LGD Gaming advanced to the semifinals of the Demacia Cup after a decisive victory over Anyone’s Legend (AL) on Saturday, marking a significant moment in their campaign. The match, which was the only quarterfinal best-of-five (BO5) to conclude in just three games, showcased LGD’s dominance as they swept AL’s academy roster. This victory not only eliminated AL from the tournament but also sent LGD into a crucial matchup against JD Gaming (JDG) at the Xi’an Qujiang Esports Center. Both teams are set to benefit from the newly introduced coach communications, adding another layer of strategy to the semifinals.
In a tournament that has seen its share of upsets, the exit of AL and Top Esports, the LPL’s top team at Worlds, underscores the competitive nature of this year’s Demacia Cup. LGD, having rested their main roster following a busy year, displayed exceptional skill throughout the series, ensuring their spot in the next round and securing at least ¥200,000 (approximately €24,145), even if they lose to JDG.
The three games against AL were marked by LGD’s strategic choices and strong individual performances. In Game 1, LGD introduced unconventional picks, notably using Malphite in the jungle with Yang “Heng” Cui-Heng earning the MVP title. Game 2 saw Qiu “Shaoye” Guo-Bin’s Kai’Sa make a significant impact, leading into the final game where Lin “Tangyuan” Yu-Hong delivered an outstanding performance on Sylas, finishing with a remarkable score of 14/2/7. This level of play culminated in a clean sweep, further establishing LGD’s prowess in the tournament.
For LNG Esports, this year’s Demacia Cup has been particularly noteworthy. Despite having participated since the tournament’s inception in 2014, they have never reached the semifinals until now. They will face JDG, the finalists from 2023, who are still in pursuit of their first title. LNG’s journey has been one of resilience, and their matchup against JDG is poised to be a highlight of the tournament.
The significance of the Demacia Cup extends beyond just the matches themselves. As one of the premier events in the Chinese League of Legends calendar, it provides teams an opportunity to test new strategies and showcase talent in front of a passionate audience. The introduction of coach communications represents a shift in how teams may approach their gameplay, potentially leading to more dynamic and strategic matches as teams adapt to this development.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the remaining teams and how they adapt to the challenges ahead. For LGD, the road to the finals is now clearer, with the potential to solidify their status as a top contender in the LPL. Conversely, JDG will seek redemption and the opportunity to claim the championship that has eluded them thus far. The upcoming semifinals promise to deliver high-stakes action as the best teams in the region vie for glory.
