WBG 3：1 LNG to Advance to Semifinals of S14 Playoffs
WBG defeated LNG 3：1 in a hard-fought quarterfinal match of the S14 Playoffs. WBG’s superior drafts and in-game execution allowed them to overcome LNG’s momentum from the Swiss round to claim victory.
In a stunning upset, WBG defeated LNG 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the S14 Playoffs to advance to the semifinals. Coming into the match, LNG was riding high after going 3-0 in the Swiss round, while WBG barely scraped through with a lackluster performance. However, WBG silenced the doubters with a dominant series win.
The key factor was the draft phase. In game 1, LNG chose red side but then banned out power picks Aatrox and Yuumi themselves, while giving over meta junglers Viego and Gnar to WBG. LNG’s composition with Renekton top and Graves jungle lacked damage, allowing WBG to stall out the game.
Game 2 was LNG’s only win, largely due to EZ popping off on Draven and finding picks. But a questionable re-engage threw their lead and allowed WBG to nearly turn it around.
WBG showed their resilience in Game 3 despite falling behind early. Xiaohu’s Akali was immense in the mid game teamfights, and a clutch Baron steal by SofM’s Viego sealed LNG’s fate.
Facing elimination, LNG’s draft in Game 4 was disastrous. Banning away power picks from themselves while giving comfort champions to WBG, LNG looked completely lost. WBG closed out the series in a dominant fashion.
Standout performers for WBG included Xiaohu, who styled on Akali and Sylas, and Breathe, whose Gnar was a menace in teamfights. For LNG, Tarzan tried his best to carry but was let down by drafting and coordination issues.
With this victory, WBG keeps their hopes of a championship alive. They will look to ride this momentum in a semifinal matchup versus the winner of JDG and TES. As for LNG, it’s another season ending in the quarterfinals despite high expectations. The organization will need to regroup in the offseason to address their issues if they want to contend next year.