Preface: The S16 season has officially begun, and I believe most players have been closely following the recent matches. The competition in the LPL region has been extremely intense. Ever since top laner Theshy returned in the third split, the overall popularity of the LPL has skyrocketed. In these recent games, his plays have been quite impressive. Although it's the Nirvana group competition, it has brought many fans back to the old days. Whether it's intentional by the officials or truly due to his skill, Theshy has been the best top laner for two consecutive weeks. Netizens have been teasing that the officials clearly need his popularity boost.

Nirvana top laner tops the best list for two straight weeks.

I believe most players are quite familiar with top laner Theshy. As a top-tier professional player in the LPL, his personal form has fluctuated significantly over the past few years, and he even took a long break from the competition. However, as the LPL's most popular pro player for many years, his popularity and influence remain as strong as ever. After his return in the third split, it sparked heated discussions across the entire fan community. IG's home stadium was packed with people, with every seat filled. This is probably the charm of a top-tier pro player—even if his performance isn't perfect, he still has a massive number of fans supporting him.

As the matches have progressed, IG has already played two series: they won 2-1 against WBG and swept LNG 2-0. Their overall form has been steadily improving, leaving many fans quite satisfied. However, an official selection from the LPL has drawn criticism from players across the internet, and even some fans find it a bit hard to accept. Since returning, top laner Theshy has only played two matches and directly won the best top laner award for two weeks. Undeniably, his plays have been flashy, but can they truly reflect a player's individual skill in the Nirvana group games?

Perhaps it's really what the officials need—after all, his popularity is unmatched. As long as he is in the LPL matches, there will be highlights and fans will pay attention. To be honest, in my opinion, the player in good form right now should be BLG's young player Wenbo, and TES's top laner is also decent. Giving it to Theshy does feel a bit forced for popularity. I hope the LPL officials can be more fact-based in future selections. Such a choice does generate higher popularity, but all fans understand that the officials are doing it deliberately.

IG's official account also posted Theshy's weekly best medal. Such a series of actions inevitably makes netizens feel uncomfortable. There's no denying Theshy's popularity and mechanics, but he probably hasn't reached the level of being the best top laner. If IG can break out of the Nirvana group and dominate multiple strong teams in the playoffs, then it would be understandable. After all, only by securing a World Championship spot can a team be considered outstanding in the LPL. Just dominating in the Nirvana group is not enough.

Zaijian thinks

To borrow a line from General Fan, "They have no shame." The current officials really do anything for popularity. Netizens' sharp comments are coming one after another: "There won't really be a Nirvana first-team top laner, right?" To be honest, if IG fails to advance to the Summit group, will top laner Theshy still be selected for the best lineup? These are all unknowns. Last season, IG was also the fourth seed and got the strongest top laner.

What do you, the audience, think about this matter?