After a four-day hiatus, the LPL third stage playoffs officially began. The full-strength IG’s opening match was against EDG, pitting the second place from the Peak Group against the second from the Phoenix Group. Due to the large disparity in strength, the match was one-sided. Pre-match predictions favored IG to dominate, and IG did not disappoint, securing a 3-0 shutout over EDG for their first playoff win.

Another match on the same day featured JD Gaming versus BLG. Compared to IG’s dominant game, this BO5 was more exciting. Underdog JD Gaming quickly reached match point. In the first game, XiaoXu carried hard, with key early plays by GreatMask leading the team to victory. With a 27-minute base push, JD Gaming overwhelmed BLG, who responded by swapping their jungler, bringing in Beichuan.

After Xun picked Kindred, Beichuan still couldn’t hold up. JD’s top and jungle started strong, and although BLG fought back in mid-game team fights, JD maintained the advantage. Once Peyz’s Sivir came online, BLG couldn’t compete in team fights. JD won two consecutive games to reach match point. Just when everyone expected JD to close out BLG 3-0, Scout suddenly stepped up.

After Xun ganked top lane to help XiaoXu gain an advantage, Scout greedily overextended and was solo killed by LeftHand. Following continuous targeting by Beichuan, Scout’s 11-minute score was 0-3. The mid lane disadvantage heavily impacted the jungle, causing Xun to lose momentum. In team fights, LeftHand’s ahead-fed Orianna was untouchable, and after 27 minutes, Scout’s 1-8 score led to JD’s base being destroyed.

JD lost the third game but started the fourth. Scout was solo killed within 3 minutes, putting mid lane at a disadvantage again. At the 12-minute dragon fight, Scout attempted a spectacular ultimate but missed everyone and died instantly. The mid lane deficit once more spread to the team. With Scout’s fed carry, JD couldn’t handle BLG in team fights. After repeated losses, at 30 minutes, Scout’s 0-5 score dragged the match into a deciding game.

In the final game, Scout didn’t die, but only because he didn’t make any plays; he was passive throughout and ineffective. From leading 2-0 and match point to losing 2-3, BLG’s post-match celebration was tense—without Scout present, others hesitated to eat. Watching the third and fourth games, had Scout not died mid lane, JD would have had a chance to overturn BLG.

After watching the match, fans couldn’t help but call on officials to investigate Scout’s account. This single comment alone shows how extraordinary Scout’s poor performance was. Being solo killed twice in a row and underperforming so badly, even a struggling Xuxiu wouldn’t have done worse. If this continues, JD Gaming may be eliminated in their next match.

BLG’s jungler swap was quite interesting. Previously, people thought BLG’s new jungler had a honeymoon period, but now it seems the “ex-wife” is also benefiting from one. If Beichuan and Shadou alternate playing in playoffs, BLG might enjoy a continuous honeymoon phase, making them seemingly invincible. Of course, this is just a joke—if they struggled so much against JD, facing IG next might mean BLG faces a third straight loss.

In conclusion:

The good news is JD’s next match is against EDG. Scout has personal grudges with his former team and should be fully motivated. After all, losing to anyone is bad, but losing to EDG hurts the most. Honestly, Scout’s teammates had a tough time playing well on top and bottom lanes, only for mid lane to suddenly say: “The game’s over.” Who could stand that?

So, what do you think—can BLG beat IG?

Feel free to leave your thoughts and join the discussion!