivir plus Neeko in the bottom lane; MVKE responded with Aatrox top, Vi jungle, Ahri mid, and Tristana with Lulu bot. During laning, both sides exchanged blows, with several small skirmishes going back and forth. NIP managed to destroy the first turret on the top lane and their Rift Herald teamfight netted a 2-for-0 exchange, giving them an early 2K gold advantage.

In the mid game, NIP aggressively contested the Rift Herald. MVKE arrived too late, allowing NIP to secure it successfully. Niket’s Neeko initiated a fight but was instantly eliminated; however, NIP’s two carries cleaned up, turning the fight into a 5-for-2 team wipe against MVKE. Later, at 32 minutes, in a jungle teamfight, doinb’s Ryze severely damaged Tristana, enabling NIP to start a fight and wipe MVKE with a flawless 5-for-0, clinching the first game. The highest damage dealt in the first game was by leave’s Sivir.

In the second game, NIP chose Anivia top, Yorick jungle, Pantheon mid, and Kai’Sa with Alistar bot; MVKE picked Kled top, Zyra jungle, Sion mid, and Yuumi with Poppy bot. MVKE showed strong early momentum, grouping aggressively to fight. NIP struggled with repeated defeats, often being saved by clutch plays. Style’s Yuumi even secured a solo kill on leave’s Kai’Sa mid. MVKE took down the first turret on the top lane early and secured two dragons, leading by 4K gold.

During the mid game, MVKE pushed forward, instantly killing Niket’s Alistar. NIP’s coordination faltered, resulting in a 0-for-4 loss as MVKE secured the Rift Herald. At 24 minutes, naiyou’s Yorick was caught and killed bot lane again, allowing MVKE to take the first Baron. With the Baron buff, MVKE easily destroyed NIP’s base and leveled the series. The MVP was awarded to Gury’s Zyra jungle.

In the third game, NIP picked Gragas top, Xin Zhao jungle, Akali mid, and Varus with Renata bot; MVKE responded with Jax top, Volibear jungle, Twisted Fate mid, and Jhin with Bard bot. MVKE’s jungle and support dominated early, making multiple picks and leading with a 2K gold advantage.

Mid game, NIP contested the Rift Herald again. doinb’s Akali quickly eliminated Bard, and MVKE’s attempts to save their teammates failed repeatedly. NIP traded 1-for-4 and secured the Rift Herald. At 28 minutes, a tense Baron pit skirmish occurred, but MVKE suddenly experienced multiple disconnections. Due to the nature of the online match, replay was unavailable. NIP capitalized by killing MVKE’s mid and jungle, securing the first Baron. Ultimately, at 30 minutes, NIP pushed through the bot lane, killed four MVKE members, and sealed the match victory.

So, what are your thoughts on this match? Feel free to share and discuss in the comments below.