The second stage of the LPL Demacia Cup is nearing its conclusion with just one day left. On the last competition day, Group B’s LNG and OMG played a full three-game series, with LNG emerging victorious and qualifying for the quarterfinals. In Group A, EDG comfortably beat WE 2-0, achieving a four-game winning streak and securing their place in the top eight. Out of the 10 teams, EDG stands as the only team undefeated in this stage.

The final match was JDG versus BLG. Both teams have been performing poorly recently. After BLG’s win over LNG, their form declined; they were swept by OMG and lost 2-0 to JDG. Overall, neither team showed strong form, but BLG’s team fight coordination was much weaker than JDG’s. Viper seemed a bit off, especially in the first game playing Gwen, constantly clashing with Gala’s Aphelios in team fights.

As the team fights began, BLG was already missing an AD carry. Although the top and jungle players tried their best, they couldn’t withstand the relentless aggression from the enemy duo. The second game was even worse, with BLG being completely overwhelmed and their base destroyed in under 30 minutes. The most embarrassing part was JDG trapping BLG at the fountain and punishing them—karma truly comes around. BLG used to do this to others, but now they were on the receiving end.

BLG definitely still needs time to gel as a team. Without Left Hand, their strength is clearly insufficient. It’s said Daeny has arrived at the team’s base; whether his coaching will improve their performance in the first phase remains to be seen. After JDG’s victory over BLG, based on the results, both BLG and WBG were eliminated, allowing JDG to advance to the third stage of the Demacia Cup. It’s quite surprising that two top-tier teams were stopped at the top 12.

Although OMG only has a 2-2 record, their two wins were against WBG and BLG, so they also secured a quarterfinal spot based on tiebreakers. Six teams in total have advanced from the second stage, with four already confirmed. The remaining two spots are in Group A. WE, with a 0-3 record, was eliminated, while IG, NIP, and LGD are competing for the last two places. IG currently holds a strong advantage at 2-1 and will qualify if they beat NIP in the final match.

After BLG lost, their former jungler Beichuan liked the BLG elimination post on Weibo late at night, which is quite interesting. The ex-player celebrating the defeat of his old team—could this be a tradition among BLG’s junglers? Previously, when Wei was kicked out, he also sent gifts in Zizai’s livestream after BLG lost. Two former junglers backstabbing their old team like this is quite surreal.

Beichuan has had a tough time. He was doing well relaxing at TT, then suddenly called back by BLG to help, but after the World Championship, when everyone was underperforming, he was directly kicked out. Compared to him, Shadou is in a slightly better position, having found a new team during the transfer period. Beichuan, on the other hand, is unemployed with no offers. Of course, his own performance was mediocre; he was decent when he first joined but gradually declined.

Most teams in this Demacia Cup fielded their main rosters, so the overall level is not low. BLG’s four starters failed to reach the knockout stage, suggesting their strength may have been overrated. WBG’s situation is even more puzzling—they started all main players but lost to OMG and LNG, teams considered top four in LPL on paper. If they can’t even make the Demacia Cup quarterfinals, what hope is there for next year? They can’t just claim it’s an entertainment tournament as an excuse.

Conclusion:

Without Left Hand, BLG feels like it lacks a backbone. Viper dies frequently, ON acts erratically, and the team shows no improvement in discipline. The coach’s BP (ban/pick) strategy is also questionable; it’s unclear why they keep targeting Gwen. The bottom lane champion pool doesn’t have any overpowering picks, so why insist on Gwen so much?

So, what do you think is BLG’s main problem?

Feel free to leave your thoughts and join the discussion!