by Cloud9’s Ibrahim “Fudge” Allami, who played as a mid laner in the first half of the year, has been returned to his original position. The North American team released three League of Legends players in May, including top laner Park “Summit” Woo-tae.
Although Summit had a spectacular 2022 LoL Championship Series (LCS) Spring regular season, winning seven MVP awards, he disappeared during the playoffs. That, to a large extent, played a role in the decision to cut him after one split.
With that release, Fudge can return to his original role. He moved to the mid laner position to accommodate Summit’s acquisition. But with the South Korean out of the team, he will be C9’s first choice top laner.
Fudge’s struggles as a mid laner were evident, but the Australian has become more confident since realizing he was going to play as a top laner in the second half of the season.
“I do feel like I was learning quite a bit when I was a mid laner. And I think once I realized I was playing top lane again, I felt a lot of confidence, because as a player,” he said in a recent interview.
“I understand the game from a holistic standpoint quite well, and my only big weakness as a mid laner was my laning and my mechanics on champions—which is a very important part of the game, obviously.”
In his three years as a professional LoL player, Fudge has played as a top laner. Taking that into consideration, one could see why he is thrilled to be returning to that position.
Although the 20-year-old was not his best as a mid laner, he managed to win one MVP award in the playoffs.
Now back in his preferred position, Fudge is determined to make his mark alongside Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen and Robert “Blaber” Huang.
“I believe in myself. I believe I can be the best top laner by the end of the split. I believe Jensen can be the best mid laner, and I already believe Blaber is the best jungler,” he said.
Even as the Aussie is brimming with confidence, he admitted that he has a lot to learn. In doing so, he also tried to compare his style of play to that of Summit, now with FunPlus Phoenix in the LoL Pro League (LPL).
“A player like Summit is someone that’s very far on one side of the spectrum, which is very aggressive, very good mechanically, but he doesn’t make the best strategic decisions. Whereas me, when I was a top laner in 2021 Summer, I was very passive and [went] for high-percentage plays that were low-risk, but I didn’t really carry any games,” he said.
“I think it’s very important I’m able to win lane against all the NA top laners, and that’s what I’ve been working on. I still think I’m not there yet, but I’ve been definitely focusing heavily on my laning, trying to push the limits of champions mechanically, but it’s going to take a lot of time, obviously.”
Fudge has gradually shown that his conservative style could benefit C9. So far in the summer, Fudge has the lowest death percentage in comparison to other top laners in the LCS. He also has the highest kill share among all top laners.
Unfortunately, C9 have lost their first three games of the summer. They lost their opening game against Evil Geniuses, with the remaining two defeats at the hands of Golden Guardians and Team Liquid.
C9 will resume play on June 25 against Dignitas. Both teams are yet to win a game, and this will be an opportunity for them to get on the board.
A top-six finish will guarantee C9 a spot in the playoffs. If they reach the playoffs, they could become one of three teams that will get direct seeding to the 2022 LoL World Championship.
