TES3-1 defeats NIP to advance to the winners' bracket! Doinb's Orianna underperformed, while Little Cream's Akali dominated wildly.

In the LPL playoffs BO5 between TES and NIP, after battling through 4 matches, TES won 3-1 against NIP to advance to the winners' bracket, with their next match against WBG. NIP fell to the losers' bracket and will compete against AL.

In game one, TES had Ornn top, Qiyana jungle, Annie mid, and Yummi with Neeko bot; NIP picked Rumble top, Jarvan jungle, Sion mid, and Kai'Sa with Taric bot. During laning, NAIYOU's Jarvan secured a solo kill on Kanavi's Qiyana in the jungle, but TES's bot lane dove NIP’s three players, killing them and destroying the first tower, giving TES a 5K gold lead early on.

In the mid game, TES took the Rift Herald without taking damage. At 25 minutes, TES caught Doinb’s Sion in the jungle; although NIP rushed to assist, their damage was insufficient. TES turned the fight into a 1-for-4 exchange and secured the first Baron. Finally, at 28 minutes, after wiping NIP again, TES comfortably claimed the first game. JKL's Yummi dealt the highest damage in this match.

In the second game, NIP chose Mordekaiser top, Sylas jungle, Ryze mid, and Varus with Leona bot; TES picked Qiyana top, Xin Zhao jungle, Ahri mid, and Sivir with Braum bot. During laning, SoloKill's Mordekaiser scored a solo kill on 369’s Qiyana top, while TES repeatedly targeted Leave's Varus, killing him three times. Early on, NIP destroyed two towers and held a 1K gold lead.

At mid game, 369’s Qiyana was instantly killed 1v4 in the river. Then both teams contested the Rift Herald; NAIYOU’s Sylas secured it, but TES won the teamfight 1-for-3. At 27 minutes, NIP stole the first Baron. Later, at 30 minutes, a chaotic river fight saw Leave’s Varus cleanly execute the enemy, enabling NIP to win a 2-for-5 exchange and unexpectedly take the second game. MVP was awarded to Doinb’s Ryze.

In the third game, TES picked Gnar top, Skarner jungle, Azir mid, and Jhin with Nautilus bot; NIP chose Renekton top, Nayahfeili jungle, Taliyah mid, and Aphelios with Rell bot. During the early dragon fight, Leave’s Aphelios secured multiple kills as NIP went 1-for-3. Later, during the Rift Herald fight, Leave’s Aphelios was quickly killed, but TES managed a 4-for-5 team wipe against NIP. Both teams' gold was roughly even in the early phase.

In mid game, TES destroyed the first tower on the top lane. At 21 minutes, a jungle skirmish saw Kanavi’s Skarner ult three enemies, but Creme’s Azir missed his ultimate, and Leave’s Aphelios turned the fight around, allowing NIP to counterattack with a 2-for-4 trade and secure the Rift Herald. At 35 minutes, during a mid-lane clash, NAIYOU’s Nayahfeili was instantly killed upon entry. TES then eliminated NIP’s jungle and support, taking the first Baron. Finally, at 37 minutes, TES wiped NIP in a bot lane teamfight and secured the third game victory.

In the fourth game, TES fielded Aphelios top, Wukong jungle, Akali mid, and Caitlyn with Seraphine bot; NIP chose Gwen top, Pantheon jungle, Orianna mid, and Miss Fortune with Elise bot. TES quickly destroyed the first tower on the bot lane early, then their bot duo dove Leave’s Miss Fortune in mid lane for a kill. NIP’s three-player attempt to catch Creme’s Akali failed, and Kanavi’s Wukong arrived to solo kill Niket’s Elise 1v3. TES held a 3K gold lead early.

In mid game, both teams fought over dragons. NIP’s top and jungle combined to kill JKL’s Caitlyn, but Creme’s Akali came in to clean up, enabling TES to wipe NIP 2-for-5. At 26 minutes, NIP sought opportunities top, but Doinb’s Orianna missed her ultimate again. TES then easily wiped NIP and secured the first Baron. After claiming the Ocean Soul, TES wiped NIP on their base and won the match.

So, what are your thoughts on this match? Feel free to share and discuss in the comments below.