Team WE’s Revival: New Strategies and a Strong Comeback at Worlds 2024

League of Legends is a game where the tide of competition is constantly shifting. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the rise and fall of teams, the creation of legends, and the resurgence of those who once ruled the rift. One of the most fascinating narratives of the 2024 World Championship is the return of Team WE—a legendary Chinese squad that has managed to rekindle the magic of their past. Team WE’s recent transformation has turned the heads of fans worldwide, marking a dramatic comeback to the highest levels of international play. How has this storied organization managed to reestablish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-changing landscape of competitive League of Legends? Let’s explore the evolution of Team WE, the changes in their training methodologies, strategic adaptations, and how these shifts have reinvigorated their performances on the global stage.
The Evolution of Team WE: A New Beginning
Team WE, one of China’s most iconic esports organizations, has always held a special place in the hearts of fans. Founded in 2011, WE was one of the original powerhouses of competitive League of Legends. They dominated the early years of professional play, culminating in a remarkable victory at the 2012 IPL5—a time when they were considered the best team in the world. However, with the rapid development of the League of Legends competitive scene and the influx of new talents and strategies, Team WE eventually began to fade. They struggled to keep up with the fast-evolving meta and the increasingly fierce competition in China’s domestic LPL (League of Legends Pro League).
The story of their decline is familiar: aging veterans, an over-reliance on old strategies, and an inability to successfully integrate new talent into a cohesive unit. By 2019, Team WE found themselves far from the international spotlight, struggling even to qualify for Worlds—a tournament that had become almost a pipe dream. However, in recent years, something changed. Management decided it was time to go back to the drawing board, rethink their approach, and completely rebuild from the ground up. The revival of Team WE began with a deep reflection on what made them successful in the past and what needed to change to return to that level. Central to this transformation was a renewed focus on fostering young talent, bringing in fresh perspectives, and finding a balance between experience and youth. The rebuilding process was gradual but intentional: Team WE revamped their roster, coaching staff, and even their training facilities. By 2023, it was clear that this was not the same team that had struggled in previous years.
The current roster of Team WE represents a fusion of young mechanical prodigies and experienced veterans who bring a wealth of strategic insight. Their new top laner, “Lai,” has been particularly impressive—a fearless, aggressive player with a champion pool that seems endless. Meanwhile, “Sora,” the mid laner, has shown incredible adaptability, capable of playing both supportive, control-style champions as well as high-damage assassins depending on what the team needs. In terms of coaching staff, Team WE brought in “Coach Ming,” who is known for his work with several successful Chinese teams in the past. Coach Ming is highly respected for his understanding of macro play and his ability to bring out the best in his players. His arrival marked a turning point in how Team WE approached practice, strategy, and mental preparation. Gone were the days of rigid, inflexible playstyles; Team WE now embraces a more fluid, adaptive approach, allowing them to adjust their tactics in real time depending on their opponents.
A New Approach to Training and Strategy: Adaptation as the Key to Success
The most notable aspect of Team WE’s resurgence has been their completely revamped approach to training and strategy. In the past, WE had been criticized for being slow to adapt to the meta and for failing to innovate in key areas. However, their new philosophy revolves around the concept of constant adaptation—both to in-game metas and to the evolving demands of competitive play. This adaptive mindset has been instrumental in helping them reclaim their status as a contender on the global stage.
One of the first significant changes was the recognition that competitive success requires not only in-game skill but also peak physical and mental conditioning. Team WE has taken a page from traditional sports, employing nutritionists, psychologists, and fitness trainers to help their players maintain a healthy balance in their lives. This holistic approach ensures that players stay focused and maintain their resilience through the long and grueling competitive season. The addition of regular fitness sessions, mental health check-ins, and workshops on stress management has led to a team that is more composed under pressure—something that is clearly visible in their matches this season. Mental fortitude has become a key asset for Team WE. They have been consistently able to turn games around, even in dire situations, showcasing a level of resilience that had been missing in previous years. Their ability to execute under pressure—whether during intense team fights or high-stakes late-game decisions—has been the backbone of their success.
Another major shift for Team WE has been in their scrim practices. Rather than focusing solely on grinding scrims against LPL teams, they have begun scrimming against a wider variety of international teams to diversify their strategic pool. This international exposure has helped them adapt to different styles of play and stay ahead of the curve in terms of understanding emerging metas. Moreover, scrims are no longer just about playing and hoping to get better. The coaching staff has implemented a highly analytical approach, where every scrim is meticulously reviewed. Players are encouraged to self-reflect on their mistakes and successes, promoting an environment of continuous learning. This level of analysis has allowed WE to identify and iron out weaknesses while also expanding their champion pools to better fit different matchups.
In addition to traditional scrims, Team WE has also embraced the use of advanced data analytics and machine learning tools to evaluate their own gameplay and study their opponents. These tools help break down individual player tendencies, as well as analyze team-wide habits that can be exploited. The use of these technologies has given WE a deeper understanding of the game at both a micro and macro level, making them one of the most strategically well-prepared teams in the current World Championship. Perhaps the most important change that Team WE has embraced is a new level of flexibility in their draft phase and in-game playstyle. In the past, WE was known for their straightforward approach, often relying on a single winning formula—usually centered around a hyper-carry ADC. Today, their versatility is what makes them so dangerous. They’ve shown an ability to succeed with a wide variety of strategies: whether it’s the classic “protect the ADC” composition, aggressive early-game dives, or split-push pressure, Team WE is capable of executing it all.
Their adaptability in draft has been particularly crucial during this year’s World Championship. With the meta being in constant flux, Team WE has demonstrated the ability to switch gears on the fly, keeping their opponents guessing. Against some of the top teams, such as G2 Esports and T1, WE have drafted compositions that exploited their opponents’ weaknesses while maximizing their own strengths. This flexibility has forced opposing teams to question their own plans, giving WE a significant advantage in both draft and execution. In terms of playstyle, Team WE’s hallmark this season has been their synchronized team play and efficient use of resources. Jungler “Spirit” has played a pivotal role in enabling his laners, whether through aggressive early ganking or careful counter-jungling. The synergy between Spirit and mid laner Sora has been particularly impressive, with the duo consistently establishing early control of the map and translating that into objectives. This cohesion has transformed WE into a team that doesn’t just win lanes—they win the map.
The results of these changes are evident in Team WE’s performances at Worlds 2024. Unlike previous years, where WE struggled to make it out of the group stage, they’ve emerged as one of the tournament favorites. They managed to win their group convi ncingly, taking down some of the best teams in the world with a mixture of superior strategy, mechanical prowess, and an unshakeable mental game. Their victory over reigning champions JDG in the quarterfinals was a testament to just how far they have come—the match was a nail-biter that showcased their resilience, adaptability, and trust in one another. The entire team has stepped up in key moments. Lai’s split-pushing prowess has forced opponents into difficult decisions, often leading to costly mistakes, while bot laner “Hope” has lived up to his name, carrying team fights with calm precision. Spirit’s shot-calling has improved significantly, enabling WE to close out games without hesitation—something that had often been a stumbling block for them in past seasons. Each player’s individual brilliance has shone through, but it is their collective strength as a unit that has made Team WE such a formidable opponent.
Team WE’s resurgence has been one of the most exciting storylines of the 2024 World Championship. They have managed to combine the youthful energy of emerging talents with the experience of seasoned veterans, and, under the guidance of Coach Ming, they have completely revamped their training regimen and strategic approach. This transformation has not only returned them to international relevance but has also given them a legitimate shot at the Summoner’s Cup. Their journey to the top is not over yet. Standing in their way are some of the most decorated teams in League of Legends history, but if there’s one thing this year’s WE has shown, it’s that they are not afraid of the challenge. With a new mindset, renewed vigor, and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level, Team WE is ready to reclaim their place among the legends. The return of Team WE is a story of resilience and transformation—a reminder that even the mightiest can fall, but with the right changes, they can rise again. For the fans who have stuck with them through thick and thin, this run is more than just a competitive success; it’s the culmination of years of hope, faith, and belief. As they advance to the semifinals, one thing is clear: Team WE is no longer just trying to return to their former glory—they’re looking to redefine it. The world is watching, and the legends are back.