A few days ago, many fans and media outlets from LPL noted that this region is truly in danger. The reasons come from various directions, but in summary, there are three main factors affecting LPL: the tournament is at risk of being banned from airing due to a performance by a girl group at World Championship that was broadcast here amidst criticism related to the culture of the populous nation, statements from the Gen.G team, and finally, the long-standing schedule making the opening match rather dull.
Recently, according to various reports, LPL Spring 2024 will kick off with a match between Bilibili Gaming and Top Esports. Of course, this is quite unusual since it has been a long time since the audience in this region has witnessed a clash between two top teams on the opening day of the tournament. It can be seen as an effort to increase the appeal of the LPL in 2024. However, TES still leaves many doubts after they brought nearly their full main lineup but failed to achieve success at the recently concluded Demacia Cup 2023, even being eliminated quite early.
Furthermore, LPL is said to have waited until the audience and media voiced strong opinions before deciding to make adjustments to the schedule for the new season. Some opinions even suggest that LPL may be “copying” LCK by scheduling matches like this. In recent seasons, LCK has always had very exciting matchups for the opening match, such as T1 facing Gen.G in the opening matches of both teams in two consecutive Springs (2023 and 2024). In contrast, the opening matches in recent LPL seasons included Ultra Prime vs. ThunderTalk Gaming (opening Summer 2023) or previously FunPlus Phoenix vs. Team WE (opening Spring 2023).
Of course, in the midst of all the unclear information, the leaked schedule has left many LPL fans feeling eager. Moreover, if they can showcase their strength right in the opening match of the new season, both TES and BLG will be able to dispel all doubts and assert their championship contender status for the upcoming season, both domestically and internationally.