Achievements of LPL Raise Concerns Among Fans
With a significantly higher number of teams participating in the competition compared to other regions, the LPL has always been a league that starts earlier than all others and maintains a current competitive environment. The Split 2 placements of LPL 2025 have concluded, with teams facing significant challenges in achieving their primary goal of securing a spot at MSI 2025. Two teams have notably struggled during the Split 2 placements: Top Esports and Invictus Gaming, raising many concerns among LPL fans.
Recently, both teams have been underperforming. IG had a decent opening phase in 2025 but struggled to maintain consistency, leading to a lack of competition for a playoff spot despite their strong roster. However, the bigger disappointment is Top Esports, who only managed to win a single match with a devastating score. Every other match they played in the playoffs ended in defeat, despite being champions in the previous Split 1.
In the second Split, Top Esports has caused even more worry. Unlike IG, who have built their roster over time and are attempting to recover this year, Top Esports has been a leading force in LPL but frequently underperforms in crucial matches. Currently, TES is the only team from LPL – LCK (the two strongest regions in League of Legends) that has lost to every representative from other regions, including weaker areas like PCS and VCS.
Clearly, in LPL, Top Esports remain a strong team, yet their ability to compete is in question as they head towards the upcoming MSI. One LPL fan expressed concern: “Who can stop TES and make them falter? I don’t want LPL to suffer another embarrassment.”
Another opinion voiced concerns about the overall competitive environment: “Is it because TES is underperforming in LPL that the region is losing its edge? Over many seasons, teams participating in international tournaments have merely cycled through a few names. The top teams appear strong, but their performance has been lackluster, especially while the veterans have struggled to maintain their form. I can’t believe we still have to rely entirely on TheShy, JackeyLove, or Xiaohu.”
Could This Indicate a Decline in LPL’s Dominance?
While the LCK has consistently introduced new talents since 2020, LPL has… seen a decline in such developments. Even Doinb has returned to compete in 2025, yet his team struggled during Split 1. This is not a good indicator, as clearly, a region that wants to develop must focus on nurturing future talent rather than only hoping for the resurgence of former stars.
