The LCK preseason entertainment tournament is just 3 days away from kicking off. Recently, the official held a draft event where T1’s mid, jungle, and support players were named captains for their respective positions. Even though each team can only field two players, captains are exempt from this restriction, allowing all five T1 members to participate. The rosters for the five teams have been announced, with all the top mids except BDD included.

Newly returned LCK players Pan Kan and his junior were also selected for the preseason tournament. Due to rule restrictions and the fact that Ruler didn’t pick him first, Little Lü Bu missed out on this event. Judging by the lineups, the mid lane team looks unbeatable in this exhibition match, but the top lane squad is no pushover either. With Doran, Zeus, and Kiin teaming up, they might give the mid lane team a run for their money. The remaining teams probably lack competitiveness.

Ruler gets harshly bullied by Old Lee

During the draft event, there was an amusing captain interaction segment where Old Lee was asked to compose a quatrain to comment on Ruler. Before starting, Old Lee addressed Ruler: “I ask for forgiveness from player Ruler.” Then Old Lee performed: “Big bald-headed Ruler, you must have enjoyed a lot of good food. The new season is about to start, yet your hair hasn’t grown much.” Ruler looked surprised throughout the teasing.

Among the three captains watching, only Big O burst out laughing, while Zeus and Little K held back their smiles. Despite being bullied by Old Lee, Ruler didn’t dare to respond and kept smiling awkwardly. If it were someone else, they might have quietly pulled out a baseball bat by now. But since the teasing came from an LCK pillar, Ruler had to endure it, no matter how uncomfortable. That said, Old Lee’s sharpness is quite intense.

Hanyi exposes: OMG involved in match-fixing

LPL insider Hanyi recently joined a voice chat with Zhu Kai, sharply critiquing various LPL teams. When discussing OMG, Zhu Kai said: “OMG is doing okay this year, with good Korean jungle and support players, they might achieve some results.” But Hanyi immediately poured cold water: “OMG would be quite strong if they didn’t engage in match-fixing. Unfortunately, someone on their team is involved.” Zhu Kai, caught off guard, asked Hanyi not to make baseless claims, but Hanyi said he had already reported it to the authorities.

Hanyi revealed that besides OMG, other LPL teams are also involved in match-fixing, though he didn’t specify which ones. This statement is quite explosive. Whether or not match-fixing actually occurred is unknown, but OMG will likely sue him. This is no mere rumor; accusations of match-fixing affect team reputations and the LPL region’s image. We’ll have to see if OMG issues an official statement or files a lawsuit.

Zhu Kai announces opening of youth training company

During a recent live stream, Zhu Kai revealed plans to start a youth training program. Many thought he was just talking, but this time he’s serious. He showed his business license on stream for “Ken Pig Culture Communication,” established on December 4 last year, with a registered capital of 1 million yuan. Honestly, it might sound dubious, but if Zhu Kai can truly develop players, it would be a great contribution to the LPL.

According to Zhu Kai, they have already recruited their first player—a 2026 Korean server 1200-point youth training King. However, the training base won’t be ready until March, when operations should stabilize. Even if he only produces one “Left Hand” level player, or someone like Shanks or Hope, he would have achieved something impressive. At that point, the reputation of freelance coaches might improve significantly. Let’s wait and see.

Conclusion:

The LPL is currently in a transitional phase. Since the league stopped mandating second teams, many organizations are reluctant to invest in LDL. Only BLG, EDG, and TES have decent youth programs, but their yearly output of players is limited. If Zhu Kai can replicate PDD’s youth training camp success, it would be a huge boost for the LPL.

So, what do you think? Can Zhu Kai pull it off?

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