The 2024 League of Legends World Championships is nearing its dramatic finale, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Scheduled for the weekend of October 26-27, the competition has seen teams from the LCS, LEC, and various minor regions eliminated, with only the best from China and Korea remaining in this critical stage.
We already know that at least one team from either China or Korea will claim a spot in the finals. The semifinals will feature a high-stakes showdown between LPL representatives Weibo Gaming and Bilibili Gaming, a rematch from the Summer 2024 split. Meanwhile, Gen.G aims to dismantle T1’s longstanding dominance to secure their own finals berth.
With a multitude of factors at play, here’s a comprehensive preview of what to anticipate on game day.
Analysis of Worlds 2024 Semifinals
Weibo Gaming vs Bilibili Gaming
The clash between Weibo and BLG has become one of the most captivating rivalries in professional League of Legends. BLG has established themselves as a powerhouse in the Spring and Summer LPL splits.
After Weibo triumphed over their classic rivals JD Gaming to advance, the latter missed out on a Worlds spot. In their previous encounters, Weibo struggled against BLG, suffering a clean 0-3 defeat in the Summer 2024 Grand Finals, which secured BLG’s Worlds qualification.
However, there are compelling reasons to believe in Weibo’s potential for victory. They notably defeated BLG in the 2023 semifinals in an electrifying best-of-five series, emerging with a 3-2 victory before ultimately falling to T1 in the finals.
Their recent 3-1 quarter-final win against LNG has only propelled their momentum further, especially after they narrowly advanced through the Swiss Stage by taking down Fnatic and DPlus Kia.
BLG has shown remarkable consistency at Worlds, and Bin’s performance in the top lane, often overlooked, has been pivotal for the team’s success. His execution of Rumble against G2 showcased his exceptional skill on a champion others have struggled to optimize.
XUN, Knight, and Elk continue to deliver highlight-worthy plays, establishing a strong presence in team fights. However, challenges in orchestrating those fights could hinder a team that otherwise appears poised for success.
Similarly, Weibo boasts formidable individual talents who can dominate in cohesive team fights. The synergy between Light and Crisp in the bot lane has been exceptional, allowing them to seamlessly target enemies, regardless of any lane adjustments.
While BLG enters this match as the favored team, it wouldn’t be surprising if Weibo turns the tables and secures a spot in the finals once again.
Gen.G vs T1
Having barely clinched a berth at Worlds during the last opportunity, some may have anticipated T1 would face difficulties in the tournament. A setback against Top Esports in their Swiss Stage opener seemed to validate that concern, but T1 has since silenced skeptics in every match they played.
Victories over PaiN Gaming, Bilibili, and G2 propelled them to the quarter-finals, where they exacted revenge on Top Esports in a stunning 3-0 best-of-five series. This match served as a reminder of T1’s capabilities and their roster’s potential to dominate even strong teams.
Faker continues to live up to his reputation, albeit not reaching his own extraordinarily high standards. His adept use of champions like Ahri lays a solid foundation for his team’s strategies, while his exciting picks like Sylas resonate well with fans.
Gumayusi has arguably been T1’s standout star in the tournament thus far, consistently delivering impressive performances and inflicting massive damage in team fights. His versatility with champions such as Caitlyn, where he effectively nullified Miss Fortune, only adds more depth to their already varied tactics.
Gen.G has had an outstanding performance in the regular season, finishing spring with a remarkable 17-1 record in the LCK before defeating T1 in the playoffs. They mirrored that success in the Summer split but fell short in the finals against HLE, after qualifying for Worlds by winning MSI 2024.
In the lead-up to Worlds, Gen.G couldn’t have performed better and carried their momentum seamlessly into the Swiss stage, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record against formidable opponents like HLE, Top Esports, and Weibo.
However, cracks in their invincibility surfaced during the quarter-finals, where NA champions FlyQuest came close, stealing two games in a closely contested 3-2 outcome. This unexpected proximity has reduced the aura of invulnerability surrounding Gen.G, and T1 will be keen to capitalize on any weaknesses.
No matter how this semifinal unfolds, fans can expect a high-octane battle defined by a few critical team fights. Both teams excel at seizing objectives and dismantling structures, meaning any slight misstep could cost one of them advancement in the tournament.
Weibo Gaming faces Bilibili Gaming on October 26 at 2:00 PM CEST, followed by Gen.G’s matchup against T1 on October 27 at 3:00 PM CEST.
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