The LPL first-stage playoffs are nearing their conclusion, with just one final BO5 left to crown the champion. During the last match day, WBG and JDG faced off in the losers' bracket final, battling for the final Pioneer Tournament qualification. Pre-match opinions suggested the teams were closely matched, likely resulting in a full five-game series. Yet, WBG's performance collapsed entirely; aside from Zhao, all members were thoroughly dominated, allowing JDG to cruise into the finals with a 3:0 victory.

A support that hampers the AD carry, a jungler unable to secure dragons, a mid-laner who disappears and gives away kills, and a top-laner with questionable item choices—such four players somehow gathered in one team. The state WBG displayed in this BO5 was completely different from when they faced AL. Top-laner Zika performed slightly better, being breached but also contributing in one game. ELK managed some plays despite making several critical mistakes, yet was less detrimental than his teammates.

At their peak, they crushed AL; at their lowest, they were shut out by JDG. WBG's team strength is truly unpredictable. However, their top-three finish in the playoffs is already commendable. After JDG defeated WBG to enter the finals, they secured the world's last Pioneer Tournament spot. If they beat BLG in the upcoming finals, their first Pioneer match will be against BFX; if they lose to BLG, they will face GEN.

From facing doubts to reaching the finals, JDG's journey in the first stage has been quite turbulent. Their mid-jungle duo's recent growth is remarkable. JunJia, considered the weakest jungler in the summit group during the regular season, consistently excelled in playoffs. In the first two games against WBG, he outperformed Jiejie and earned MVP honors, showcasing Tabe's coaching prowess—talented players under his guidance only improve further.

After leading JDG to the finals, Tabe's status as the top domestic coach is firmly established. Since transitioning to coaching, Tabe has successively guided four different teams to LPL finals. During the S11-S12 seasons coaching RNG, he led them to MSI and the World Championship. In S13 with BLG, he again reached MSI and the World Championship. Last year coaching AL, he once more secured MSI and global finals qualifications.

Any team he coaches guarantees international tournament participation. Such coaching proficiency is unparalleled among domestic coaches. Since the LPL's inception, he is the first coach to lead four different teams to finals—a record likely unbreakable in the future. The only slight drawback currently is that Tabe has yet to guide a team to a global finals championship.

Considering the current level of LPL coaches, Tabe is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for the Asian Games head coach role. However, he personally seems uninterested in the Asian Games. In late February,涵艺 disclosed that Tabe is unwilling to coach (and possibly cannot, due to his Hong Kong citizenship, limiting him to provincial teams). If he cannot lead the Asian Games squad, it's regrettable, as LPL's strength would significantly diminish.

This final match is crucial for both teams, because the Pioneer Tournament's second seed facing GEN likely starts with a loss. GEN's current strength feels distinctly superior, handling opponents effortlessly. However, Chovy's international tournament form may fluctuate. If Chovy underperforms, BLG or JDG both have strong chances to upset GEN and secure a BO5 win against LCK first.

Conclusion:

If JDG maintains their current form in the finals, they certainly can contend with BLG. This team's discipline now is truly impressive; in late-game stages, if inventory slots remain, nearly every member carries two control wards—an area where BLG currently cannot match JDG. Personally, I believe these two teams will battle through five full games.

So, which team do you think will win the championship?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!