The LPL third stage playoffs have ended, and the two teams directly qualifying for Worlds are confirmed. The yearly champion BLG took the top seed. Although Top Esports made it to the finals, their defeat to WE in the second stage left them with too few points, ultimately letting AL take the spot. AL, having the highest yearly points, grabbed the second seed for Worlds. Once their qualification was certain, AL’s most dramatic manager, Laugh, began stirring up trouble again.

He first sent a screenshot of his friend Q to a popular LOL insider to build his image. After fans noticed (and the post was deleted), Laugh responded: “What’s wrong with screenshotting the Worlds qualification?” He added, “Better to screenshot it yourself than have it taken without permission.” When fans complained, “AL really got unlucky with you,” Laugh directly mocked all teams that didn’t qualify for Worlds: “What’s shameful? Not qualifying for Worlds is the real embarrassment.”

Teasing others for not reaching Worlds is already poor form, but compared to what followed, it’s minor. In fan groups, some said AL was the only LPL team to stay in the top three across all three stages and the only international team to have beaten LCK. Also, AL was the only Worlds participant never defeated by European or American teams. Fans’ claims were factual and accurate.

But Laugh suddenly jumped into the fan group and added: “Also, we never changed any players.” Though the fans’ comments had a hint of sarcasm, their achievements were undeniable and hard to dispute. However, Laugh’s involvement felt different, as if mocking other LPL teams, especially with the phrase “never changed players,” which clearly targeted IG, BLG, and TES.

Throughout this season, BLG and IG changed junglers, TES switched supports, and even JDG and WE replaced supports and top laners. Regular transfers became Laugh’s targets for ridicule. This manager truly has no limits. As for fans mentioning losses to Western teams, it was undoubtedly a jab at Top Esports and BLG, since internationally, Top Esports lost to KC in the play-in, and BLG was eliminated by G2 at the Mid-Season Invitational.

With just a few words, he offended all LPL teams. Laugh really treats AL’s players like they’re living the high life. They finally earned some reputation through results, only to have it ruined by their own manager. Besides being a drama queen, part of Laugh’s mockery stems from the trash talk segment during the LPL finals, when BLG’s head coach Yuan Xi openly challenged him at the event.

Yuan Xi promised in front of all spectators that BLG and TES would never do things like voice chat while winning or hide after losing. Laugh got triggered and, after securing Worlds qualification, immediately showed his arrogance. According to insider reports, Yuan Xi had actually restrained himself. He originally wanted to call Laugh on stage but was told by officials to keep things peaceful and avoid making Laugh uncomfortable.

Honestly, among all LPL team managers and coaches, none are as irritating as Laugh. He frequently argues with other teams’ fans, flaunts victories with voice chats, and disappears after losses. He can’t even accept defeat gracefully, which really damages his reputation. Fortunately, the audience is rational and hasn’t blamed the players for their manager’s remarks; otherwise, players like Tazan would be in trouble.

Conclusion:

Losing to Western teams is indeed embarrassing, but those results were earned by AL’s players. Yet the manager took all the credit. Also, transfers are a normal part of the game; if players don’t mesh well, changes are necessary. But under Laugh, this became a point of ridicule. With a manager like this, it’s no wonder AL gets criticized.

What are your thoughts on Laugh’s comments?

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