LPL: LNG surprise BLG and go straight to Worlds

The LPL playoffs are coming to a close. The last question before the final game was who would challenge JDG for the title and who would advance directly to Worlds.

The performances and numbers speak clearly. BLG put on their best performance during the summer split, and with some exaggeration, the best League of Legends of today. LNG, on the other hand, had to go through a more difficult journey and, more importantly, make up for a failed spring.

With the acquisition of GALA, this dream began to materialize and take on realistic shapes. LNG have stabilized their performance and most importantly have added a toughness, a key element if one of the superteams is to succeed in a tough competition.

BLG’s dominant performances that graced the entire split were put to a scathing halt by JDG players. They are proving to be heavy kryptonite this season and their clear 3: 0 win in the playoff semi-finals was a clear example of that.

LNG had to claw their way through a corrective series with EDG, which they handled to perfection. As a reward, they were given the chance to face one of the JDG/BLG pairing again. The team, who unlike BLG, managed to greatly embarrass the defending champions, had more motivation.

That motivation proved to be key. Although LNG did not have control of the game for most of the series, that tenacity became a tool for success. BLG did win the first game. From then on, however, it was evident that the team may have been too hasty with the simple idea of a quick series.

Subsequent compositions without an ounce of respect showed how ego can sometimes damage chances of success. LNG punished their opponents with better options and, most importantly, purposeful, patient play.

The final result of 3:1 for LNG was thus perfectly fair. LNG pushed the favourite into the regional qualifiers by a good margin, challenging JDG for the title and securing themselves a place at Worlds.

Source: LPL, Leaguepedia, Onivia