Preface: The S15 season matches have officially begun, and most players are paying close attention to the recent battles. The World Championship is fiercely competitive. As the Swiss rounds commence, all eyes are on the LPL and LCK squads. In the first round, significant disparities appeared among LPL teams, especially in the top lane. The contrast between Bin from LNG and 9God became a hot topic of player banter—one recklessly diving towers and feeding kills, the other turning into a restroom war god, single-handedly holding off five opponents. It seems BLG’s form at this Worlds is a major issue; disrespecting opponents only leads to a quick elimination.

LPL’s Bin vs. 9God Top Lane Playstyle Comparison

Most players are quite familiar with the BLG team. As a veteran squad in the LPL, BLG has invested heavily over recent years. Before the season, insiders revealed that BLG’s overall value ranged from 70 to 80 million, equivalent to two top-tier LPL teams. Thanks to their strong playoff performance, BLG triumphed over TES in the finals, becoming the number one seed from LPL. Every player was elated and interacted extensively with fans post-match. Although the roster is no longer all-Chinese, fans still hope LPL teams can secure the championship.

However, in the first round of the Swiss stage, BLG encountered serious problems. Honestly, against 100 Thieves, BLG looked like they were just playing a casual five-man ranked game. Early on, they ran into major issues, and by mid-game, 100T’s top and mid laners had secured many kills. They lost resource fights and teamfights badly. As the gold gap widened, 100T pushed down BLG’s base just after 30 minutes, earning their first Swiss stage victory and advancing to the winners' bracket.

In this match, top laner Bin’s excavator play turned into a comedy. Facing a low-health Sion, he tried to tank the tower by digging under it, then returned to tank again, only to be flash-killed by Sion in a face-to-face duel. Actually, he was killed by the turret’s damage rather than the enemy’s attack. Even the team’s coach looked helpless with a "laugh or cry" expression. Afterward, Western teams openly mocked the match; 100T’s official account declared the Americas region superior to LPL. This defeat was as shocking as when IG was eliminated by TL years ago, a massive upset.

In contrast, TES’s top laner 369 transformed into 9God during the game. His Aatrox initially played a defensive, pressure-absorbing style, unable to stack Grasp of the Undying or gain much gold. But during the Urgot teamfight, his Aatrox became godlike, drawing the attention of five enemies near the restroom. Thanks to his healing, Redemption, and Death’s Dance, he seemed to survive on barely any health, sustaining himself through the fight. Afterward, he was left with no health at all. This stark contrast between the two top laners sparked widespread discussion online. Many wondered why Bin had previously changed his Chinese server ID to “World’s Best Top Laner”—was the notorious feeding Bin back again?

Farewell Thoughts

Who would have expected the first round results to unfold like this? After the group stage draw, BLG was supposed to have the best luck, facing the relatively weaker 100T from the Americas. Yet during the ban-pick phase, they seemed to mess around, not taking it seriously and fielding a lineup they barely knew. Their top and mid lanes were completely exposed. Maybe it was a tactical decision. Now in the losers' bracket, their next opponents might be weaker but probably not weaker than 100T.

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