Being the strongest all-star lineup in the LPL, many IG supporters wish for their team to advance to Worlds. Yet, because IG earned very few points in the first and second splits, their chances of direct qualification are slim. Currently, IG has only 55 points combined from splits one and two, meaning unless they win the third split outright, they must rely on AL’s results to determine if they can qualify directly. (AL has a total of 105 points from the first two splits)

If IG does not win the third split, they must meet one of three conditions to qualify directly for Worlds. Should AL win the third split, IG needs to be runner-up to qualify; if BLG takes second place, IG must play in the regional qualifiers. If BLG wins, AL cannot finish in the top three, but if AL places second or third, IG will have to compete in the qualifiers. If TES wins, IG must finish second to qualify directly.

Many IG fans, upon hearing this, jokingly agreed that changing the jungler was the right move. IG’s low points in the first two splits were largely due to jungler jiejie not fitting well with the team. After switching junglers, IG has grown stronger. Some viewers even teased that with IG’s current strength, winning an LPL championship should be easy, as other top LPL teams have weaknesses. In contrast, IG is improving with time, and many fans eagerly anticipate IG qualifying for Worlds as the LPL’s top seed.

IG ranks first in the LPL and third in the world.

Besides IG fans being optimistic about their team winning, Riot Games also holds IG in high regard. In the latest global team power rankings for League of Legends, IG is placed third worldwide. The top spot belongs to GEN, the double champion of MSI and the Mid-Season Invitational, while second place goes to T1 led by Faker. AL and HLE have seen the biggest shifts in rankings; during the Mid-Season Invitational, both teams held stable top-four placements, but since HLE’s mid laner zeka and AL’s mid laner Chovy have declined in form, these teams have lost their dominance in the league.

Many IG fans felt that the official LOL rankings did not undervalue IG but were quite reasonable. After all, IG hasn’t participated in any international tournaments this season, so ranking third globally based purely on roster strength is impressive. Since the LOL power rankings are sometimes called the “jinx list,” where teams favored by Riot often fail to win Worlds, many IG fans hope their team will shock everyone and claim the championship at Worlds.

IG is currently the biggest hope for an LPL championship, and I personally look forward to IG once again saving the LPL. Most LPL viewers now follow the league mainly to watch IG’s matches. It seems that when it comes to winning Worlds, IG generates more excitement than other LPL teams. What do you think are IG’s chances of winning? If IG meets T1 and GEN at Worlds, can they overcome these opponents?

Conclusion

Do you think IG can win the third split? Currently, only AL and TES seem to pose serious threats to IG. If AL’s mid laner Chovy regains form in the playoffs, they could give IG trouble. TES’s unpredictable “madman” playstyle also worries many IG fans. What are your thoughts on IG’s chances against AL and TES in the playoffs? (BLG likely can’t beat IG, considering how badly they were defeated in the regular season.)