After the first round of the third LPL split playoffs, in the winners' upper bracket, BLG and IG are set for a big battle. The two teams faced off twice in the group stage, both times IG came out on top. Considering their current playoff performance, IG's odds look better. In the lower bracket, the match between Top Esports and Weibo favors TES, as Weibo, despite making it to the top six, appears somewhat shaky.

The two matches in the losers' bracket don’t hold much suspense. When JD Gaming faces EDG, the younger player might trigger a "grudge" buff, possibly performing at full strength and securing a clean sweep. But EDG isn’t without fight — they play decently early but struggle with mid-to-late game decisions and operations. For AL versus NIP, the pressure shouldn’t be too high, but since Top Esports lost a game, AL must not underestimate their opponent if they want to win.

MKOI team qualifies for the World Championship.

During the LEC playoffs early morning, the second winners' semifinal match took place. FNC battled MKOI fiercely over five games, with MKOI ultimately winning 3-2. By reaching the winners' final, MKOI secured a guaranteed top-three finish in the third split and clinched a Worlds spot. Alongside the already qualified G2, only one spot remains in the European region, currently contested by four teams.

The last LEC Worlds spot will likely go to either FNC or KC. MKOI has played well, but LPL fans don’t hold them in high regard because during MSI, this team frequently picked champions like Renekton and Twitch, which annoyed LPL viewers. They even mocked BLG players with offensive gestures, causing controversy. Afterward, the team offered excuses to brush off the criticism.

FNC officially announces Humanoid’s departure.

Before the semifinals began, FNC released a statement: their mid-laner Humanoid is officially leaving. This player, who spent three years with FNC, led the team into a steep decline, producing the worst results in their history. Before his arrival, FNC was the only strong European contender against G2. After he joined, they went three years without titles, constantly dominated by G2, and were plagued by internal conflicts.

In June this year, FNC signed Poby, the T1 second team mid-laner, pushing Humanoid to the bench. Although Poby’s performance isn’t outstanding, it’s still better than Humanoid’s poor form and internal drama. If FNC can beat GX and then take down KC or VIT, they’ll qualify for Worlds. With this departure, Humanoid’s pro career is likely over due to his poor reputation in the scene.

Zhu Kai mocks Doinb during livestream.

NIP lost to TES in their first playoff match and dropped to the losers’ bracket. While the outcome was expected, NIP showed some strength, taking a small game from Top Esports and fighting hard in the third game. Doinb, often criticized for his mid-lane play, earned an MVP with Ryze in the winning game. If they adjust tactics and have Leave play the carry role, NIP could still have a chance against AL.

Regarding the performance against Top Esports, NIP exceeded expectations, but some viewers still harshly criticize Doinb. Zhu Kai, who pretends to be a coach while ordering takeout, is a prime example. During his livestream, Zhu Kai mocked Doinb: "Picking Sion and losing means you’re just a tool; if it’s your teammates’ fault. But if you pick Viktor and lose, then you can’t carry. I wonder what the chat says when he streams later?"

Conclusion:

When it comes to sarcasm and snark, honestly, Zhu Kai takes the crown. Doinb may be a bit sloppy, but he’s not as bad as Zhu Kai claims. Near the end of his career, Doinb still found teams and led them to playoffs. What about Zhu Kai? A world champion and Asian Games coach who can’t even find a job now, forced to just mock players on streams.

So, what do you think — did Doinb give his best?

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