Preface: The S15 season matches have officially started, and the vast majority of players have been paying attention to the recent clashes. The LPL play-in stage is almost over, with three teams secured their spots at Worlds: 1st seed BLG, 2nd seed AL, and 3rd seed TES. After the WBG vs JDG match, only one BO5 remains to decide the 4th seed. Judging by current form, JDG's chances of advancing are quite high. Scout’s performance is steadily recovering, while Xiaohu’s Akali gave away a 1000 gold bounty in a crucial game, costing the team the fight song.

The return of LPL’s Xiaohu brother.

Most players are fairly familiar with the play-in stage. This season, major regions have made significant adjustments, and the LPL is no exception. However, the play-in format remains, which feels like a relatively fair contest. Although the schedule is somewhat prolonged, it favors teams with higher previous points. Unlike the LCK where DK had decent points, KT ranked higher in the third phase and only needed to win two BO5s to qualify, leaving DK out of Worlds. The WBG vs JDG match became a hot topic among many fans.

In the first game, at just six minutes in, Xiaohu’s half-health Annie took the initiative but was caught by Xun hiding in the bush, unsurprisingly conceding the first blood. The 15-minute team fight was a turning point—JDG’s mid-jungle-support initiated first, and Peyz’s playmaking secured a triple kill, giving JDG a huge advantage that ended the game in just 28 minutes. In the second game, JDG again gained early jungle control. At six minutes, Scout dove over the tower to kill Xiaotian, gaining the upper hand in fights. Although Xiaohu secured a kill, the momentum was shifting. Despite WBG’s decent decisions in the Baron fight, JDG stabilized and closed out the BO5 2-0 in under 40 minutes.

In the third game, WBG steadied their position. Xiaotian fought hard to secure Rift Herald at 21 minutes, then took Dragon at 25 minutes. At 28 minutes, Light’s Little Dragon output peaked with a pentakill, helping WBG turn the tide. The critical fourth game saw JDG repeatedly targeting Light early on, allowing WBG’s top and jungle to develop well. However, JDG secured jungle objectives in the Dragon and Rift Herald fights. The key turnaround was at 25 minutes when Xun’s ultimate caught a low-health Xiaohu, converting a one-for-three trade and securing Baron. The 1000 gold bounty helped Xun earn MVP for all three games.

After several games, Scout’s form has rebounded quickly, with many fans joking he was playing dumb all year just to set up Rookie’s retirement ceremony. The crucial loss in the fourth game came down to Xiaohu’s recall decision. He could have safely returned but instead gave away a 1000 gold bounty and caused teammates to be killed as well. One poor choice doomed the entire match. Now, all eyes are on the epic showdown between JDG and IG, and it really feels like IG is in trouble this time.

Farewell thoughts.

No one expected WBG’s crucial match to end like this. Honestly, watching the early phase of the fourth game felt like the battle song was about to sound. Yet, Xun repeatedly stole Dragon and Rift Herald to keep his team alive, even grabbing a 1000 gold bounty with a clutch ultimate in a desperate moment. You could say the summer tiger brother is back.

What do you, dear viewers, think about this situation?