Introduction: The S16 season matches have officially begun, and most fans are likely following the recent competitions. The LPL league matches are quite intense. The recent Nirvana group clashes have been exceptionally thrilling, even featuring some top-tier "feeding" performances. The showdown between EDG and LGD has become a hot topic among netizens. The two pauses during the second game were indeed puzzling. Some fans even suspect that LGD violated official pause rules by communicating via voice during the pause, which enabled them to execute a rapid Malphite ult combined with Orianna's ball ult, forcing EDG players to flash. However, there has been no official announcement so far.

LGD accused of communicating during match pause

Most fans are quite familiar with the LPL's Nirvana group. As teams of mid-to-lower tier strength, their matches are as exciting as those in the Summit group, with unexpected moments occurring in every game. After undergoing roster changes, EDG has become the top team in this group. Although they cannot secure world-class spots, they dominate within this group. However, their match against LGD has become a focal point of discussion across the internet. After being swept 2-0, some fans even spread rumors that LGD violated rules.

The main discussion likely revolves around the second game, where both sides fought fiercely, resembling anything but a professional match—it didn't even feel like a ranked game, featuring multiple base flip-flops. At 11 minutes, EDG launched an attack in the bot lane, killing the enemy Malphite and then taking down the support Nami, achieving a one-for-two trade. Later, LGD also secured several kills, but EDG maintained the advantage. At 29 minutes, EDG initiated a mid-lane fight and secured Baron. At 35 minutes, EDG stole the second Baron, won the team fight decisively, and subsequently killed the Elder Dragon, achieving a double dragon buff. It seemed they would end the game in one push, but EDG performed poorly. Then the match entered a prolonged stalemate.

After failing to push at 48 minutes, LGD called a pause during their pursuit. Following the countdown, Malphite instantly ulted, combined with Orianna's ball, pulling three EDG members. Even commentator Zitai remarked during his stream that LGD's tactic was truly sneaky. Although no kills were secured, multiple crucial flashes from EDG were burned, impacting the final Elder Dragon pit fight. They had no skills left to evade Malphite's second ult. After all players died, EDG called a pause, but it was futile. No time reversal occurred even after over ten minutes, and LGD ultimately won this messy, "feeding" match 2-0.

After the match, many fans debated whether LGD communicated via voice during the pause. Some claimed that players can talk during the five-second countdown, but others checked the rules and found no such provision. Only referees can decide whether players can discuss game content during a pause. Official announcements will clarify the situation, as the match is over and cannot be overturned. If there was a violation, likely only fines would apply. It depends on whether there is a rule allowing communication during the five-second countdown. Of course, it's also possible that LGD players did not communicate, and netizens misinterpreted the situation.

Final thoughts

The 50-minute showdown between EDG and LGD was indeed somewhat messy, featuring numerous misplays. Many thought EDG's double dragon buff would secure victory, but it turned into a flip-flop, with both sides reaching each other's high ground. If this weren't a Nirvana group match, many might suspect it was a fixed match, as both sides seemed unwilling to win. Several EDG players were stunned by that ultimate.

What do you all think about this incident?