As a top-tier LPL star, TheShy's official comeback has led many LoL fans to expect the LPL to proactively modify the Rebirth Group rules so that IG can compete in more matches, given the extremely limited number of games in the third-stage Rebirth Group—IG only plays five BO3s in total. However, a disappointing development for many IG supporters is that the LPL authorities have refused to adjust the number of Rebirth Group matches.

Furthermore, they have changed the Rebirth Group rules, making it harder for Rebirth teams to qualify for Worlds. For example, last year the top four Rebirth Group teams advanced to the Knight's Path, but this year it has been reduced to the top two. This means that half of the teams in the Rebirth Group—NIP, LNG, WBG, and IG—will miss the Knight's Path. Additionally, the rules for the playoffs and the Knight's Path have undergone significant changes. The biggest change is that teams advancing from the Rebirth Group through the Knight's Path to the playoffs will no longer enjoy the "revive armor" privilege in the playoffs.

Last year, teams that advanced from the Knight's Path to the playoffs automatically received the LPL playoff double-elimination benefit. However, this year's LPL third-stage rules have been overhauled: only the top six teams in the LPL Summit Group can enjoy the double-elimination benefit. Rebirth Group teams that make it to the playoffs will not have the revive armor. This means that IG will only have "one life" from the Knight's Path to the playoffs—any mistake along the way will eliminate them from contention for the S16 World Championship.

According to analysts, IG currently has only 10 World Championship points. The only paths to the World Championship are winning the title or going through the regional qualifiers. IG must reach at least the playoff semifinals to secure a spot in the regional qualifiers. As the new rules are gradually revealed, many LPL viewers believe IG will fail to qualify for Worlds, given their lack of safety nets. Other Summit Group teams can play more than ten regular-season matches to practice, while IG can only play five. This poses a significant problem for players like TheShy, who haven't played competitively in a long time.

Do you think IG can qualify for Worlds? Personally, given IG's roster's ceiling, I believe they shouldn't have much trouble reaching the playoffs. Among the Rebirth Group teams, only WBG has a roster that matches IG's level. However, WBG is currently embroiled in a "support rotation controversy" and a "coach厂长 controversy." Many WBG fans are unhappy with the current support and coach厂长, believing that without changes, WBG will miss Worlds. Therefore, I think IG has a good chance of defeating WBG to claim the top spot in the Rebirth Group.

In the Knight's Path, IG is likely to face EDG, TT, and LGD—teams that many LPL viewers jokingly call "fake Summit, real Rebirth." As long as IG avoids major mistakes, advancing to the playoffs seems almost certain. The only thing IG needs to consider is how to defeat strong teams like TES, JDG, and AL. Apart from BLG, no other team poses a major threat to IG.

Conclusion

I really can't understand why TheShy chose to join IG at this time. Honestly, with his skill level, he could easily join any top Summit Group team—like JDG or TES—and have a strong chance of qualifying for Worlds. What do you think are IG's chances of making it to Worlds? If IG can overcome such difficult circumstances, I believe they could even win the World Championship.