The first split of the LPL will conclude in about ten days. Players who rested and plan to return in the second split might make some moves during the preseason. As for others, it’s unclear, but Bro is very likely to return. Some time ago, there were reports of Tian undergoing trials (allegedly with JD Gaming). We assumed his comeback was near, but recently in a livestream, Xiaotian said he would return in the third split.

During a livestream, Xiaotian declared: I’ve decided to skip another split to develop my talent further. It seems going to JD Gaming isn’t very realistic. If I’m not mistaken, Tian and JunJia share the same agency, so Tian competing for a spot there doesn’t seem right. Other strong teams mostly don’t need junglers, so if I return in the third split, it looks like I can only join Top Esports and fight alongside Bro again.

Preseason patch changes revealed

After the first split ends, the year’s first international event, the World Preseason Tournament, is coming soon. Riot’s official designers recently announced the patch changes for the preseason. Six champions received buffs: Garen, Lee Sin, Lillia, Malzahar, Nocturne, and Volibear. Nerfs hit champions like Kha’Zix, Neeko, Orianna, Azir, and Varus. Except for Garen, all the others are regulars in competitive play.

Orianna’s Q cooldown is increased early on, Azir’s health growth is reduced, Varus’s Q base damage and AD ratio are both cut, but his W gains an AD ratio. Two major late-game mages are nerfed simultaneously, while jungle champions are collectively strengthened. The influence of junglers in the preseason will likely be much higher than now. However, since Azir’s nerf isn’t to damage, LCK teams will probably still play him in the preseason.

Bwipo praises TheShy during livestream

Former FLY team top laner Bwipo, who offended “The Puncher” before last year’s World Championship and thus had no team willing to sign him for the new season, has been streaming since leaving the competitive scene. Recently, during a stream, he spoke about the toughest opponent in his career. Bwipo said: TheShy is the strongest rival I’ve ever faced. His mechanics are razor-sharp. Do you know that kind of smooth, flowing playstyle? That’s exactly him.

In the S8 season, Bwipo played for FNC and reached the finals. When they competed against IG for the championship, FNC was swept 3-0. Both Bwipo and TheShy were at their peaks then, but TheShy’s strength was clearly ahead. Although he’s declined now, peak SHY was honestly flawless. Unfortunately, S8 was eight years ago, and much has changed since.

Rita followed while returning home for New Year

LPL’s top female caster Rita recently revealed during a livestream that when she went home for the New Year and streamed from her hometown, she showed her location. Many fans messaged her asking, “Where are you?” Some even followed her from hundreds of meters away. This scared Rita so much that she no longer dared to stream from home. Wow, although Rita is the top LPL caster, are some fans really that intense?

During the New Year streams, fans also pressured Rita about marriage, asking if she had gone on blind dates. Rita said she doesn’t need blind dates. Honestly, with her looks, if she wanted to find a partner, she could easily be off the market in no time. But since she’s successful in her career and attractive, her standards must be very high, and most people probably don’t meet them. That said, Rita is getting older.

Conclusion:

Bwipo frankly said it’s really a pity. He is the only top laner in the North American region worth mentioning. Because he spoke some truths, he was “blacklisted.” After losing him, FLY’s strength plummeted. In the first round of playoffs, they were crushed by C9 like bots. Then in the losers’ bracket, they were swept 3-0 and didn’t even make the top four.

So, what do you think about TheShy’s peak strength?

Feel free to leave your comments and discuss!