In the League of Legends 2026 Global Pioneer Tournament, only one final BO5 remains to determine the champion. On the previous match day, the semifinals began with an internal battle between two LPL teams, ultimately ending with BLG's victory. The two teams played only three games before JDG was sent home; the gap in raw strength was indeed significant. JDG's defeat is also beneficial for the region, as entering the finals would have meant a high probability of handing over the championship.

The semifinal result is actually acceptable for JDG, considering that during the group stage, JDG's performance一度 made viewers think they might not even reach the playoffs. If BLG advances to the finals, the probability of LPL winning the championship would be relatively higher. The other match was GEN versus G2, and the outcome is already known: the highly favored GEN was completely shut out by G2 with a 3:0 score.

GEN didn't win even a single game against G2, which definitely exceeded audience expectations. Before the semifinals, GEN defeated JDG and LYON both 3:0, showcasing断档领先 strength in Group B. Who would have thought they would fall to G2? It was said that this year's "Da Chao" was different, but now it seems only his hairstyle changed; everything else remains similar to previous years. In this BO5, "San Shu" was the most severely outperformed by his counterpart.

GEN players' mindset likely mirrored the audience's, thinking they were sure to win. In the first game, "San Shu" didn't even regard his opponents seriously, charging into fights regardless of feasibility and consequently leading his teammates into collapse. The remaining two games also followed a formulaic jungle pathing. However, being swept 3:0 in a BO5 isn't solely one person's fault; GEN's top, mid, and bottom lane players all contributed, none performing at their normal level.

After GEN's loss, LCK is completely eliminated from this Pioneer Tournament. G2 swept both BO5s against LCK teams 3:0, making them arguably LCK's sternest "father"—not an exaggeration. Recall that in LOL history, only the S7 champion SSG has consecutively defeated two Korean teams in the same tournament. As a non-Korean team, G2 achieving a double kill against LCK is truly a feat worth boasting about for life.

GEN's top laner Kiin, after losing to G2, became the first LCK player to achieve the "Grand Slam of Losses." Throughout his career BO5s, he has lost to teams from the four major regions: LPL, LCK, LEC, and LCS. Additionally, in last year's KesPa Cup, Kiin also lost to a Vietnamese team. Though not as夸张 as "哥哥," Kiin is the second "Grand Slam of Losses" player in China-Korea region history after JKL. Was he overrated?

The most interesting part of this match was the Korean official commentator. During the second game of the BO5 at 24 minutes, after GEN lost a team fight, the LCK commentator直接叛变, shouting on stage: "Let's Go G2!" Even before the third game started, they were already supporting G2. LCK commentators are quite lively. But rationally speaking, LCK really should let other regions win championships occasionally, otherwise they might not survive.

After G2 lost to BLG, rumors emerged that next year's offline tournaments and studio broadcasts might be canceled. Following these two clean 3:0 sweeps, offline events and studio broadcasts should be preserved. "Old Hat"不愧 is a Hall of Fame player; after defeating BFX, he stated: "Currently many LEC players see no hope, doubting Europe can beat China-Korea teams. But after this match, they have no reason not to strive harder."

Conclusion:

Both LPL and LEC regions are now eager for the Pioneer Tournament championship. Who ultimately wins will depend on各自本事. Compared to last year, both major regions have突破 in Pioneer Tournament results. G2's double kill against LCK directly拯救了 LEC. Hopefully our region's BLG can also rise up in the finals,重铸赛区荣光.

So, do you think BLG can win the championship?

Feel free to leave comments and discuss!