Shots from the Studio: NA LCS Week 9

The final weekend of the Summer Split has come to an end, as has Team Gravity's brief streak at the top of the standings. Although they're still contenders for World Championships, they'll have to run through the gauntlet of Liquid, Impulse, and CLG in order to make it. Still, Gravity have a glimmer of hope. They're currently tied with Team Impulse, who's looking stronger than ever. Both teams have secured a quarterfinal spot in playoffs.

And despite all odds--despite all the jaded expectations, Counter Logic Gaming has avoided their annual fate of faltering right before playoffs, securing a semifinal spot alongside Team Liquid. Will Doublelift finally see himself play on the world stage this time? Or will he find himself on the analyst desk again?

And, of course, the biggest surprise is the dismantling of Team SoloMid in the final race before playoffs. Plagued by drama and lack of cohesion, the team has fallen apart at the seams. They've lost to a lackluster Cloud9 and they've found themselves struggling against bottom of the barrel teams like Enemy Esports and Team Dragon Knights.

Traditionally, TSM has excelled in a Best of 5. But will they be able to return to form and earn their spot at Worlds Championships?

Here are the playoff brackets:

Gallery

Gallery

Week 9 Standings
Team Liquid 13-5
Counter Logic Gaming 13-5
Team Impulse 12-6
Team Gravity 12-6
Team SoloMid 11-7
Team Dignitas 10-8
Cloud9 6-12
Team 8 6-12
Enemy Esports 4-14
Team Dragon Knights 3-15

Photo credit: Jeremy Wacker.