Following the conclusion of the LCK K Cup, the Demacia Cup has become the event LPL viewers look forward to the most. The initial phase lacked highlights, as teams were mostly rebirth squads or streamer teams—essentially weaker squads facing off. However, in the second phase, powerhouse teams like BLG, WBG, and JDG participate, raising the match intensity. JDG’s Weibo lineup features their main roster, so regardless of who is in BLG's group, the games are sure to be exciting.

BLG recently announced that Viper has successfully arrived at the base. Although Knight will miss the Demacia Cup, the other four positions are filled by main roster players. BLG’s strength is definitely solid; as long as the mid lane remains stable and doesn’t feed, Viper should be able to lead the team to advance to the third stage. Returning to the LPL after three years, joining a top-tier team, it remains to be seen if Viper can win the championship next year.

Cryin temporarily joins GEN team

There are indeed many entertainment-style events at the end of the year. On December 27, some LPL and LCK teams will participate in the Puyuan Esports Festival. Invited teams include AL, IG, and GEN. Except for GEN, the other two teams will field their main rosters. Chovy is absent due to military training (ending on the 29th), so GEN’s mid lane spot will be filled by retired LPL mid laner Cryin. This time, Cryin is playing on a top-tier account.

The competition is purely for entertainment, with three teams performing in Hextech Mayhem. Since this mode was launched, many have played it; winning depends largely on luck. With good runes, victories come easily—for example, straightforward picks like Jayce or Brand with Conduit can basically guarantee a win. Although Cryin was crushed in the Demacia Cup, in luck-based Mayhem mode, he likely won’t drag the team down.

Little Lü Bu publicly responds to leaving the team

After HLE lost to T1 in the K Cup, Peyz gained much recognition for his outstanding performance. Meanwhile, recently departed T1 mid laner Guma has faced considerable criticism. In a recent interview, Guma openly addressed his transfer and departure, stating: If my goal is to become the best player at Worlds, I realized I can't stay at T1 forever. This isn’t because there’s anything wrong with T1.

Guma feels the need to build his own career and believes now is the right time to leave. The implication is clear: he wants to prove himself and still win a world championship after leaving Faker. His reasoning makes sense. When T1 wins, everyone praises Faker; staying on the team means being overshadowed by old Lee. However, previous players who tried to prove themselves haven’t succeeded.

Kuro jokes that LPL players are celebrities

Retired LCK mid laner Kuro recently gave a YouTube interview. When discussing the popularity of Chinese players, Kuro joked: League of Legends pros in China are basically celebrities; once they win a world championship, they are recognized everywhere they go. His statement isn’t entirely accurate—LPL players can become celebrities even without a world title. Players like Uzi and Clearlove have no championships but are well known.

Calling them celebrities might be an exaggeration; “internet personalities” might be more fitting. However, those who reach top-tier status definitely have strong skills. Uzi, despite no championship, sparked much debate but was undeniably the strongest AD in LPL at his peak. To gain massive popularity, solid ability is a prerequisite. Among so many LPL players, only a few reach top-tier fame.

Conclusion:

Egg has already won three T1 championships plus an FMVP, yet doubts remain. Before Worlds, some extreme fans even demanded management replace the AD. Although he maintains a good mindset, over time it’s hard not to be affected. Leaving T1 to prove himself is understandable; hopefully next year Egg achieves great results.

So, do you think HLE has a chance to win the championship next year?

Feel free to leave your thoughts and join the discussion!