Preface: The S15 season has completely wrapped up, and it’s clear that the majority of players have been paying attention to the recent offseason. The Demacia Cup in the LPL has been fiercely contested. As the playoffs began, the BO5 matches became very engaging. JDG successfully defeated EDG 3-1 to reach the semifinals. After this series, many players noticed a big transformation in JDG, feeling like a replica of the old Uzi RNG team. All four games featured the Warring States Ironclad formation, consistently protecting AD carry Gala. Indeed, with Tabe and Gala, any team style echoes the classic RNG squad.

A replica of the RNG team has appeared in the LPL.

Most players are quite familiar with RNG, a long-established powerhouse. Back in the S7 and S8 seasons, RNG had a huge fanbase. They rose to fame as an all-Chinese roster, gaining many loyal supporters and achieving impressive results. In S8, they won every championship except the World Championship with that lineup. Later, RNG also secured two MSI titles, but after Uzi left, the team's popularity fluctuated greatly. Especially following internal conflicts, many issues within RNG were exposed.

This season, RNG was forced to withdraw due to large outstanding debts, essentially rendering the team a part of history. No investment groups have taken over yet, as the current LPL lacks strong players, making any takeover risky. Surprisingly, although RNG has exited, their spirit continues, especially the four-protect-one tactic. In the recent Demacia Cup, JDG's playstyle sparked widespread discussion online. Against EDG in the quarterfinals, JDG employed a four-protect-one Ironclad strategy in all four games. Nearly every match featured this approach, with only AD Gala playing a carry role while the rest mostly played utility champions.

The most thrilling was the fourth game, where both sides staged a series of comebacks. In a 40-minute match with just over 20 kills, top-laner Aatrox, mid Viktor, jungler Rumble, and support Braum all focused on creating space for the AD carry, Wheel Mom (Gala). Teamfights were cautious, avoiding full 5v5 clashes. Even when EDG led by 5000 gold, they still couldn’t win teamfights. Perhaps jungler Jayce isn’t very effective; his poke before fights was weak, and his armor penetration build left him vulnerable to being instantly killed in many teamfights.

From this semifinal matchup, JDG’s mid laner HongQ performed excellently, earning MVP in three games with Viktor, Lee Sin, and Viktor again. JDG’s recent transfers have been substantial. Judging by current form, securing an LPL Worlds spot should be achievable. The top contenders now seem to be AL, BLG, WBG, JDG, and TES. TES’s fate depends on AD carry AShu, who is reportedly resting for now, with his return date uncertain.

Farewell Thoughts

I think JDG’s Warring States Ironclad formation is quite effective, especially against LCK teams. Protecting a high-ceiling AD carry allows him to unleash massive damage once equipped, reminiscent of the old RNG team. However, there is a significant risk: if Gala makes a mistake, the whole team can collapse instantly, placing all the pressure on the AD carry.

What are your thoughts on this matter, dear viewers?