Is JDG about to become the underdog again? Not only have they lost the top spot, but they might even miss the playoffs!

After following the annual finals for a few days, the consensus is that Elite group teams find it very challenging to overcome Master group teams! Up to October 3rd, JDG was the only team to have beaten TTG. This has placed JDG at the top of the Elite group standings. Per the competition rules, the Elite group leader qualifies straight to the playoffs!

Yet, after the games on the 3rd concluded, JDG is no longer the sole Elite team to have defeated a Master group team! KSG showed even greater dominance by completely shutting out WB, the runner-up of the summer season!

In the first game, at 6 minutes and 40 seconds, Charlotte secured the first blood by killing Montien, with both sides trading one kill each. At 9 minutes, Zhang Fei initiated a fight, and KSG executed a perfect combo to instantly eliminate the enemy marksman and support. By 11 minutes and 20 seconds, Suzhou KSG had taken down the mid lane high ground. Thirty seconds later, KSG destroyed the crystal, winning the first game. This lineup from KSG has numerous initiation points, with nearly every player capable of starting fights. The turning moment was an ambush by the roaming Fire Dancer on the top lane, enabling KSG to achieve a 0-for-2 exchange in their favor.

Following that was KSG’s flawless team fight coordination: one player initiates, and the rest follow up seamlessly. Their ultimate target in team fights was Di Renjie, but before that, they smartly forced Luban Master to use his chain to control the jungle vision. KSG ended the match after several such team fights.

In the second game, at 1 minute and 50 seconds, the Son of the Origin scored a solo double kill against Zhi Huo Wu, securing first blood. At 5 minutes and 40 seconds, WB executed a five-man gank; Shield Mountain flashed behind and instantly killed Cang, leading WB to a 0-for-3 team fight and the destruction of the mid tier one tower. At 10 minutes and 30 seconds, Nuwa flanked to bait, and KSG’s five players perfectly dismantled the fire, counter-killing the enemy’s top, jungle, and support, securing the Shadow Tyrant and pushing down the mid tier one tower.

At 15 minutes, Cao Cao flashed in to eliminate Cang, but Charlotte entered late to secure a double kill. KSG exchanged one for two and then controlled the Shadow Tyrant again. At 19 minutes and 50 seconds, the Son of the Origin coordinated with Nuwa’s ultimate to instantly kill Ao Yin, allowing KSG to destroy the crystal and reach match point.

In the third game, at 2 minutes and 30 seconds, Wen provided timely support to kill Kuang Tie and got first blood. At 4 minutes and 20 seconds, Wen controlled the small tyrant while Su Lie flashed in to initiate and instantly killed Goya. At 7 minutes and 40 seconds, Su Lie flashed and followed up with a large control on multiple enemies, enabling KSG to achieve a 0-for-3 exchange and destroy the mid tier one tower. At 13 minutes, Su Lie initiated on the enemy backline, hitting three, and Wen entered late to secure a triple kill and the final decisive victory. Afterwards, KSG pushed back the mid and top lane high grounds and controlled both the Shadow Tyrant and the twin dragons. At 15 minutes and 40 seconds, KSG destroyed the bottom lane high ground, but Xi Shi caught Su Lie, defending the crystal. At 18 minutes and 50 seconds, KSG took down the crystal to claim victory.

With a 3-0 sweep, KSG shut out WB and became the second team in this annual finals to defeat a Master group team. Thanks to this win, KSG overtook JDG to claim first place in the Elite group.

Lian Po can play both the solo lane and support roles. Once his passive is fully charged, he gains damage reduction and healing effects. Combined with his tanky build, he can rival Xiahou Dun’s durability. Additionally, Lian Po has Su Lie’s crowd control; his one-two-one combo can chain control enemies, and his ultimate can knock up enemies in an area. His skills can also be combined with flash for better effect.

Whether played in the solo lane or support position, Lian Po primarily builds tank items. While soaking damage for teammates, he also provides excellent crowd control in team fights. Mastering Lian Po means you can confidently pick him even in 100-star matches without your teammates complaining. He is definitely a tank hero worth practicing.