by Bilibili Gaming (BLG) secured their place in the 2024 League of Legends World Championship grand final with a commanding 3-0 victory over LPL rival Weibo Gaming (WBG).
This triumph not only marked BLG’s first-ever appearance in a Worlds final but also served as payback for their semifinal loss to Weibo at Worlds 2023.
By denying Weibo back-to-back grand final appearances, BLG affirmed their position as a dominant force in the 2024 season.
Heading into the tournament, BLG were regarded as strong contenders, having claimed both the LPL Spring and Summer titles.
Their roster underwent a significant upgrade for 2024, merging with JDG’s star mid laner, Zhou “knight” Ding.
Despite narrowly missing out on the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) title to Gen.G earlier in the year, BLG showed remarkable growth and resilience in the Worlds campaign.
Both BLG and WBG faced elimination in the Swiss Stage but managed to rebound, with BLG defeating PSG Talon and G2 Esports, while Weibo bested Fnatic and Dplus KIA.
In the quarterfinals, both teams demonstrated their strength, with BLG eliminating LCK’s top seed Hanwha Life Esports and Weibo pulling off an upset over LNG Esports.
The stage was set for an LPL clash in the semifinals, and BLG rose to the occasion.
WELCOME TO THE #WORLDS2024 FINALS, @BILIBILIGAMING! pic.twitter.com/QeOXBrPV1Y
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 26, 2024
The series opened with a draft gamble by Weibo, who left Yone open—a champion with a 63% win rate in the tournament.
However, BLG were well-prepared, countering with the Smolder to negate Yone’s impact.
Knight’s standout performance on the Smolder paved the way for a narrow victory in game one, where BLG capitalised on a pivotal Baron pit skirmish to turn the tide and close the game with a 10-9 kill lead after 39 minutes.
In game two, BLG continued their dominance, securing key picks and winning a decisive extended teamfight at the dragon pit.
Knight’s Syndra proved instrumental in outmatching Weibo’s composition, leading to a swift 31-minute victory and putting BLG at match point with an 18-12 kill score.
Game three saw Weibo resort to aggressive tactics in a last-ditch effort to extend the series.
Despite BLG’s strong start, a misplay at the dragon pit allowed Weibo to mount a brief comeback.
However, BLG quickly regained control, isolating Weibo’s ADC Wang “Light” Guangyu in the following fight and securing a decisive advantage.
Knight’s leadership once again proved crucial, as BLG executed a series of skirmishes that left Weibo unable to respond.
In the final moments, BLG surged down the mid-lane to secure the win with a 21-8 kill lead, wrapping up the series in 27 minutes.
With this win, Knight finally reached the grand final at Worlds for the first time in his career.
The victory was a monumental achievement for the entire roster, most of whom had not advanced beyond the semifinals in previous tournaments.
For players like Peng “XUN” Lixun, Zhao “Elk” Jiahao, and Luo “ON” Wenjun, this marked their second year at Worlds, and they have already improved from last year’s semifinal finish to secure a top-two spot.
While Chen “Bin” Zebin will compete in his second Worlds grand final, seeking to go one better after losing his only grand final appearance with Suning at the 2020 event in China.
No back-to-back Worlds Finals for @WeiboGamingLoL. pic.twitter.com/gRbxxw5J4E
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 26, 2024
BLG will now travel to London to face either T1 or Gen.G in the grand final, while Weibo Gaming exits the competition with a respectable third-fourth place finish and a $178,000 consolation prize.
The stage is set for BLG to potentially cap off an incredible 2024 season with the ultimate prize: the Summoner’s Cup.
Check out ESB’s betting predictions and tips for the T1 vs Gen.G series on Sunday.
