Introduction: The S15 season is over, and it’s clear that the vast majority of players have been paying attention to the recent offseason. The Demacia Cup in the LPL region has been extremely intense. As a friendly competition, many teams deployed their starting lineups to achieve high-level coordination during this break. Unexpectedly, by the second stage, the first dark horse team appeared, not only crushing WBG’s full main roster but also sweeping the highly anticipated BLG. Remarkably, their lineup’s total salary might not even match that of a single player, Viper. Could this be the rise of another AL team in the LPL region?

The first dark horse team in the LPL has appeared.

Most players are still quite familiar with the name OMG. Once a dark force in the LPL, this team had outstanding results back in the S3 and S4 seasons. They achieved impressive success back then, but over time, the investment in the team decreased, and their roster strength weakened. They gradually became a developmental team, oscillating between the Nirvana and Summit groups, with no real chance of making a world championship push. However, in the recent Demacia Cup, they completely transformed into a dark horse, with their form and results soaring.

In earlier matches, OMG caused an upset by sweeping WBG, a team considered the ultimate all-Chinese roster this season. Fans had high expectations for WBG, even hoping they could contend for world-class honors. Yet in that match, WBG lost all rhythm, with their bot lane completely exposed. OMG played like a well-coordinated team rather than a group of rookies, with every player showing delicate teamwork, especially the AD, who even delivered a spectacular fireworks finale. Just when fans thought that was surprising enough, OMG’s matchup against BLG brought another twist.

In the first game, BLG seemed relaxed and didn’t treat OMG as a strong opponent, which resulted in a close early game with tight economy. Towards the end, BLG grew desperate and forced a base push, but after breaking the first turret, they were wiped out in a team fight, allowing OMG to counterattack and finish the game. The second game focused heavily on shutting down AD Viper, with constant early targeting. The mid-laner Akali, once fully equipped, denied Viper any chance to deal damage. Varus, lacking mobility, was like a moving target. Ultimately, mid-laner Haichao secured back-to-back MVPs. After this match, OMG solidified their status as the dark horse of the Demacia Cup, with many believing they’ll perform even better in the first stage of the season.

Let’s look at OMG’s starting lineup: top laner Hery, jungler Juhan, mid-laner Haichao, AD Starry, and support Moham. Without exaggeration, this roster consists entirely of unknown rookies who have had little exposure on the LPL stage. Yet this lineup earned them fame and value in the Demacia Cup. If transfers happen before the first stage, I believe the mid-laner and AD’s prices will be very attractive, with even IG possibly interested in acquiring this AD player. Will the former dark force return or rise to greater value?

Farewell Thoughts

No one expected that the first dark horse team of the new season would be the once-established dark force OMG. Honestly, after iBoy left, this team lost much of its spotlight, and fans stopped paying attention to their results, even thinking OMG should be disbanded. The current issues in the LPL region only show that even top-tier teams no longer wield the same dominance as before.

Dear viewers, what are your thoughts on this matter?