Introduction: The S15 season has officially started, and it is believed that the vast majority of players have been paying attention to the recent matchups. As the quarterfinal brackets were announced, the World Championship entered a brief pause. The schedule sparked widespread discussion across the internet, with many joking that T1 was given a green light, granting Faker an extended rest period to fully recharge. The back-to-back semifinal matches were quickly adjusted by the organizers, giving the impression that not only the LPL region but also Riot’s officials are somewhat unprofessional. How could they allow AL or T1 to face back-to-back elimination matches? During this break, there was also unfortunate news: the last veteran member of EDG has departed.

S15 Emergency Semifinal Schedule Change

Most players remain highly interested in this year’s World Championship. As the quarterfinal teams were decided, the hopes for the LPL region have dimmed. Both major regions have four teams each, but all four LPL teams have advanced, leaving only AL and TES from LPL. TES has been ruthlessly defeated by LCK teams on this world stage, suffering a 12-match losing streak. Therefore, many fans see AL as LPL’s last hope; if they lose in the first round, it will likely confirm an LCK championship.

After the schedule was released, many fans expressed dissatisfaction. The quarterfinal BO5 matches are set for 3 PM daily, whereas during MSI they were held at 5 PM, which was more fan-friendly. This time it’s at 3 PM on weekdays—how did the organizers decide this? Since the event is hosted locally, shouldn’t they accommodate LPL fans’ time zones? Moreover, the AL vs. T1 match is scheduled for the last day, leading many fans to joke that T1 gets another breather, allowing Faker ample rest to recover his form. Considering his all-out effort against MKOI, without him, T1 might not even have reached the quarterfinals.

For the semifinals, the organizers initially scheduled the winner of AL vs. T1 to play a back-to-back BO5 match the very next day. This sparked global backlash since it’s a critical final stage—how could such a careless schedule be allowed? Possibly realizing their mistake, the organizers changed the schedule within hours, swapping the upper and lower bracket matches so that AL or T1 could rest a day before playing again. Hosting a global final isn’t new to them, so how could such a rookie error happen? Perhaps the officials no longer take it seriously.

During this break, there was also sad news for players: EDG’s last veteran member has left. EDG’s beloved mascot, Nice, has passed away. If you are an old esports fan, you would know that in 2015, Nice was the team pet chosen by AD carry Deft, accompanying the eras of TheShy and Clearlove. Over ten years, Nice became family to EDG and witnessed their dual world championships in League of Legends and Warcraft. Many have shared tributes, including the well-known TheShy.

Farewell, Nice

This World Championship is nearing its conclusion. The quarterfinals have no double-elimination; once you lose, your S15 journey ends. Only seven more BO5 matches remain to determine the ultimate world champion. Although the draw was done with great care, the upper bracket’s T1 team still looks overwhelmingly strong. Their three consecutive final appearances make other teams feel quite intimidated.

Dear viewers, what are your thoughts on this matter?