After the LPL match-fixing controversy, two champion players return, IG drops Korean top laner, TES completes roster upgrade

Hello to all LPL viewers and League of Legends summoners, this is World Game Hub.

After BLG's victory in the Pioneer Tournament, the LPL has officially begun preparations for the second stage. During this period, two Summit-tier teams have made personnel adjustments and roster upgrades.

These two teams are IG and TES, and their new rosters for the second stage have been finalized.

After the match-fixing controversy, TES's new jungler is confirmed

The biggest controversy of the first stage this year was undoubtedly the double-exhilaration match-fixing incident involving TES jungler Cream. During the playoffs, it was suspected of match-fixing, and after investigation by TES club, serious suspicions were confirmed. Handed over to the league, no penalty announcement has been issued yet.

Following this match-fixing controversy, TES had to find a new jungler during the transfer period.

Transfer period rumors indicated TES had two options, clues pointed to junglers North River and Tian. Finally, OBGG revealed the answer: TES.Tian, meaning champion jungler Tian will return to the field and reunite with TES. Previously, after Tian left TES, he was attacked by TES fans, and Tian himself streamed sarcastic comments about TES team and players.

Many viewers thought Tian would definitely not return to TES, but now it seems nothing is impossible in esports. TES is indeed the only Summit-tier team with a vacant jungler position. TES needs Tian's return—at least better than a match-fixing jungler—and Tian needs this opportunity, as there's still a decent window to pursue good results.

Meanwhile, JKL, who rested for the entire stage, will return. Thus TES's new season roster is confirmed as 369, Tian, Crème, JKL, and Feng Yue.

Three champion players return, IG drops Korean top laner

TES will have two champion players returning. Compared to the first stage, the overall configuration certainly sees a significant upgrade. Meanwhile, Jiaqi from the bot lane will leave the team, and the team he joins is exactly the next team we'll discuss: the former all-star squad IG.

IG nearly fell into the Rebirth group in the first stage but managed to win the survival match to keep their Summit-tier spot. Team issues were evident: top laner Soboro didn't seem like a pro player, and bot laner Photic also performed poorly.

Therefore, IG made adjustments in three positions. First, champion support Meiko will return. Adding TES's two, three champion players return to the LPL stage. Unfortunately, Crisp, The Shy, Doinb, etc., cannot return.

Bot lane recruits Jiaqi from TES to pair with Meiko. Simultaneously, IG will drop Korean top laner Soboro and introduce Breathe. Regarding Breathe, transfer period rumors indicated a series of negotiations: IG wanted Breathe, but offered salary didn't match. After continuous communication, they finally reached agreement.

Thus IG's new season roster is confirmed as Breathe, WEI, Rookie, Jiaqi, Meiko.

Summit-tier has many highlights, still one superpower and multiple strong teams

These two teams' new season rosters are all confirmed, both having completed upgrades. Other Summit-tier teams' rosters will hardly change. BLG and JDG, the two best-performing teams, are obvious. WBG and AL have little room for upgrades; AL did change head coach.

Teams rising from Resilience or Rebirth groups lack desire to upgrade. Currently resting players aren't interested in joining these teams either. Basically, the overall landscape is set.

Personally, the new season Summit-tier has more highlights than the first stage. It's certain the league remains one superpower and multiple strong teams. BLG stands alone at top tier. The other five Summit-tier teams' strength is relatively close, configurations not far apart, all have chance to compete for higher rankings.

Currently, TES is quite anticipated, with chance to compete for Worlds spot. Mainly because Cream's form in first stage was too good. With JKL returning and Tian joining, they fully have opportunity to achieve good results. Key points lie in these two champion players' form. Comparatively, IG completed upgrades but overall configuration still lags somewhat, making good results less likely.