Introduction: The S15 season matches have officially started, and it’s believed that the vast majority of players have been paying attention to the recent confrontations. The competitions in various regions are very fierce, and the LPL regular season is almost over. With AL defeating JDG, the playoff picture in the LPL region has become clear: four teams have secured spots in the knockout stage, and eight teams have entered the Knights' Path to battle for the remaining four playoff berths. Honestly, judging by current results, the LPL is still dominated by the Four Kings; the gap between the top teams and those behind is huge and cannot be bridged by just a few days of practice.

The LPL Playoff Situation Analysis Chart is going viral

Most players are quite familiar with the LPL region. As a former world-class league, the LPL has developed rapidly in recent years, but its performance has fluctuated significantly. The gap within the league has widened, with top-ranked teams capable of competing for world championships, while lower-ranked teams have become some of the weakest globally. As the third stage of the regular season progresses, the overall situation in the LPL is becoming clear. The match between AL and JDG decided the final direct qualifier for the playoffs, but the skill gap between the two teams felt too large, hardly resembling a clash between top-tier squads.

In the first game, neither side engaged early on until the 14th minute when Nautilus made two consecutive initiations, combined with Rumble's ultimate, allowing JDG to secure a zero-for-four exchange and take the dragon. This gave them a significant early advantage. However, at the 20-minute mark, JDG overextended in pursuit, enabling Saint's Ezreal to deal maximum damage and secure a one-for-four trade for AL. From then on, AL controlled the pace entirely and secured the first game victory shortly after 30 minutes. The second game was even harsher, with AL suppressing JDG across all lanes from the start. In the mid lane AD duel, Peyz outperformed his opponent, and the match ended with a 20,000 gold lead.

By winning the first game, AL had already secured a playoff spot. Four teams have qualified early: TES, IG, BLG, and AL. These four are the current Four Kings of the LPL, showing excellent form and results. The most anticipated match now is the season finale between IG and BLG, who have a lot of tension between them, and their fans are fiercely competitive. The outcome of this match could cause even bigger waves. A BLG revenge victory would be understandable, but if IG wins, it might be hard to calm things down.

Although the regular season isn't over yet, the eight teams on the Knights' Path are confirmed: WBG, JDG, WE, FPX, NIP, EDG, LGD, and UP. LNG and TT are confirmed eliminated. Honestly, the worst-off team this season is probably LNG. They planned for a strong season during the transfer period but were outmaneuvered by Scout, leaving them without strong AD and mid-lane players. Still, this might have saved them a lot of expenses. Judging by JDG’s results, it’s a huge loss, but maybe good things will come to those who wait.

Farewell thoughts

Predicting the four teams to advance, it’s highly likely to be WBG, JDG, WE, and NIP. The gap between the other teams is still too large. Of course, EDG might pull off some miraculous team fights depending on their form and execution. Honestly, I’d love to see NIP face IG if they qualify, but based on current rankings, it seems difficult for NIP to reach that stage.

What do all of you viewers think about this situation?