Who stands out as the biggest dark horse in the Summer Split? Facing their nemesis, can EDG exact revenge on Qingjiu and advance to the quarterfinals?

The KPL Summer Split playoffs have been very exciting and intense based on the first two matches! Although AG defeated Wolf Team 4-2, the victory was hard-fought! On the 23rd, the playoffs enter their third day with EDG and Qingjiu from the losers' bracket facing off!

EDG’s performance this season has been inconsistent. Formerly called “privileged players,” Chuchen and Xiaoying were replaced by Xialing and Fanfan, but their results have actually declined compared to last season. Last season they were in the winners' bracket, but this season they fell into the qualifier match in round two of A5. In round three, it was only thanks to Lingyun’s return with 6 wins and 4 MVPs that they escaped a 1-2 deficit. Tonight, facing Qingjiu who have already defeated them three times this year, let’s see if EDG can maintain the momentum they had at the end of the regular season.

Compared to the Spring Split, Qingjiu has shown visible growth this season. The starting five who barely made it through group B last season have all developed into players capable of competing in group A this season. Moleng’s Sun Shangxiang, which was almost a free point for opponents last season, is now a regular part of Qingjiu’s lineup; Jiuhan earned a weekly best mid-laner award in the regular season; Fengxing matched JDG’s Qingyu with 9 MVPs. Locked into the playoffs and the year-end finals, they are arguably the best performing K甲 team in recent seasons. Now, it’s a question of whether they can push further tonight into the quarterfinals.

Xiaoze’s personal stats and overall form have dropped significantly compared to the Spring Split. Although his average gold per minute and gold share remain typical for a side-lane core, his regular season KDA ranks last among playoff top laners, and his average kills per game are only better than KSG’s Luobo. Tonight, he faces Fengxing, who earned 4 MVPs on his hands during the regular season. If Xiaoze cannot turn the tide in this do-or-die match, EDG will likely be eliminated in the first round.

JDG is often called the “dark horse” of this Summer Split, but Qingjiu’s performance also deserves that title. It will be interesting to see which team, Qingjiu or JDG, emerges as the biggest dark horse!

Dian Wei is a hero with simple mechanics. Previously, his strength came mainly from high stats and straightforward gameplay, making him a very brainless but powerful hero. However, this season, changes to Thornmail and adjustments to the Mastery’s attributes have significantly reduced Dian Wei’s damage. Moreover, although his first skill allows him to reposition, it’s not as direct as Han Xin’s first skill, so his mobility remains limited. Against heroes with multiple movement abilities, Dian Wei is easily kited. Therefore, when facing opponents with many mobile heroes, it’s better not to pick Dian Wei.