Another elimination shakes up the LPL Split 2 playoffs. Following the exits of FunPlus Phoenix and JD Gaming, Weibo Gaming has now been knocked out after a 3-1 defeat against Invictus Gaming. The team, which reached the semifinals at the last World Championship, ends the split in 5th-6th place. IG continue their strong run through the Lower Bracket, keeping their hopes alive to advance further in the playoffs.

Hope is revived for IG

After more than five years without participating in international competitions, MSI or Worlds, IG fans are starting to dream again. Since losing to FPX in the 2019 Worlds semifinals, Invictus Gaming haven’t been on the international stage—an eternity for such a legendary LPL organization. Following their victory over Weibo, IG are now just two best-of-five series away from MSI, a meaningful achievement especially with Kang "TheShy" Seung-lok and Song "Rookie" Eui-jin on the roster.

Game 1 went to Weibo, with Wang "Light" Guang-Yu shining on Ezreal, finishing 6/0/4 to give his team the early lead in what looked like a promising series. But IG struck back hard in Game 2— Rookie dominated on Ryze with a massive 12/1/13 scoreline, while Chen "GALA" Wei topped the damage charts on Miss Fortune. It was a one-sided stomp that set the tone.

Game 3 followed a similar pattern, with Zhao "Jiejie" Li-Jie’s Lillia and TheShy’s Yorick showcasing the aggressive, brawl-heavy style that defines the LPL meta. Game 4 was the closest of the series—constant skirmishes, nearly 40 kills in total, and key performances once again from Rookie and TheShy, who combined for over half of IG’s total damage. Jiejie earned MVP honors after multiple clutch engages and a crucial Baron steal, helped by Tian "Meiko" Ye. With the win, Invictus Gaming move on to face the winner of Top Esports vs Team WE.