The third phase of the LPL group stage is almost over, with just 10 days remaining. After WBG lost to AL and BLG in back-to-back matches, they finally broke their losing streak by defeating FPX. Sitting at 4-6, it’s unlikely they’ll go straight to playoffs, but there’s still a mathematical chance. Meanwhile, BLG and IG’s clash was the highlight of the day—these two teams have a history, and losing this match would be awkward for either side.

Everyone knows the result: IG fought hard over three games and won the series 2:1. Watching this BO3, “thrilling” is the only word that fits. IG fans must have been nervous throughout. In game one, IG pulled off a comeback after a rough start and being nearly 10k gold behind mid-game. Thanks to ON’s repeated mistakes, IG showed incredible resilience and turned the tables dramatically.

In game two, both teams traded blows throughout the early and mid stages. At the 18-minute dragon fight, IG’s jungle-support duo made a misplay, giving Wei’s Wukong an opening to engage with Flash. Meik’s Bard tried to save TheShy and ended up locking down BLG’s double carries, but his Zhonya’s meant Rookie’s Galio couldn’t follow up with his ultimate right away. IG lost the teamfight badly and got wiped out by BLG, leaving no suspense as the match tied up.

The deciding game was reminiscent of the first—another unlikely comeback via teamfighting. IG dominated early but fell behind by 6k gold at 30 minutes, which would usually mean defeat. But in one final teamfight, Bin got caught out and killed, Gazi jumped in and instantly took out ELK, and TheShy’s Gnar landed a three-man ultimate to trap BLG. After wiping them out, IG pushed from mid lane’s outer turret straight to BLG’s base, overturning the match in just a minute.

The AD carry gap in this match was huge. ELK started the decider 7-0, but in teamfights, Gazi completely outperformed him. Gala was named MVP for both of IG’s wins—he dominated his lane opponent, no doubt. There was also a bit of drama: not only did ELK lose the match, but his sportsmanship took a hit. During the first game’s draft phase, while picking bot lane champions, ELK flashed Shaco in front of everyone.

Everyone knows what flashing that champion means—ELK wanted to mock his former teammate Wei. Some fans tried to defend him, but it didn’t work. Shaco isn’t classified as an AD champion, so to flash Shaco, you have to switch categories and then go back to AD. Such “mistakes” are extremely rare in pro play, and even if it were accidental, no one would actually lock in Shaco.

So it’s obvious ELK was trying to get under Wei’s skin, but after losing, he ended up looking like the clown himself. What he revealed wasn’t a champion, but his own ID card. In all these years of watching matches, it’s rare to see someone mock a former teammate like this. Even famous duos like Doinb and Tian have never flashed champions to taunt each other during a match.

The “King of Pettiness” nickname is well-earned. On a previous stream, he called TheShy “JS” while chatting with ON. Setting aside his skills, when it comes to attitude, ELK stands out among ADs. BLG’s bad reputation isn’t for nothing—showing off before even winning, who would like that? If he toned it down a bit, maybe he wouldn’t face so much backlash.

Conclusion:

Most people lose face after winning a match, but ELK managed to lose both the game and his reputation. Wei played for BLG for a while, but after leaving, he was labeled the “scapegoat.” Who would want to team up with ELK now? Jiejie, probably watching from home, might have just given up on joining BLG after seeing all this.

So, what do you think about ELK’s character?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!