ROOKIE has a win rate exceeding 80% when facing Faker

Before the IG vs. JDG match began, many LPL analysts and fans were skeptical about IG’s chances to beat JDG, since IG had lost three straight matches from playoffs to the play-in round, being thoroughly dominated each time. Many spectators expected to see IG’s downfall, but unexpectedly, IG’s player GALA exploded in the play-in stage, repeatedly leading IG to come back and win with Kalista and Kai'Sa. Many IG fans even dubbed GALA the “savior” of IG.

With GALA’s powerful rise, many IG fans lamented that if coach Dan Shen had recognized GALA’s potential earlier, IG wouldn’t have been so heavily defeated by BLG, AL, and TES in previous matches. After witnessing IG’s performance, many fans started looking forward to the highlight match against T1, especially since IG’s mid laner ROOKIE has a win rate above 80% against FAKER. Fans eagerly anticipate ROOKIE’s performance at Worlds, given that Syndra, Ahri, and LeBlanc have all been buffed in the current meta.

TheShy reveals the secret to beating T1

After IG secured a spot in the Worlds play-in, GALA openly challenged T1 during an interview, stating that although T1 is very strong, it is IG’s responsibility to block T1 from advancing to Worlds. Additionally, IG’s top laner TheShy shared the secret to facing T1, believing that IG adapts very well to the meta, whereas T1 is a team that learns quickly. Each year at Worlds, T1 improves as they gain more experience, so IG holds an advantage in the early BO5 matches against T1.

TheShy’s statement is quite accurate. Every year at Worlds, T1 tends to make mistakes early on due to meta adaptation issues, but as the tournament progresses, they learn from other teams’ strategies and raise their ceiling. If IG can eliminate T1 during the play-in stage, I feel there is a strong chance for LPL to claim the championship this year, considering how much T1 has dominated LPL in recent years. (What do you think are IG’s chances of beating T1?)

The obstacle to LPL’s championship has been removed

This year, both LPL officials and players have consistently emphasized unity in interviews, expressing that the LPL will stand together at Worlds. The LPL organizers have maximized the “home advantage” for this Worlds. One of the hardest challenges late in the tournament is scheduling scrims because as teams get eliminated, fewer remain, and scrimming opponents risks revealing “secret weapons.” Therefore, LPL teams often avoid scrims late in Worlds and rely solely on solo queue to keep their form.

To secure the championship, the LPL officials have funded a dedicated scrim practice team. According to DOINB, joining this scrim group comes with a salary, which is now ten times higher than what scrims paid during S7. Some fans asked if DOINB would join, but he declined, saying that participating would prevent him from streaming. However, many players are eager to join because the pay is good and scrimming helps improve skills.

Conclusion

Since this year’s Worlds is hosted domestically, the call for LPL unity is very strong. Personally, I hope LPL can win the championship this year. Who do you think has the best chance to take the title? If IG manages to eliminate T1, I believe IG could achieve a super evolution. What do you think are IG’s chances of knocking out T1?