The 2023 season is particularly special for Asian regions like LPL, LCK, PCS, and VCS. This is because tournaments in these regions have to compete more intensely with a packed schedule. As of now, LPL Summer 2023 is clearly advancing faster as they have already reached the playoffs. This is understandable as China will host the ASIAD at the end of the year.
As of now, the 10 teams advancing in LPL Summer 2023 have been revealed. However, aside from the two strongest teams currently, JD Gaming and Bilibili Gaming, Weibo Gaming has attracted a lot of attention. This is because it is a collection of the “star-studded” lineup of LPL with many famous names. However, since the new roster was formed (at the start of the 2023 season), WBG has never managed to instill confidence in their fans. In fact, they only ranked 6th and despite winning both of their final matches, their confrontation with Royal Never Give Up was deemed unconvincing, especially regarding Xiaohu and TheShy.
According to WBG’s own fans, the team has secured the 6th position and is waiting in the second round, with one of the opponents being RNG or NIP. However, there is no guarantee that WBG will defeat RNG if they meet again, and perhaps only NIP is relatively within reach for TheShy and his teammates. The issue with WBG remains timeless: the players do not perform as a united team.
This has been evident in many of the team’s matches. Moreover, the mentality of the players has been somewhat too rushed, as coach Daeny has noted. Even in the match against RNG, while leading and just having been equalized, Xiaohu lost his composure to the point of “rage quitting” (leaving the game before it finished). The players of WBG are all experienced, but they may also feel the pressure from the audience and management is growing immensely. Everyone understands that if this season is not successful, there may be some names that won’t last.
Of course, WBG may still extend their journey beyond expectations. But perhaps, based on what they have shown, a spot in the World Championship is a more realistic goal for WBG’s star lineup right now, compared to the LPL championship. Especially since both JDG and BLG are very strong and almost have no weaknesses.