The LPL Split 2 playoffs have delivered their first MSI 2025 qualifier:
Anyone's Legend. After a grueling five-game series against
Bilibili Gaming, AL came out on top. A detail of the series — every single game was won by the team on Blue Side. The clash featured a thrilling 1v1 showdown between Chen "
Bin" Ze-Bin and Cui "
Shanks" Xiao-Jun to determine last game's side, which proved decisive. With this loss, BLG drops to the Lower Bracket Final, where they will face the winner of
Team WE vs.
Invictus Gaming.
A Second Final in a Row for AL
In the Winter Split, Anyone's Legend already made a strong impression by reaching the final before losing 3-1 to
Top Esports. They returned in the Spring Split with an almost perfect placement phase, finishing first in their group with a 5-1 record, then ending second in the Ascend group at 13-5. With an attractive and enjoyable playstyle, Shanks will make his international debut and has the chance to shine at MSI. Meanwhile, Lee "
Tarzan" Seung-yong qualifies for a third consecutive year at an international event with three different teams —
LNG Esports,
Weibo Gaming and now AL, a testament to the consistency and impact the Korean jungler brings to every roster he joins.
Blue Side Reigns Supreme
Almost every game in the series was one-sided, swinging heavily in favor of the team on Blue Side. In Game 1, Anyone's Legend took control early through their botlane, dismantling BLG’s Senna draft. Kim "
Kael" Jin-hong’s Rell played flawlessly, finishing 0/0/12 and securing MVP. BLG struck back in Game 2, completely dominating their opponents with Bin’s Jayce leading the charge. The toplaner earned MVP honors as BLG evened the series. In Game 3, AL regained control from Blue Side. With Azir banned, Shanks pivoted to Cassiopeia — a pick he hadn’t used in over two years — and delivered a standout performance, going 5/0/6 with kill participation on 11 of AL’s 12 kills.
Game 4 was the most brutal of the series, with BLG delivering a near-perfect stomp. Bin’s Camille was unstoppable, Yang "
Beichuan" Ling's Skarner ran wild, Zhuo "
Knight" Ding's Galio build was spot-on, and the Varus-Elise botlane snowballed out of control. AL were trapped in their base, unable to respond, and quickly moved to Game 5. Before the decider, a 1v1 was played for side selection — won by Shanks on Irelia, putting Blue Side in AL’s hands.
The final game’s draft brought an unexpected twist. Both junglers opted for Sejuani and Maokai — champions that were must-picks last year but are now rarely seen, especially in the aggressive LPL meta. In the end, it was AL who emerged victorious. Kael once again stood out, the Korean support finished with 100% kill participation and earned the MVP title. With this win, Anyone's Legend books their ticket to MSI, but their journey continues — they’ll play the LPL final on June 14 to determine whether they start in the Main Stage or the Play-In.
The LPL will resume on Wednesday, June 11 with a best-of-five between Invictus Gaming and Team WE. The winner will move on to face BLG on June 13. The grand final will take place the following day, June 14, where Anyone's Legend awaits the team that manages to climb back through the bracket — with a trip to Canada and the title of best Chinese team of the split on the line.
Header photo credit: LPL/Riot Games
