The 2024 Clausura Tournament of the Liga Latinoamérica (LLA) is nearing its climax, and the competition has been nothing short of electrifying. Infinity Esports has made a remarkable run through the playoffs, defeating Isurus 3-2 in a thrilling semifinal series.
This victory not only secured their place in the finals but also their qualification for the prestigious Liga Americas in 2025, where they will face Movistar R7.
Infinity’s Road to the Finals: A Series of Upsets
Infinity’s journey in the Clausura 2024 has been filled with surprises. After eliminating one of the tournament favorites, Estral Esports, in the previous round, they had the chance to avenge their earlier playoff defeat against Isurus. Isurus, known as “The Shark,” had previously beaten Infinity 3-1 at the start of the playoffs, making this rematch highly anticipated.
The series between Infinity and Isurus was intense from the start. Both teams’ junglers were highly active, setting up plays in the side lanes and constantly engaging in team fights. Infinity took control of the first game, thanks to their strategic plays and team coordination.
However, Isurus bounced back in the second game, executing solid plays and gaining map control through superior objective management, tying the series 1-1.
Isurus continued their momentum into the third game, with Omar “Gavotto” Gavotto performing exceptionally on Jhin, gaining an early advantage. Despite Infinity’s attempts to scale with Kim “Trigger” Eui-joo’s Smolder pick, Isurus managed to secure the win, putting themselves ahead in the series.
Facing elimination, Infinity took a bold approach by picking Shyvana for Jesús “Grell” Loya. Although they started with a disadvantage due to a failed invade, a key team fight in the enemy jungle allowed them to bounce back and force a decisive fifth game.
In the final game, both teams stuck to their successful picks, with Infinity opting for Shyvana again and Isurus sticking with Jhin. Kim “OnFleek” Jang-gyeom, Infinity’s jungler, outperformed his counterpart early on, securing objectives for his team.
Despite Isurus’ efforts to stay in the game, a crucial fight around the Baron Nashor led to Infinity securing the buff and ultimately winning the series.
Key Takeaways from the Semifinals:
- Infinity’s Resilience: Infinity’s ability to come back from a deficit and force a fifth game highlights their resilience and strategic adaptability under pressure.
- Isurus’ Legacy: Although Isurus fell short in this series, their legacy in the LLA and their multiple championships will be remembered as they step away from the professional scene.
- Upcoming Finals: The upcoming final between Infinity and Movistar R7 promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to prove themselves as the top team in Latin America.
Match Details and Upcoming Schedule:
- Finals Match: Infinity vs. Movistar R7
- Date: August 24, 2024
- Significance: The final match of the LLA Clausura 2024, determining the regional champion and setting the stage for the Liga Americas 2025.
Looking Ahead: The Finals and Beyond
With this victory, Infinity has not only ended Isurus’ run in the tournament but also their journey in the professional League of Legends scene, where they achieved multiple championships in the now-defunct CLS and three titles in the LLA.
Infinity will now face Movistar R7 in the LLA Clausura 2024 finals on August 24, a match that will determine the champions of the region. Both teams have secured their spots in the upcoming Liga Americas in 2025, making this final a perfect opportunity to gain momentum heading into the international stage.