This is the first time BLG will ever make it to the Grand Finals at Worlds.
Bilibili Gaming are heading to the Grand Finals of the League of Legends World Championship after a dominant 3-0 victory over Weibo Gaming in the semifinals. Both teams came into the series with similarly challenging journeys, battling their way through the Swiss Stage and on the brink of elimination before turning their seasons around.
In the opening stages of Worlds 2024, Bilibili Gaming (BLG) and Weibo Gaming (WBG) struggled. After tough losses, each team found themselves at 1-2, risking elimination. However, BLG bounced back in the second week, sweeping through PSG Talon and G2 Esports to claim their spot in the Knockout Stage. Weibo followed a similar path, overcoming Fnatic and DPlus KIA to secure their quarterfinals berth.
Both teams, representing the LPL region, showcased strong performances in the quarterfinals. Weibo Gaming delivered an upset by eliminating LNG Esports 3-1, while BLG showcased their dominance, taking down LCK’s top seed, Hanwha Life Esports, 3-1 to reach the semifinals.
Here's how the matches went:
The first game saw Weibo Gaming take an early lead, controlling the map and setting up for critical objectives. However, BLG stayed close behind, and the two teams were neck and neck throughout.
A pivotal fight erupted at the Baron pit where WBG secured the Baron buff, but BLG won the skirmish, swinging the momentum in their favour. Using their advantage, BLG pushed forward and broke through Weibo’s base, ending the game with a 10-9 kill lead after 39 minutes.
Game 2 continued the intensity, with both teams hunting for picks and engaging in relentless skirmishes.
Once again, BLG emerged victorious in an extended teamfight at the Dragon pit, taking down key members of WBG and ultimately acing them. With their lead firmly established, BLG marched into Weibo’s base, destroying the Nexus in 31 minutes with an 18-12 kill lead to reach match point.
It got scrappy in the third game, with Weibo Gaming going all-in on heavy dives to keep their Worlds dreams alive. BLG initially held the upper hand, consistently coming out on top in teamfights, using their coordination to weather Weibo’s aggressive engages. But as the game progressed, a critical misplay by BLG at the dragon pit opened the door for WBG. Weibo were quick to punish, capitalising on BLG’s mistake to narrow the gold gap and reassert themselves in the match.
Yet, as the second dragon fight approached, BLG regained their composure. With pinpoint focus, they isolated Weibo's ADC Guang-Yu “Light” Wang, who had been WBG’s main damage dealer. Zhuo "knight" Ding led the charge, exacting revenge on Weibo and swinging momentum back in BLG's favour. They then pounced on an opportunity to ambush Weibo in the jungle, catching WBG off guard and securing a decisive advantage.
With confidence and precision, BLG continued to win skirmishes, dismantling Weibo in repeated encounters. After a final teamfight that saw all of WBG’s members fall, BLG wasted no time and surged down the mid-lane, breaking through Weibo’s defences. In a swift push, BLG destroyed Weibo’s Nexus with a 21-8 kill lead, wrapping up the match in 27 minutes and clinching their spot in the Worlds 2024 Grand Finals.
With their win, Bilibili Gaming have qualified for their first-ever Worlds Grand Finals. They will fly to London where they will go head-to-head against the winner of the semifinals match between T1 and Gen.G
Meanwhile, Weibo Gaming bow out of the competition in 3rd-4th place, taking home US $178,000 in consolation.
