Preface: The S16 season has officially started, and I believe most players have been keeping up with the recent matches. The third stage of the LPL is very competitive. In the latest games, the LPL achieved a significant milestone: after six years, they finally defeated their opponent in a BO3 series, ending a 15-game losing streak. Now, WE no longer has to endure a losing streak. The jungler, Monki, has become the most crucial player. Last season he was known as "Super Xiong" (a term for an aggressive player), and this season he is the strongest in the team, with a teamfight participation rate of over 81% across the entire series.

The most memorable match in LPL history

I believe most players are quite familiar with WE. As a traditional powerhouse in the LPL, their overall popularity and hype have not been very high in recent years. Last season, WE was basically a mid-to-lower tier team in the LPL, and not many fans paid attention to their matches in the first and second stages. Their performance was mediocre. However, during the playoffs of the second stage, WE suddenly awakened. They went on a winning streak, defeating many teams, and became the only LPL team to beat BLG in the second stage. Despite various temptations, WE made no roster changes during the transfer period, especially with their support player Erha, who chose to stay with the team for another year.

The match against JDG was quite exciting. Unexpectedly, right at the start of the stage, WE already secured their first win. It came so quickly today.

In the first game, just three minutes into the match, Monki's Trundle got three kills, a perfect start. At 12 minutes, he ganked top again and killed the opposing top laner. The entire game's pace was completely controlled by WE. At 20 minutes, JDG's mid laner and jungler died consecutively, and WE easily took Baron Nashor. At 27 minutes, JDG attempted a play in the pit but still lost the Baron. Finally, at 31 minutes, Trundle went on a rampage, crushed JDG, and won the game.

The second game was a typical loss for WE. After gaining confidence, they would force team fights regardless of whether they were ahead or behind. Later, JDG's advantage grew so large that their mid laner and top laner could 2v5, basically a one-sided push.

In the third game, the jungle gap was evident again. Early on, Monki secured all the dragons, and by 17 minutes, they had three dragon stacks. At 22 minutes, WE killed three JDG members, took the Earth Dragon Soul, and their advantage grew. In the crucial team fight at 25 minutes, Gala made a serious mechanical error, getting stunned by Poppy and killed. From that point, WE essentially secured the victory. Finally, in the Elder Dragon fight, WE patiently kited in a 4v5 situation, and JDG's desperate smite attempt failed, leading to their defeat.

This victory directly ended WE's six-year losing streak against JDG in BO3 series, during which JDG had won 15 consecutive matches. The win in the third stage came so quickly, trending everywhere today. Now, WE has become a dark horse in the LPL. As long as their form remains stable, especially jungler Monki, whose aggressive play is becoming increasingly consistent, it seems the coaching staff has figured out how to use him. As long as team fights revolve around him, WE becomes very strong. Over the three games, his teamfight participation rate exceeded 81%.

Zai Jian believes

No one expected WE's form to improve so quickly in the second stage. By the third stage, they have become a top contender in the LPL. In contrast, JDG's pace has been getting worse. Under Tabe's leadership, their problems are increasing, including in the Esports World Cup where their rhythm was unstable. This rookie lineup indeed needs much more practice. If things continue like this, JDG will likely plummet to the "Nirvana" group.

What do you, dear viewers, think about this?