The third stage of the LPL group matches is down to its final day. On the previous match day, in the Pinnacle group, JDG faced WBG. JDG, struggling with poor form, was swept 2-0. WBG, with 6 points, secured 5th place in the Pinnacle group by a 2-point margin. The final match between these two teams won't affect the rankings anymore, so if JDG plays freely, they might have a chance to take revenge.

While WBG locked in 5th place, player Light reached a milestone of 600 LPL career games. However, he seemed unhappy. In a post-match interview, Light candidly said: "Getting here step by step wasn't easy, but now it’s not that important to me anymore. I probably won’t reach 700 games." This seems to hint to fans that he might retire after this year.

Light's performance this season has indeed been lacking. He’s at a disadvantage in lane against anyone, and even with an early kill lead, his teamfighting damage is minimal. His individual skill has dropped significantly. He’s often criticized on Weibo after losses and likely realizes his current level isn’t enough. Continuing might only hold the team back. He may choose to take a break or retire after this season.

After WBG and JDG’s rankings were finalized, the LPL Knight's Road schedule was announced. WBG will face UP, JDG will play LGD, WE will challenge EDG, and FPX will battle NIP. The matches start on August 30th, with one BO5 elimination match per day. Winners advance to playoffs, losers are eliminated. The schedule follows the Nirvana group rankings: NIP, EDG, UP, LGD in that order.

Among these four BO5 matches, WBG vs UP is the least uncertain. UP barely made it into Knight's Road and is not on the same level as WBG. I predict UP might take at most one game, with a final score of 3-1 or 3-0. The internal battles among the top three teams are less predictable. WE just crushed AL in their final game, seemingly returning to their second stage playoff form. EDG looks a bit shaky.

A team that shut out AL and placed second in the Nirvana group, if WE can maintain their final match form, they should easily overpower EDG. However, WE only won 3 games in the group stage, showing some inconsistency. If a certain position falters, EDG still has a chance. After swapping supports this stage, EDG’s strength has improved significantly. If both teams perform at their best, the BO5 could go the distance.

The JDG vs LGD match also holds some suspense. Everyone has noticed JDG’s current state; they haven’t won against any of the top five teams in the group stage. Their 4 points came from WE and FPX. This team is now more mid-to-lower tier. Facing LGD, who have been unpredictable, JDG could potentially lose. But given JDG’s baseline, I personally think they can beat LGD.

Finally, the FPX vs NIP match doesn’t have much suspense. After changing their jungle and support, NIP’s strength has greatly improved. In the Nirvana group, they can beat everyone except EDG. Although FPX signed Jiejie, they still need time to gel. The mid-lane threat Care is impossible to fully contain. Doinb is now playing more of a utility role, so Care likely won’t be outmatched in lane. Still, FPX’s win rate is relatively low.

Conclusion:

After seeing WE shut out AL, EDG is probably a bit worried. Even though EDG is second in the Nirvana group, the teams they face in Knight's Road might be the strongest among the four Pinnacle group teams. Who can they complain to? If WE maintains their form, this internal battle among the top three teams could be quite exciting.

So, what do you think? Is Light planning to retire?

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