Suspicions of IG Being Favored in LPL 2025 Split 1
In the 2025 season, the LPL has undergone significant changes in its competition format by eliminating the old Spring and Summer Split system. Instead, the season will be divided into 3 phases, with the first phase named LPL 2025 Split 1 set to kick off on January 12. Recently, the official matchups for the group stage of LPL 2025 Split 1 were announced, immediately sparking drama in the community regarding the “Super Team” IG.
Accordingly, the community’s focus is on groups C and D of LPL 2025 Split 1. In Group C, the defending champions – BLG, will face fierce competitors such as EDG, LNG, or high-performing teams like TT. Meanwhile, IG finds itself in a much easier group with lower-ranked opponents like FPX, NIP, and RNG. As a result, many viewers believe that the LPL organizers have taken “favoritism” towards IG due to their star-studded lineup. It’s worth noting that after IG’s crushing defeat against TES in the recent Demacia Cup, the excitement surrounding this tournament significantly decreased, and the LPL seems unwilling to confront this issue.
Indeed, when looking at the LPL’s group draw format, the audience’s suspicions are quite understandable. The reason is that NIP being placed in the number one seed group during the draw is extremely unreasonable, as this team did not finish in the top 4 in the LPL Summer 2024. Coupled with NIP being in the same group as IG, it further fuels the audience’s suspicions of favoritism towards this team.
IG Still Needs to Strive Hard to Conquer LPL
Of course, the opinions mentioned above regarding IG’s favoritism remain mere suspicions from the community. It’s true that IG has been fortunate to find themselves in an “easy” group, but this does not mean they can easily secure a top position or quickly rise as championship contenders. It’s important to note that in the recent Demacia Cup 2024, IG faced significant difficulties with the 1v1 solo format, resulting in a crushing defeat against TES. Therefore, when this format is applied in LPL 2025 Split 1, IG could even stumble against “weaker” opponents if they continue to lose in 1v1 solo matches.
Not stopping there, the label of “Super Team” with too many stars in the lineup also creates immense pressure on IG. Many teams that were once dubbed “Super Teams” like TES, JDG… have faced painful defeats at the end of their seasons in the past. Therefore, IG will need to put in a tremendous effort to dispel the doubts surrounding them and rise to become championship contenders in the 2025 season.