LPL behind-the-scenes revealed: after Elk’s elimination, he voluntarily joined the practice squad, TES ends in tragedy

Hello to all LPL viewers and League of Legends summoners, this is Tianxia Game Report.

Recently, LPL unveiled a behind-the-scenes documentary of the S15 World Championship, exposing many unknown stories. Among them, the part about TES caused significant debate, as coach Homme’s actions displeased both players and spectators.

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Besides this matter, Elk’s voluntary decision to join the practice squad has also stirred widespread discussion.

LPL behind-the-scenes: Elk joins the practice squad

Many viewers are aware that this year, the LPL officially formed a practice squad aimed at helping the region’s four teams achieve better results at Worlds. Before the tournament began, the officials even conducted a selection process to choose suitable players to form this practice team.

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The documentary revealed a surprising fact: Elk and Bigwei were seen among the practice squad members. This means that after BLG was eliminated in the round of 16, both players voluntarily stayed behind to become part of the practice squad. This act earned Elk widespread praise for his great mindset.

Previously, Elk was nicknamed the “King of the Small People’s Kingdom,” but many fans now say he is not small-minded but a giant; this move was truly admirable.

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The reason is simple: historically, very few teams choose to help the remaining teams by practicing together after being eliminated. Mainly because players often suffer a significant mental blow after elimination and need time to recover. Additionally, even teams from the same region usually compete independently and rarely assist each other.

Official efforts wasted, TES ends in tragedy

Elk’s reputation was previously rather poor, especially among TES fans who were quite displeased with him. The “small-minded” label originated from TES supporters. Elk was also heavily criticized by fans for a clownish incident. Despite knowing he was unpopular with TES fans, he still chose to join the practice squad, which showed great maturity.

After BLG’s elimination this year, there was a controversy involving “shang K” (commercial activities). On was exposed for attending such events, and Elk posted a “the innocent are cleared” message, which was mocked by viewers.

Now it seems On’s claim of innocence might be true. Ironically, both Bigwei and Elk, who stayed as practice players during Worlds, have left their teams—Bigwei joined JDG, Elk signed with WBG, and even defeated BLG in the Demacia Cup.

At this current point, the documentary’s details highlight a stark contrast between Elk and BLG’s players.

The most regrettable aspect is that despite LPL investing heavily to establish the practice squad this year, it still couldn’t prevent the region’s crushing defeat. Especially TES, the last remaining hope for LPL, ended in a heartbreaking way that disappointed many.

If you don’t believe you can win, you will never win

In the documentary, the practice squad members appear solemn. The narration explains the situation — only TES remains, and they will discuss with TES which team they need to help with scrims, emphasizing the need to strengthen efforts. The next scene shows Elk playing in a match.

Many fans still remember when TES was the only LPL team left; no one had high hopes for TES, expecting them to lose decisively to T1. As predicted, TES was defeated without resistance.

The documentary reveals another truth: besides the fans’ disbelief, TES’s players and even their coach did not believe in their chances of winning. In my opinion, this is the most frightening aspect.

In previous clips, Xiaonaiyou criticized Homme for changing the draft plan without informing players. 369 openly said he received no support from the jungler, who also withheld information about jungle areas. TES’s tragedy was essentially sealed before the match began. The lack of fighting spirit in esports, players’ numbness and extremism, and the coach’s distrust rendered the LPL practice squad’s efforts futile — this is the greatest sorrow for LPL this year.