FunPlus Phoenix and Top Esports Among Favorites to Win League of Legends LPL Spring 2020

• The 2020 LPL Spring Split begins on January 14th and runs until March 31st
• The reigning World Champions, Fun Plus Phoenix, are the early favorites to win
• Top Esports is right behind them after adding Karsa to their roster in the offseason

The 2020 LPL season begins with the Spring Split on January 14th. Several of the LPL teams have undergone major roster overhauls that will shake up the way the standings look from last year.

LPL Spring Split Odds

Odds taken Dec. 23

FPX Looking Good to Defend Their Throne

2019 was an absolutely incredible year for FunPlus Phoenix. They overcame a history of choking in the big moment to win the 2019 LPL Summer Split and the World Championship. Going into 2020, there’s no reason to think that FPX will get any weaker. They kept the core of their roster intact, while adding an additional option in the top lane. FPX signed Khan as their new top laner after a  strong year with the top Korean team of SK Telecom.

This was a team that was very inexperienced on the international stage, and they managed to win it all their very first time at Worlds. The roster has only built more chemistry and they deserve to be favorites both in the LPL and internationally. Even if the value’s not really there, it’s difficult to bet against the defending World Champions.

2020 Could Be the Year of Top Esports

Top Esports has gradually improved over their time in the LPL, and this year their eye is on qualifying for Worlds. In 2019, TES proved to be more than a capable team. Their mid laner, Knight9, was dominant all split long as he picked up MVP honors in summer. He’s their anchor point, and everything that TES does revolves around him.

Although Top Esports finished third in summer, the team added veteran jungler Karsa to the roster. He’s been to Worlds with both the Flash Wolves and RNG, and his veteran presence should help TES get to the big stage. Expect Top Esports to be a strong team right out of the gate. They’re worth a bet to win in spring, although they’re still a step behind FPX.

The Constant Challengers

You never know what you’re going to get with Invictus Gaming. There’s no doubt that they’re a strong team, but they go through random slumps throughout the year. Take 2019 for example. Invictus won the spring split, and followed it up with a seventh-place finish in summer. They then tore through the regional qualifiers to make Worlds over Top Esports.

They’re an up-and-down team that gets the job done with their backs against the wall. There is definitely a world where Invictus wins the spring split. They’ve got insanely talented solo laners in TheShy and Rookie, but the question is how Puff will do at AD Carry instead of JackeyLove.

Top Three Finishers

These are likely the top three teams in the LPL Spring Split, but I’d be remiss not to expect a couple of surprise contenders. If you’re looking for some longshots, I wouldn’t look any further than RNG. Royal Never Give Up is undergoing some change, but the key thing to note is that they re-signed Uzi, Ming and Xiaohu.

We are proud to announce that we have re-signed @UziRNG, Ming and Xiaohu. They have contributed a lot under the RNG banner and we are excited for the future! #RNGWIN pic.twitter.com/3lgfAZ4LsK

— Royal Never Give Up (@RNG) December 15, 2019

They promoted a new jungler up from their academy team and it might take some time to adjust to a new young player, however, the strong mechanical skills of the players surrounding him could make it a quick adjustment period. They also added legendary support player Mata as their new head coach.

Picks: To Win – FunPlus Phoenix (+150), To Finish Top 3 – FunPlus Phoenix (-333), Top Esports (-167) & RNG (+350)