In the last two days of the LPL third stage group matches, with four BO3s remaining, Top Esports defeated FPX 2-1 in the previous day, achieving their 12th win of the stage. Since IG and BLG, ranked second and third, both have 10 wins and only one game left, their best possible result is 11-3. They cannot match or overtake TES in overall score, so Top Esports has secured first place in the summit group, becoming the "king" of the LPL third stage.

Jiejie's second game with FPX showed a commendable performance overall. Although they didn't win, they managed to take a small point off TES. If their synergy and communication improve, their Knights' Journey against NIP could be promising. However, as long as Care remains the mid-laner, FPX is unlikely to achieve great results. On the same day, IG faced WE in a match where the full-strength team swiftly closed out 2-0, completely shutting down WE.

After defeating WE, IG’s overall points tied once again with BLG. The final match on the 28th will decide who claims second place in the summit group. Both IG and BLG have strong reasons not to lose this match. However, IG seems to be focusing on practicing champions, as Daeny warned fans in an interview: this match will showcase areas that need strengthening and improvement for the playoffs.

Daeny addressed the fans, asking them to watch the match with an open mind. Since he said this, it’s clear IG plans to experiment with champions and try new tactics. Given this research-oriented approach, fans shouldn’t expect too much from IG in the final match. The coach might make big strategic moves, but the difference between finishing second or third in the regular season isn’t huge. Regardless of the outcome, the toughest opponent will still be AL.

Among the last four matches, two will impact the rankings. AL and WE, regardless of results, will remain fourth and seventh. JDG and WBG still have to compete for fifth and sixth place. Currently, Weibo leads by one point in overall score and two in game score, with two matches left for both teams. For WBG to claim fifth, they only need to beat JDG once, but JDG’s path is tougher—they must sweep Weibo to secure fifth place.

Judging by recent form, Weibo has a higher chance of finishing fifth because JDG has been underperforming lately. Scout’s form is inconsistent, Peyz has been assimilated, often losing lane and making frequent mistakes in team fights. In contrast, WBG appears more stable. If WBG secures fifth place, their playoff spot is basically guaranteed since their Knights’ Journey opponent, UP, is the weakest team.

If JDG ends up sixth, their Knights’ Journey opponent will be LGD, which still carries a risk of an upset. They might even fail to reach the playoffs this year. Regarding the final match between IG and BLG, as mentioned earlier, the winner will take second place. For teams already qualified for playoffs, group stage rankings only affect the regional bracket and opponent selection order. All four directly qualified teams have priority in choosing sides in the first round.

According to official rules, playoff regions are divided as 14 and 23 seeds. This means that regardless of the outcome between BLG and IG in the final match, both will be in the same half of the playoff bracket. If both win their first rounds, they will face each other as early as the second round. No wonder Daeny plans to experiment with strategies now and save the BLG matchup for the BO5 playoffs. But by doing this, isn’t IG risking revealing their playbook?

In conclusion:

The rankings for the four teams in the Phoenix group are already set, and WE and FPX’s standings won’t change. In the Knights’ Journey, FPX will face NIP, and WE will play EDG. Both Phoenix teams have a strong chance of winning these matches. As for the other two matches, UP and LGD have slim chances of advancing, while JDG and WBG are very likely to make the playoffs.

So, who do you think will win between IG and BLG?

Feel free to leave your thoughts and join the discussion!