In the LPL Demacia Cup playoffs, the upper bracket matches have concluded. After IG easily defeated TES to reach the semifinals, JDG and EDG faced off in a BO5 series. Despite EDG winning the first game, JDG came back from behind to win three straight games, beating EDG to advance. Although the score looks one-sided, the matches were fiercely contested, with three out of four games lasting over 39 minutes and the remaining one lasting 31 minutes.

Compared to the second phase, JDG has indeed improved, but the players’ performance was strange. When ahead, they played as if they were behind; when behind, they acted like they were leading. Compositions that should have rushed in blindly were played cautiously, while those that should play safely often recklessly dove in. Their playstyle defied logic, showing that JDG’s team synergy is still not fully polished. Still, gaining experience in the Demacia Cup is a positive sign.

DK holds farewell ceremony for Beryl

The LCK team DK recently held a send-off event. Beryl, who has already left the team, attended the ceremony. DK prepared a farewell for him, sealing his jersey, ID, and championship photos in an album. Old teammates, including Xu and another player, took commemorative photos together. Although called a farewell, it feels more like a retirement, as Beryl is confirmed not to compete next year.

As early as the start of Season 15, Beryl said in an interview that this year would be his last dance. After completing his military service, he would not return to the competitive scene. Given his age, his service period is nearly over, which is the main reason he won’t play next year. This two-time champion support’s professional career is coming to an end, but considering his intelligence, transitioning to a coaching role at DK seems like a promising option.

AL wins exhibition match against GEN to claim the title

AL, GEN, and IG were recently invited to the Puyuan Esports Festival, where the three teams competed in a big brawl mode to determine the champion. In the first round, both IG and AL were swept 2-0 by GEN. AL and IG tied 1-1, but AL advanced to the finals due to a shorter game duration. In the BO5 final against GEN, the two teams battled through five games, with AL ultimately winning 3-2 to take the championship.

The exhibition matches went the distance, proving AL’s title is well deserved. On GEN’s side, although Chovy has completed his military service, the club worried he might not attend, so Cryin substituted for him. Cryin’s debut as the mid laner was slightly awkward since GEN didn’t provide him with a full team jersey and all teammates are Korean, making communication difficult. Nevertheless, the outcome was positive.

AL’s manager Aixiang responds publicly to Tabe’s departure

AL’s manager Aixiang attended the Puyuan Esports Festival with the players and addressed questions about Tabe leaving. He stated: “When contracts expire, everyone makes their own choices. From my perspective, I respect his decision. His opinions about current or other players no longer matter since he has left.”

Previously, Zhu revealed on stream that Tabe left because of a certain player. Aixiang’s response seems to confirm this. AL’s biggest weakness is Hope, and possibly the management and coaches disagree on the AD position. JDG spent heavily during the transfer window, likely offering Tabe better terms than AL. So leaving for financial reasons isn’t out of the question.

Conclusion:

Honestly, AL’s roster is definitely stronger than JDG’s, but if they don’t replace their AD, their ceiling is obvious. In the fifth game against T1 this year, Hope’s reliability was questioned. However, it’s unclear who could replace him. Players like Gazi and ELK are decent, but they might not fit AL’s team style.

So, what do you think about Hope’s skill level?

Feel free to leave your comments and join the discussion!