Bilibili Gaming become first LPL team to qualify for Worlds 2026

To the surprise of almost no one, the reigning First Stand 2026 champions, MSI 2026 runner-ups, and back-to-back LPL champions have qualified for Worlds 2026. Following a 2-0 victory over , BLG have secured a top-six finish in the LPL Split 3 Group Ascend, guaranteeing them a place in at least the first stage of the LPL 2026 Grand Finals. As a result, the team has now earned enough Championship Points to secure their Worlds qualification, with no remaining team able to overtake them.

On paper, BLG’s path forward in 2026, especially following their early-season results, should have been fairly straightforward. Across the previous two splits, the team showed that few, if any, teams in China were capable of consistently challenging them or threatening their dominance of the LPL. However, the situation took an unexpected turn a few weeks ago when announced that he would temporarily step away from competition due to health and condition concerns. After a grueling schedule and a difficult season, the toplaner decided to take time away to rest and recover.

Now, however, the future of the team looks increasingly uncertain. What was initially expected to be a short-term absence has gradually become a more complicated situation for Bilibili Gaming. The team first promoted academy toplaner to the main roster, but on August 8, BLG made another surprising move by acquiring from . A veteran with an impressive pedigree and years of experience, Flandre could realistically contend for a starting position himself.

As a result, Bin’s future with the team has become increasingly uncertain. The toplaner has already faced criticism for his form this year, particularly after underwhelming performances in the MSI 2026 final and at the Esports World Cup. This is a notable departure from his previous reputation, when Bin was widely considered the best toplaner in the world.

With only around 10 days remaining in the regular season, it remains to be seen how BLG will approach the coming weeks and, more importantly, which toplaner will ultimately lead them into the playoffs. Despite suffering losses to and , the reigning LPL champions have remained firmly atop the standings. Yet with Bin’s return still uncertain and Flandre now in the picture, BLG’s path toward the latter stages of the season is far less clear than it once seemed.

Regardless of BLG’s current situation, nothing short of greatness will be expected from the squad. With four consecutive Worlds appearances now under their belt, BLG have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in the LPL. Despite stumbling in 2025 and failing to make it out of the Swiss Stage, they came within one game of defeating and claiming their first Worlds title in 2024. The year before, they also fell in the semifinals by a single game.

Having finally broken their second-place curse with their First Stand 2026 victory over , BLG will head to Worlds hoping that their international fortunes have truly changed. However, their MSI 2026 run offered a reminder that the team’s tendency to fall just short has not completely disappeared, as they once again lost the final by a single game, marking the third time BLG have finished second at the event.

Whether First Stand was finally the turning point or merely an exception remains to be seen, but with the team continuing to cruise through the LPL even in Bin’s absence, BLG will once again enter the LPL Grand Finals as one of the favorites to lift the title.

Yet the challenge at Worlds will be far greater. China has not won the tournament since defeated in 2021, while T1 have continued to dominate the international stage. With BLG now finally having the opportunity to put an end to their long wait for a Worlds title, the pressure will be immense.