The first stage of the LPL playoffs will conclude after the final four BO5 matches. On the previous match day, the last game of the second round in the losers' bracket featured IG versus AL. Before the match, few viewers were optimistic about IG's chances, as AL's strength is on par with BLG's. Even if all IG members performed exceptionally, victory seemed unlikely. The final result was largely as expected, though IG did manage to surprise the audience slightly.

In the second game, IG's top, mid, jungle, and support collectively stepped up, securing a single win against AL. Soboro's unstoppable Renekton barely proved his worth. However, in the remaining three games, IG was thoroughly dominated. The top lane crumbled, the bottom lane exploded, and in the decisive game, all lanes were simultaneously overwhelmed. Ultimately, IG was eliminated in the top six. Following the conclusion of the second round in the losers' bracket, the playoff semifinalists have been determined, including BLG and JDG from the winners' bracket, and WBG and AL from the losers' bracket.

These four teams advancing to the semifinals largely aligns with viewer expectations. In the upcoming matches, either BLG or JDG will secure a spot in the finals and claim a ticket to the Pioneer Tournament. As for Weibo Gaming (WBG), they will likely be stopped in the semifinals, as among the four teams, WBG's strength is the lowest and their form is relatively unstable compared to the others. The losers' bracket final might hold some suspense, as both BLG or JDG seem capable of competing against AL.

After IG's elimination by AL, rumors about replacing the top laner surfaced online. Well-known爆料博主 (leaker) Lianlian Hongcha posted after the match, revealing that IG has a considerable budget for the first stage transfer period and is considering a top lane change. Management has three proposals. The first is to bring TheShy back, which would undoubtedly be the most effective move. Not only the fans, but even the LPL officials are currently hoping for TheShy's return to the competitive stage.

If TheShy were to return, his skill aside, even if he were to feed relentlessly like Soboro, viewers would still be eager to watch. Both the club and the league would experience a massive surge in popularity due to his comeback. If the club makes a strong effort and Rookie adds some persuasion, there might genuinely be a chance to get TheShy back to compete. However, TheShy himself seems to have low motivation for a return, having not even played ranked for over two months.

If TheShy cannot return, IG's second choice is the Korean top laner Burdol. Many viewers might not recognize the name, but everyone remembers the Irelia who was dominated by Ale's Fiora during the S11 World Championship. In terms of skill among Korean import top laners, Burdol isn't much better than Soboro. During the S14 season, Burdol joined LGD and started decently but declined sharply later on.

Doinb, while commentating on LGD's matches, once评价 (evaluated) Burdol as "the worst Korean top laner in the LPL." Honestly, it's unclear what IG would gain from buying him. Burdol recently mentioned during a livestream that an LPL team contacted him for a tryout involving lane dominance. It seems the leak from Hongcha holds some truth. IG's third option is to keep Soboro. Frankly, there's little difference between the latter two proposals; replacing him with Burdol might not be an improvement over keeping Soboro.

If the first choice materializes, IG would be a team to watch. But with the current roster, it's unlikely TheShy would want to return. If the bot lane AD isn't changed, IG's ceiling is visibly limited. Photic has played for a full stage now. In this AD-centric meta, he has only earned one MVP, while his support partner has earned two. Even when ahead in games, he fails to exert pressure, indicating his skill simply isn't up to par.

Conclusion:

If IG's management, the LPL officials, and Rookie all persuade TheShy together, there's a possibility he might return in the second or third stage. The league's popularity has already hit rock bottom. If star players aren't brought back, viewership will continue to decline. If the AD position is considered weak, perhaps they could negotiate with Top Esports to arrange a loan for Jiaqi.

So, what do you all think? Will TheShy return?

Feel free to leave your comments and discuss!