The losers' bracket first round of the LPL second stage playoffs is now over. BLG defeated EDG with a clean 3-0 score, shutting them out and moving on to round two. The three games combined lasted only 94 minutes, with EDG completely unable to fight back. This shows the enormous difference in strength between the teams; EDG's play was really strange—they haven't won a single small game in their two playoff BO5 series, making their level of play shockingly bad.

In fact, even before the match began, the outcome was already predictable. Even if BLG were not in top form, EDG would have no chance to beat them. After losing to WE, BLG must have realized the danger of overconfidence. With EDG eliminated, the six strongest teams of the LPL playoffs are now set: the winners' bracket includes WE and Top Esports, while the losers' bracket upper half has AL and LGD, and the lower half features BLG and JDG.

The upcoming matches are getting more exciting. JDG will face BLG, and one of them must stop at the top six. Even if AL beats LGD, they will still have to face the winner of that match. Among the top four strong teams, only one can make it to the Mid-Season Invitational. The emergence of WE as a variable has made the playoffs much more interesting. If they can even defeat Top Esports in the winners' final, WE's performance this year would be truly remarkable.

After the match against EDG, BLG's top laner Bin triggered a major controversy during the post-game player entrance. Bin ignored fans on both sides who reached out to interact, walking in with a cold expression, while his other teammates properly high-fived the audience. Since it was broadcast live, all viewers saw it, leading to widespread criticism that Bin is arrogant and disrespectful to fans.

It's clear he was frustrated after losing to WE, but taking that frustration out on the audience is really unreasonable. The high-five segment is not mandatory according to official rules, but the ticket purchase notice clearly states: "Floor ticket holders get the opportunity to interact with players during their entrance, limited availability." This means many people bought floor tickets specifically for that interaction, only to be ignored by the player after spending their money.

Although there's no explicit rule, it's still an expected duty. LPL's success relies entirely on fan support. It's no exaggeration to say fans are the players' livelihood—without viewers, the LPL would have died out long ago, and no one would pay these players high salaries. Yet now Bin, as a leading player, doesn't even respect the audience. The league should definitely issue a warning and teach Bin some basic manners.

After the controversy erupted,爆料博主 "Laozi Hen Kuang" posted a discussion: Should Bin's refusal to high-five be punished? Sports journalist Wang Weichen also joined in, noting that Bin's behavior stood in stark contrast to his teammates, and wondered if the league or the club would warn him. Honestly, this issue can be seen as minor or major; a punishment is unlikely, but a warning is necessary. If they alienate the fans, the LPL will suffer.

To be honest, Bin's personality is really strange. After every match, he refuses to bow or interact with opponents, and his stubborn attitude has been criticized countless times. Only a few players like Xiaocream choose to match his coldness when facing him. However, BLG fans are defending Bin—on their fan forums, many are calling for reporting those who criticize him. Their ability to adapt their stance is truly remarkable.

Conclusion:

After the first round of the losers' bracket, the LPL takes a one-day break, with the second round scheduled for the 5th. BLG's next opponent is no pushover. If JDG is in good form, the series should go all five games. Having already experienced an upset, BLG likely won't underestimate their opponent again. However, in this matchup, BLG is still expected to win.

What do you think about Bin's behavior?

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