AL manager leads the LPL commentary

Since BLG's consecutive dominant wins over IG and WBG, many LPL fans and analysts have thought BLG has returned. Even BLG's coach Dan Shen openly stated that if BLG’s players maintain their mindset, they are the strongest team in the LPL. Many viewers, witnessing BLG's winning streak, eagerly anticipated the season finale clash between BLG and AL, as the winner would claim first place in the LPL regular season. Before the BLG vs. AL match began, several LPL commentators predicted a victory for BLG.

After all, AL’s recent matches have been comeback wins, while BLG has frequently secured huge advantages early on in the current laning meta. However, something frustrating for many BLG fans happened: BLG was actually reverse swept 1-2 by AL during the series. Moreover, the two losses exposed major team issues. For instance, BLG’s mid laner LeftHand really struggled with playing Sylas, unable to suppress Yone’s growth in lane, and his teamfight positioning was often chaotic. Ultimately, LeftHand ended with a disastrous 1-7 scoreline, costing the team the match. Many BLG fans admitted that if LeftHand had played Sylas invisibly, BLG might have had a chance to beat AL.

With AL securing first place in the regular season, many AL fans popped champagne to celebrate, and AL’s manager Aixiang jokingly teased LPL commentators in the comments for not understanding the game. Early in the season, many LPL commentators thought AL was not suited to the meta, criticizing top laner SaintGun and bot laner Hope for poor laning skills. But as the season progressed, AL—deemed unsuitable for the meta—became the regular season leader, while the highly praised BLG was defeated by AL.

Bin completely “lost it” after losing to AL

Since BLG was eliminated in the round of 16 at the World Championship last year, BLG’s top laner Bin had rarely declared himself as the “world’s number one top laner” in interviews or on social media. However, something unexpected happened. After BLG lost to AL and missed out on first place in the regular season, Bin went “crazy” on his social media, insisting he is still the world’s best top laner. (Of course, many BLG fans believe Bin’s statement was meant to divert criticism away from support ON.)

In this BO3 series, besides BLG’s mid laner LeftHand underperforming, support ON also disappointed many viewers. Especially in the decisive game, ON’s Q-flash Bard play directly squandered the entire advantage BLG had built up throughout the match. Therefore, many speculate Bin’s provocative comments were intentional to draw public attention and ease pressure on support ON. (Previously, Bin admitted in interviews that he sometimes talks big to help teammates relax.)

After Bin made these outrageous remarks, many LPL commentators and streamers quickly focused on the issue. Among them, official LPL commentator Guan Zeyuan joked that Bin’s account might have been “hacked.” Indeed, Bin’s comments were quite absurd; it’s hard to imagine a professional player saying such things after a poor team performance and recent loss. Still, many viewers think Bin is the LPL’s “top figure” at attracting public attention. At least after BLG’s defeat, most viewers focused on Bin’s post-match statements, while discussions about LeftHand and ON’s mistakes in the game decreased.