Sometimes the truth hurts, and League of Legends analyst Caedrel just delivered one of the most brutal reality checks we’ve seen in years. After watching both EU and NA struggle at the recent tournament, the popular caster didn’t hold back his feelings about Western performance.
Caedrel’s frustration boiled over during a recent stream where he laid out exactly how he felt about both regions. His message was crystal clear: we all need to do better.
“Listen, NA you suck, EU we suck […] This is why we need EU vs NA because it’s depressing seeing both of us getting shit on. At least let us shit on each other. We need to see who was worse this tournament, G2 vs LYON, that’s the discussion here.” — u/Yujin-Ha on r/leagueoflegends
What makes Caedrel’s comments hit so hard is that he’s not just throwing shade from the sidelines. As someone who’s been deeply involved in the European scene, both as a player and analyst, his words carry weight. When he says “we suck,” he’s including himself in that Western struggle.
The fact that Caedrel is calling for EU vs NA matches just to figure out “who was worse” shows how far our expectations have fallen. Remember when these matchups used to be about proving which region was stronger? Now we’re talking about who’s less disappointing.
This isn’t just about one tournament either. Western regions have been struggling to keep up with the East for years now. Every international event seems to highlight the same problems: inconsistent macro play, questionable draft choices, and teams that look good domestically but crumble under international pressure.
G2 Esports, who Caedrel specifically mentioned alongside LYON, used to be the pride of Europe. They were the team that could take games off Korean and Chinese powerhouses. Now they’re part of a conversation about regional weakness. That shift says everything about where we are right now.
The community response to Caedrel’s comments has been mixed. Some fans appreciate his honesty and think it’s exactly the wake-up call both regions need. Others feel like he’s being too harsh and that Western teams face unique challenges that Eastern regions don’t have to deal with.
But here’s the thing: Caedrel isn’t wrong about needing those EU vs NA matches. At least when we’re fighting each other, one of us has to win. And maybe that’s where we need to start rebuilding confidence. Sometimes you need to crawl before you can walk.
The bigger picture here is about what Western League of Legends needs to do to stay relevant. Our regions have amazing talent, passionate fanbases, and strong infrastructure. But something isn’t clicking when it comes to international competition.
Part of the problem might be that we’re not hungry enough anymore. When you’re comfortable in your regional bubble, it’s easy to think you’re better than you actually are. International tournaments have become reality checks that nobody wants to cash.
Another issue is how our regions approach the game differently than Eastern teams. While Korean and Chinese teams are constantly pushing boundaries and finding new ways to play, Western teams often feel like they’re playing catch-up to strategies that were figured out months ago.
The meta shifts faster than ever, and our ability to adapt seems to lag behind. By the time Western teams master one style, the rest of the world has moved on to something new.
So what’s next for EU and NA? Caedrel’s suggestion about needing head-to-head matches might actually be onto something. More cross-regional play could help both sides understand their actual skill level better.
Riot has been experimenting with different tournament formats, and maybe it’s time to give Western regions more opportunities to test themselves against each other throughout the year. Not just at MSI or Worlds, but in regular competitions that matter.
The upcoming season will be crucial for both regions. Teams need to prove that Caedrel’s harsh words were the motivation they needed, not just another reminder of how far behind we’ve fallen. Our players have the skill, our coaches have the knowledge, and our fans have the passion. Now we just need to put it all together when it matters most.
