The LPL Demacia Cup quarterfinals are nearing their conclusion. On the previous match day, OMG faced LNG in the lower bracket. The two teams battled through five intense games, with LNG ultimately winning 3-2 to advance to the semifinals. This best-of-five series was thrilling, as both sides engaged in chaotic fights throughout. However, it was also somewhat frustrating, with frequent mistakes from coaches during the draft phase and players alike, and matches often lasting over 40 minutes.

In the first game, LNG’s coach came up with an incredibly unconventional lineup. Against the aggressive engage champions like Wukong and Leona, LNG picked Varus and added Syndra mid. This composition lacked damage entirely; whenever Leona initiated, LNG could only stall for a long time. The strangest part was that 1xn played Varus as a poke champion, making it impossible to impact teamfights. Yet, despite this, the game lasted 39 minutes before ending.

The second game’s lineup was more standard, but LNG started at a disadvantage. By mid-game, LNG’s teamfighting improved, with 1xn’s Kai’Sa outputting massive damage to even the score. In the third game, LNG again chose a composition with zero threat to the enemy backline. They were crushed in the laning phase, and 1xn’s damage hit a new low. After 31 minutes, Miss Fortune only dealt 6483 damage—over 3,000 less than the opposing support.

In the fourth game, many expected OMG to sweep LNG, but Croco’s Qiyana dominated the pace. With steady macro play, LNG built a 7,000 gold lead by 20 minutes. Their teamfights were overwhelming, pushing the match to a decisive fifth game. The final game was extremely close, with gold and Dragon control evenly matched. However, a crucial Dragon teamfight saw LNG’s jungler and support perish, allowing OMG to secure the Dragon and then take the Baron.

Normally, losing both jungler and support would mean conceding the Baron, but LNG’s three core players were bold. Xiaoge flashed into the Baron pit to catch three enemies, Kai’Sa followed up, and Galio landed his ultimate. In a 3v5 scenario, LNG’s coordination shone. By the time the jungler and support revived and returned, OMG only had their top laner left alive. LNG lost only their AD carry, achieving a 1-for-5 team wipe and taking over the Baron. This fight was truly spectacular.

After solid macro play, LNG completed a successful comeback to win the series. Overall, Li Ning shows potential as a dark horse, with all three core players daring in their plays. LNG relies heavily on jungle tempo early on; without Croco’s impact, they often start behind. Still, their teamfighting is excellent—far surpassing BLG and WBG in this Demacia Cup. If they can further refine their synergy, LNG has a real shot at making the playoffs next season.

World champion coach Edgar’s drafts are sometimes brilliant, sometimes questionable, and still need improvement. Laning phase skills across the team also have room to grow. However, for a half-underperforming squad to reach the Demacia Cup semifinals and sweep WBG in the second stage already exceeds expectations. Viewers rate LNG as a guaranteed top-six team in the LPL next year. AL and BLG won’t be able to challenge them, but teams like Top Esports, Weibo, and JD Gaming are somewhat shaky.

With some further improvement, LNG actually has the strength to compete with JD Gaming and Weibo. The Korean duo in jungle and mid plays very well. The key is that this team has surprisingly good macro and very smooth teamfight coordination, showing no signs of fear. Of course, this performance is partly due to opponents’ mistakes—OMG gave them many chances when ahead. At first glance, it almost felt like a League of Legends Japan Series match.

Conclusion:

This year’s Demacia Cup saw several standout new Korean imports in the LPL, including IG’s Soboro and LNG’s Croco, both exceeding expectations on stage. Soboro’s playstyle resembles TheShy’s—relentlessly aggressive whenever ahead. Watching IG and LNG’s teamfights, both teams performed admirably. Their upcoming clashes should be very exciting.

So, what do you think—can LNG break into the top six?

Feel free to leave your comments and join the discussion!