ROOKIE removed by sponsors due to Xiao Yu incident

ROOKIE, being IG's key player and leading star, was often featured in IG's business events. Yet, following his split from his long-term girlfriend Xiao Yu after eight years, ROOKIE's public image utterly fell apart. Especially after Xiao Yu's cousin publicly criticized ROOKIE as a "bad man," many of Xiao Yu's fans labeled ROOKIE as a scumbag. (Xiao Yu started dating ROOKIE five months after her previous relationship ended, but ROOKIE faced accusations from many fans of cheating during the relationship.)

As ROOKIE's public reputation worsened, many Xiao Yu fans discussed ways to vent their anger for her. Recently, an IG commercial event drew attention from these fans, since ROOKIE was scheduled to appear as a guest. Many Xiao Yu fans went to the event's online page to rally supporters. They stated they would confront ROOKIE and call him a scumbag face-to-face, with some even threatening to teach ROOKIE a lesson. Due to the intense reaction from a large number of attendees, the organizers, to protect ROOKIE, had to reluctantly remove him and let substitute meiko take his place at the event.

Tabe interview reveals inside story of crushing defeat against GEN

In this LOL Pioneer tournament, the match that most shocked LPL viewers was likely GEN versus JDG. Before the match, many LPL fans believed JDG had a chance to win at least one game against GEN, since LCK's second seed BFX and LPL's top seed BLG had played a full BO5. However, what surprised many was that JDG was completely crushed by GEN, losing without even seeing GEN's second turret throughout the BO5.

Many viewers felt disappointed with JDG, and even some AL fans argued that JDG was wasting the LPL slot. JDG coach Tabe recently explained the reasons for JDG's heavy loss to GEN in an interview. Tabe stated that JDG lacked discipline during the match; there were many opportunities where JDG could speed up the pace to secure dragons or take early positions, but they failed to act and instead fell into GEN's operational rhythm. Tabe commented that JDG's defeat process was too ugly and believed the players did not fully execute what they practiced in training.

JDG receives good news in Pioneer tournament

Although JDG was crushed by GEN, this LOL Pioneer tournament uses a double-elimination format, so JDG still has a chance to fight back from the losers' bracket, especially since their next opponent is LOUD. After watching LOUD versus LYON, I noticed LOUD is purely a "fighting team" with no operational skills, while JDG excels in game operation and pulling tactics. Therefore, I believe JDG should easily win in the losers' bracket.

Currently, the winners' bracket for the Pioneer tournament is set: BLG will face G2, and GEN will battle LYON. The winners of each match will advance directly to the knockout stage. The most anticipated matchup now is GEN versus BLG. I really want to see if BLG can defeat GEN and win the Pioneer championship, as many LPL viewers think GEN's top laner KIIN is not in good form. If Bin performs at his full strength, BLG might have a chance to beat GEN.

Conclusion

I personally feel GEN naturally counters JDG. JDG's strongest aspect is game operation, but GEN's operational play is even better. Additionally, GEN makes fewer mistakes during matches, and their strongest skill is seizing opportunities. It seems GEN's core players can die several times without major impact, while JDG collapses completely after just one death. (Where do you think GEN's current weaknesses lie?)