Image: Riot Games
BLG's win makes them the LPL's first seed into Worlds 2024.
The League of Legends Professional League (LPL) has reached its thrilling conclusion, with Bilibili Gaming (BLG) emerging victorious in the grand finals after an emphatic 3-0 sweep against Weibo Gaming (WBG).
This result caps off an incredible year for BLG, who have consistently demonstrated their dominance across multiple stages of the 2024 season.
Bilibili Gaming’s journey to victory
BLG’s success in the LPL Summer Finals follows their exceptional performance throughout the year. They kicked off the season by winning the LPL Spring title and continued their momentum with a second-place finish at the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational.
In the Summer Season, BLG maintained their top form, finishing tied for first place in the regular season standings alongside LNG Esports. This strong showing secured BLG a coveted upper bracket semifinal spot in the LPL Summer Playoffs.
Weibo Gaming, while ultimately falling short in the finals, also had a commendable run during the Summer Season. They finished third in the Rumble Stage of the regular season, securing a Round 3 slot in the LPL Summer Playoffs.
In the Playoffs, WBG defeated Ninjas in Pyjamas 3-1 in Round 3, only to face BLG in the upper bracket semifinals where they were swept 3-0, sending them to the lower bracket.
In the lower bracket, WBG showcased their resilience, outlasting LNG Esports in a gripping 3-2 series in the lower bracket semifinals. They then faced Top Esports in the lower bracket final, emerging victorious in another intense 3-2 match to secure their spot in the grand finals against BLG.
Grand Finals recap
The first game started slowly, with both teams playing cautiously. BLG found themselves slightly behind but capitalised on a critical fight for Baron. They managed to steal the Baron from WBG and quickly turned the tide, opening up WBG’s base. The game ended after a 25-minute encounter, with BLG securing a 9-6 kill lead.
BLG asserted complete dominance in the second game. With Zhuo "knight" Ding leading the charge in playmaking, BLG dismantled Weibo Gaming in just 24 minutes, finishing with a staggering 28-6 kill lead and a 16k gold advantage, putting themselves on match point.
The final game saw Weibo Gaming take an early lead, but BLG’s relentless determination shone through. BLG capitalised on small comeback opportunities and outplayed WBG in key team fights. After nearly 40 minutes, BLG destroyed WBG’s base, winning the third game despite an 18-22 kill deficit, securing their 3-0 sweep.
With this victory, BLG claimed the LPL Summer title and solidified their position as the LPL’s first seed for the 2024 World Championship. Along with the title, BLG takes home ¥2,000,000, approximately $275,114.48.
Their dominance throughout the season, coupled with the most championship points accumulated, had already guaranteed them a spot at Worlds, but this win guarantees them the first seed and cements their supremacy in the region.
Meanwhile, Weibo Gaming bowed out in second place, earning ¥1,000,000 or $137,557.24.
Their journey is not over yet, as WBG will compete in the LPL Regional Final, where they have secured a spot in the upper bracket final against LNG Esports. A victory there would grant them a chance to qualify for Worlds 2024.
