Since CFO's provincial team beat T1 in the Swiss stage, many LPL fans have considered CFO the strongest all-Chinese lineup in the Worlds. But after consecutive losses to AL and HLE, many believed CFO was headed down the "veteran's path," as the last provincial team to reach the Worlds quarterfinals was a decade ago. However, in a heartbreaking turn, CFO won the crucial Swiss stage match 2-0 against FLY to advance to the Worlds quarterfinals. The official LOL caster was moved to tears witnessing CFO's performance, and many viewers believe CFO has the potential to reach the semifinals.

Besides CFO’s success, the internal clash between BLG and TES sparked much discussion among fans. Before the match, LPL caster Guan Zeyuan posted a video predicting TES had a good chance to beat BLG, noting that BLG had lost to 100T and G2 in the Swiss stage, while TES had beaten both teams. Many fans thought TES had stronger tactics and mentality, and the outcome matched expectations as TES came back from a game down to win the BO3 and secure a spot in the Worlds quarterfinals.

BLG coach and management face criticism

After BLG was eliminated by TES, many BLG fans flooded the team’s official Weibo to criticize and call for coach Dawei’s dismissal. Since the Worlds began, BLG’s draft picks have been heavily criticized, such as the Caitlyn and Elise combo against 100T and the first-pick Renekton against TES, which confused many LPL viewers. Some BLG fans openly said that if BLG and TES swapped coaches, BLG would dominate TES. Besides poor in-game drafts, BLG’s management decision to change junglers in the do-or-die match left many fans speechless. (Do you think switching junglers in such a crucial match was reasonable for BLG vs TES?)

BLG also set several embarrassing records at this S15 Worlds, including being the first LPL team unable to advance from the Swiss stage. The Swiss format is quite forgiving to strong teams; even with a 1-2 start, teams with enough skill can still reach the quarterfinals. For example, T1 lost to CFO and GEN but then won all remaining matches to advance. In contrast, BLG lost to 100T and G2 despite a favorable schedule, which LPL fans find unforgivable. (BLG was eliminated without even facing any LCK teams.)

BLG player responds to elimination in the top 16

After the so-called "world's best top laner" BIN was eliminated in the round of 16, many LPL fans dug up his previous statement where BIN admitted, "If I get eliminated in the Worlds top 16, I will retire next year." As a result, many fans rushed to BIN's personal Weibo to urge him to retire quickly, and the topic "BIN retires after top 16 exit" even topped trending searches. (Do you think BIN will continue his pro career next year? I feel BIN’s performance at Worlds was disappointing; if BIN had mastered the top lane “excavator” style, BLG might have advanced further.)

BLG mid laner LeftHand and AD carry ELK, as key players, also posted responses after BLG’s elimination. LeftHand and ELK thanked fans for their support throughout the year and cheered on the other two LPL teams, hoping TES and AL can bring home the Worlds championship. (Personally, I noticed many LeftHand fans in the comments hope he leaves BLG next year to join another team. Do you think LeftHand is likely to leave BLG?)

Conclusion

Is BLG’s elimination in the round of 16 actually a good thing? From what I see, most outside opinions seem to be "popping champagne to celebrate." Honestly, I don’t quite understand why BLG’s public image is so poor. This is the first time during Worlds that I’ve seen LPL fans harbor such strong "resentment" towards a team. What do you think BLG did to make LPL fans dislike them so much?