Epic Showdowns Await: Semifinals of Worlds 2024
As the echoes of battle resonate through the grand arenas of the League of Legends World Championship 2024, only four formidable contenders remain, each vying fervently to engrave their legacy into the annals of esports history.
In one scintillating semifinal clash, the titanic forces of the LPL collide as the first seed, China’s revered Bilibili Gaming, take on their fierce rivals from the same league, the fourth seed Weibo Gaming. On the other side of the Rift, the unstoppable juggernaut of the LCK, Gen.G, prepare for yet another exhilarating confrontation against the storied legends, T1. The stakes? Nothing less than regional honor, historical rivalries, and a coveted pass to the ultimate showdown.
Here’s a deep dive into the titanic matchups as the world’s elite teams march toward an unforgettable grand final.
A Clash of Titans: Weibo Gaming vs Bilibili Gaming
The rivalry simmering between Weibo Gaming and Bilibili Gaming has erupted into one of the most intense in the league’s recent chronicles, fueled by a series of electrifying encounters and nail-biting contests. Since the dawn of 2022, these titans have clashed in a staggering 35 matches, with the cunning BLG emerging victorious a jaw-dropping 23 times.
In the ongoing year of 2024, Bilibili sharpened its claws, sweeping Weibo clean in every single showdown. Out of their 10 encounters this year, BLG has proven omnipotent, overwhelming Weibo with ruthless 3-0 victories in both Bo5 series, leaving their rivals gasping in frustration.
High hopes adorned Weibo as they stepped into this season, spearheaded by the illustrious mid-laner Li “Xiaohu” Yuan-Hao, complemented by powerhouse signing Breathe and the stalwart Tarzan. However, they’ve stumbled in their quest to dismantle BLG’s unyielding playstyle.
In contrast, Bilibili boasts an impregnable roster with luminary mid-laner Zhuo “knight” Ding and one of the globe’s most accomplished top laners, Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin, propelling their gameplay to an unrivaled echelon in the LPL.
Nonetheless, the annals of history remind us that Weibo can unleash surprises on the grand stage. Fans are left reminiscing about last year’s gripping semifinals, where Weibo defied the odds and toppled BLG in a suspense-filled 3-2 series.
This year at Worlds, both factions teetered on the brink of elimination with nail-biting 1-2 records during the Swiss Stage but heroically fought through to the Knockout stage. Here, Weibo Gaming pulled off an astonishing upset against LNG Esports, securing victory 3-1, while BLG bulldozed through Hanwha Life Esports, winning 3-1.
Can Weibo conjure another miraculous turnaround in 2024? Or will BLG exact sweet revenge and stampede toward the finals? The pressures of an entire region rest precariously upon the outcome.
The Legendary Face-off: Gen.G vs T1
In the pantheon of League of Legends rivalries, few rivalries loom as large as that of Gen.G and T1—a contest steeped in history, where every encounter crackles with palpable tension.
Since 2020, these two giants have dueled nearly 100 times, forging a rivalry that intensifies with every battle. Since the summer of 2022, Gen.G has emerged as T1’s formidable nemesis, consistently snatching away domestic crowns and ultimately soaring to an international triumph at the 2024 Mid-Season Invitational, where T1 secured a modest third place.
This dominance has continued into the current year, with Gen.G triumphing in every significant clash against T1, including a razor-close 3-2 victory in the Spring Finals. Now, as 2024 unfolds, Gen.G stands tall atop the throne, while T1 relentlessly chases.
Gen.G’s roster is nothing short of elite, boasting one of the world’s preeminent junglers, the 2020 World Champion Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, alongside their formidable support player Son “Lehends” Si-woo and their celebrated mid-laner, Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon—the face of their team since 2022.
Despite facing adversity when Hanwha Life Esports thwarted their aspirations for a “golden road” during the Summer Finals, Gen.G roared back during the Swiss stage, narrowly escaping a potential upset against FlyQuest with a gripping 3-2 victory.
Yet, Gen.G has historically faltered under the international spotlight—an arena where T1 typically thrives. After enduring years of thwarted dreams, T1 triumphantly hoisted the Summoner’s Cup in 2023 amid joyous home celebrations. However, 2024 has proven a tumultuous journey, with T1 struggling to secure the last LCK spot in a season replete with emotional ups and downs.
However, the core of T1—Choi “Zeus” Woo-je, Moon “Oner” Hyeon-ju, the legendary Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong, and Ryu “Keria” Min-seok—remain resolutely determined to prove their worth.
Even T1’s jungler, Oner has candidly expressed his trepidation about facing Gen.G in the semifinals, yet he vows to deliver unrivaled excitement for fans, promising a match to remember. With the indomitable Faker leading the charge, T1’s thirst to overturn their narrative against Gen.G has never been greater.
Will T1 finally shatter the cycle and conquer their relentless adversary? Or will Gen.G obliterate the specter of their past international failures and stride boldly toward the Summoner’s Cup, their confidence unyielding?
