Chapter 154: Top Esports Advances To The Finals!
While the internet was abuzz with discussions about Li Fan’s absence from the team photo, various speculations emerged, creating a state of utter chaos.
The LPL official timely released a promotional video meticulously crafted for this Intercontinental tournament, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.
The opening of the promotional video was highly visually impactful.
In dim lighting, rows of drummers in traditional attire, accompanied by heavy and rhythmic drumming, forcefully beat large war drums.
Each strike of the drumstick landed as if on the hearts of the audience watching the video, creating a somber scene of impending storm and approaching battle.
The drumming grew more urgent, and the visuals shifted rapidly.
The faces of players from WE, RNG, and OMG successively flashed by, their eyes determined…
Cheers from the live audience, the coach’s instructions, and intense team fight footage were interspersed.
The grand finale of the promotional video was reserved for Li Fan.
As Li Fan’s figure appeared on screen, the drumming reached a crescendo and then abruptly stopped.
The background music became ethereal and grand.
Li Fan calmly gazed at the camera, his eyes deep and focused.
The video interspersed shots of his brilliant plays during the Mid-Season Invitational and moments of him lifting the trophy after winning.
Finally, it froze on a close-up of his incredibly confident profile.
In the center of the screen, a striking line of text appeared: “The Will to Defend, Apex of Asia.”
The promotional video concluded, leaving the audience with endless reflections and awe.
The filming style and approach of this promotional video clearly confirmed many people’s speculations and aimed to elevate Li Fan to legendary status.
After all, the LPL official gave Li Fan the most important finale spot and the most impactful visuals.
As Clearlove ages and his professional career enters its later stages, the official desperately needs to find a new leader and prominent figure.
And Li Fan, with his eye-catching performance as the Mid-Season Invitational champion, his unfathomable champion pool, his unique personal charm, and the massive traffic he generates across multiple games, is undoubtedly the most perfect candidate for the “God-Making Project.”
Therefore, his finale position was both unexpected and within reason.
After all, there was no one more suitable than him.
As for Uzi? With no championships, relying on two runner-up titles to take over? How is that possible?
The officials are not fools.
Seeing Li Fan’s footage in the promotional video, many worried fans immediately breathed a sigh of relief, a great weight lifted from their hearts.
【 I knew it! The official promotional video was made, so how could Brother Fan not go? He’ll definitely be here when it’s time for the match. 】
【 That’s right, as the first seed, EDG’s match day is the next day, so there’s really no need to rush. 】
【 This level of recognition, appearing in the finale! The official is clearly signaling that Unreal is the number one person in the LPL now! 】
【 Not that exaggerated, but close. If he can win the World Championship, he’ll be the undisputed number one. 】
【 So cool, that gaze! It gave me goosebumps! 】
【 It seems my previous worries were unnecessary. Brother Fan must have been delayed by something and will definitely join us in Kaohsiung later… 】
【 With Unreal, I feel at ease. Only he can defeat the LCK; others aren’t quite up to par. 】
The public opinion instantly shifted.
After all, if he appeared in the official Intercontinental promotional video, why would he be in the video if he wasn’t participating?
However, this overlooked Uzi, who also appeared in the video…
In fact, Uzi did not join the expedition either.
The players were not that invested in this competition, and neither were the clubs.
Losing early could be a good thing, allowing them to return sooner to prepare for upcoming matches.
However, shortly after the promotional video was released, RNG officially announced on Weibo that Uzi would be absent from the upcoming Intercontinental tournament.
The reason was a relapse of his hand injury, and he needed time for treatment.
This immediately garnered much concern from fans, who asked about his injury.
Wishing Uzi a speedy recovery.
On July 6th, at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, the first League of Legends Asia Championship officially kicked off.
The first match was between JTeam from the LMS region and SSG from the LCK region.
JT, due to its owner being Jay Chou, garnered significant attention, but in the arena, strength speaks louder than words; a celebrity owner wouldn’t grant an advantage in matches.
At most, it would attract more fans to support them…
SSG’s ADC player Ruler showcased world-class AD standards. Using Varus against JT’s highly aggressive lane-dominant Kalista and Thresh combination, he not only stabilized the laning phase but also dealt explosive damage in team fights, leading SSG to a relatively easy opening win.
The LCK region’s strength began to show, but this didn’t cause much stir, as SSG is a strong LCK team, and defeating JT was within most people’s expectations.
Losing the match would have been a true upset.
LPL viewers expressed some regret, but the performance was still quite good; after all, being able to contend with Samsung for such a long time was unexpected.
The LMS region’s performance was quite commendable. The Intercontinental tournament might truly not be just a game theory between the LPL and LCK regions; the historical LMS region must also be included…
However, the second match that followed completely ignited the anger of the LPL audience.
When the host introduced the teams entering the arena, a frustrating scene occurred.
When the MVP team from the LCK was introduced, the live audience erupted with warm applause and cheers, creating a very friendly atmosphere.
However, when the host announced OMG from the LPL region, widespread boos echoed through the venue!
While Korean teams were welcomed, the OMG team from the same region was met with boos from the entire venue.
These piercing boos clearly reached all LPL viewers watching the live broadcast.
In an instant, the bullet comments on major live streaming platforms exploded!
【 ??? 】
【 What the f*ck??? Boos??? 】
【 What’s the meaning of this? Applause for LCK, boos for our LPL? What’s going on, I’m truly speechless? 】
【 Where is this? If you didn’t know, you’d think this was in Korea! 】
【 I’m done, this is too disgusting. 】
【 We thought we were of the same root, and you pull these petty tricks to disgust us? 】
【 So disheartening! OMG, come on! Beat them! 】
After all, the targeting was too obvious.
It was clear that someone was orchestrating these disruptive actions, as only LPL teams were not cheered for.
There was a sense of powerlessness, as if a hand couldn’t reach through the screen.
But just then, some people holding banners for QQ Speed, Crossfire, and photos of Li Fan stood up from their seats.
“Damn it! What are you guys booing about now? What’s with the boos? Come on! We’re all Chinese, we bleed the same blood! By creating division and targeting like this, are you solving problems? You’re clearly disgracing the entire Chinese nation! Is it necessary for an internal family matter to become a joke for outsiders?”
The people in the front rows who were previously booing were caught off guard by this direct confrontation. The boos noticeably faltered, as they hadn’t expected fans supporting the LPL region to be present.
Although few in number, they dared to point fingers and scold them, so the booing couldn’t continue.
After all, those who do wrong have guilt in their hearts.
Then, as if their throats were choked, their voices gradually lowered, and the subsequent boos seemed to lose their leaders, becoming sparse and eventually falling silent.
The director’s camera keenly captured this scene, clearly displaying these young people who stepped forward and their Li Fan support signs on the live broadcast screen.
The bullet comments in the live stream room, which were initially furious, instantly changed direction after this incident.
After all, someone at the venue was able to properly teach these brats a lesson for them.
It truly was a release of anger…
【 Holy crap! Brothers, you’re awesome! 】
【 Well said! We’re all Chinese, why the infighting! 】
【 See? These are our Brother Fan’s fans! They have good values and are passionate! 】
【 Hahaha, the director knows how to stir things up, giving a special close-up to Brother Fan’s support sign! If you think about it, the director is pretty good. 】
【 I used to think Li Fan’s fans were a bit like a fan circle, but now I know how wrong I was! I’m impressed this time! 】
【 Tears are welling up, it’s our own people helping each other in critical moments! 】
【 These brothers are true men! I’m converting to a fan! I’ll be a loyal fan of Unreal from now on. 】
【 Hahaha, three people directly suppressed this group, it’s quite hilarious. 】
【 Actually, there should be more people among the crowd… but we can only see these three through the camera. 】
【 Regardless of anything else, I’m truly satisfied now. 】
The disharmonious voices from the live audience were forcibly suppressed. Although the atmosphere remained somewhat delicate, at least the OMG players did not have to start their match amidst pure hostility.
And OMG did not disappoint the few supporters who fought for a fair environment for them.
Facing the LCK’s MVP team, all of OMG’s players seemed to receive a shot of adrenaline from the fans in the audience, playing with exceptional determination and bravery, with remarkable decisiveness.
Icon constantly sought opportunities in the mid lane, and World6’s tempo control was commendable, perfectly showcasing the strength of the mid and jungle synergy.
And the most exciting moment of the match belonged to Sima Laozei’s Kog’Maw!
In a crucial mid lane team fight, OMG’s formation was slightly less ideal, and the situation was quite dangerous, but Sima Laozei’s Kog’Maw surprisingly flashed forward, activated his W skill, Bio-Barrage, and unleashed corrosive saliva onto the MVP team!
Positioning, output, repositioning, and output again!
At the limit distance, with the calmest execution, he dealt the most explosive damage!
“Double Kill!”
“Triple Kill!”
“Quadra Kill!”
“Penta Kill!”
The impassioned system prompts resounded throughout the entire venue!
A Penta Kill!
Sima Laozei’s Kog’Maw, on the Intercontinental stage, spewed and took down five enemies to achieve a Penta Kill!
The moment MVP’s base crystal was destroyed in the 33rd minute of the match, the areas where boos had previously been heard fell into silence.
And the result proved that there were indeed many fans present to support the LPL; it was just that they were suppressed by the boos earlier, but this time, the most enthusiastic cheers since the start of the competition erupted!
This match was simply spectacular!
These cheers were the highest praise for OMG’s brilliant performance and the most powerful retort to the unfair treatment they had received!
【 OMG is awesome! Sima Laozei is awesome! 】
【 Penta Kill! See that! This is the LPL’s ADC! 】
【 So satisfying! Shut them up with skill! 】
【 Hahaha, where are the people who were booing earlier? Why aren’t they cheering now? 】
【 Never mind, we won’t kick someone when they’re down; you just find it amusing. 】
【 Thanks to those brothers who stood up earlier! This victory has a part of your contribution. 】
As the five OMG players walked to the center of the stage to bow to the audience, their gazes lingered for a few extra seconds in the direction of those young fans vigorously waving Li Fan’s support signs.
Icon even waved in that direction.
Sima Laozei, although still expressionless, could be seen to be in a good mood.
The LPL fans in the audience responded to their heroes with even more enthusiastic applause and cheers.
OMG’s victory also greatly boosted the confidence of the LPL region.
The subsequent WE team, facing the strong LMS team AHQ, also did not disappoint.
They showcased strong overall strength and a fierce offensive rhythm, establishing an advantage from the laning phase, expanding their lead through several well-executed team fights in the mid-game, and ultimately defeating AHQ cleanly, securing another point for the LPL.
It’s just a shame that OMG later lost to M17… and RNG was defeated by SSG.
The first day of the competition only achieved a record of two wins and two losses.
Not too good, not too bad; it depended on the performance of the other teams on the second day.
Even if they couldn’t advance directly, there would still be opportunities for inter-region matches later.
After the matches concluded, the LPL official staff did not leave immediately.
They organized a small fan appreciation event, presenting meticulously prepared gift packages to the fans who stayed until the end to cheer for the LPL teams. These included LPL merchandise, player autographed photos, and more.
To the fans’ further surprise, players from all four teams also stayed to take commemorative photos with these lovely supporters.
In the photos, players and fans were packed together, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.
Those young people who had stepped up to scold the boos were even pulled to the center positions by the players, and their Li Fan support signs were particularly prominent in the group photo.
That evening, the LPL official Weibo account posted this group photo with a caption.
【 Thank you to all the fans who cheered and supported the LPL live in Kaohsiung. Your support is the strongest backing for the players! The cheers that echoed throughout the venue deeply moved us! LPL, keep up the great work! 『Heart』】
This Weibo post was quickly reposted and liked by a large number of people.
【 Tears are welling up, this is what esports should be like! 】
【 Seeing the interaction between players and fans is so heartwarming! 】
【 Those brothers deserve it! They deserve to be in the center position! 】
【 LPL, keep going! Let’s push forward tomorrow! 】
Even more unexpectedly, this Weibo post, which showcased the positive energy of esports and friendly interaction between fans from both sides of the strait, attracted the attention of mainstream media.
CCTV News’s official Weibo account reposted this Weibo post, adding a brief comment.
【 Earning respect with strength on the field; uniting hearts with passion off the field. This is the spirit of Chinese esports youth! #AsiaChampionship# 】
CCTV News’s repost and affirmation were like a powerful shot in the arm for the entire LPL region!
This was not just an acknowledgment of victory in the competition but also a positive affirmation of the sportsmanship and solidarity displayed by esports players and fans!
【 Holy crap! CCTV dad reposted and commented! 】
【 What a show of respect! LPL’s show of respect! 】
【 Officially certified, so to speak! 】
【 That’s great! Esports is truly being recognized more and more! 】
【 Today has truly been a day of going from anger to relief to emotion! 】
【 But… why hasn’t Unreal appeared yet? Our current record… feels a bit bad. Will EDG be able to handle SKT and Flash Wolves tomorrow? 】
While the LPL region experienced a day of emotions ranging from anger to relief to emotion on the first day of the Intercontinental tournament, Li Fan, at the Shanghai Top Esports base, was immersed in high-intensity PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds training matches with the rest of the U.TES team all day.
The current high-ranked games on the Asia Server are incredibly intense.
Almost every game features a battle between over a dozen professional teams, plus some powerful stranger kings’ teams, making it a powder keg from the moment they parachute in.
Even with Li Fan’s current reaction attribute of 92, combined with his top-tier game understanding and command ability, he wouldn’t dare guarantee reaching the top three in every match.
“Holy crap, another team here! It’s LGD!” XDD exclaimed in voice chat, his rifle already firing.
“They’re blocking us from the mountain to the left too! It’s iFTY!” Mming quickly reported, his tone quite nervous. Being surrounded by two teams put them under immense pressure.
The sounds of gunfire and footsteps were overwhelmingly complex at this moment.
Li Fan’s brain whirred, constantly issuing commands: “Smoke them out, cover us while we reposition, you and I will push from the right, Xiao Ding Dang cover the front! Watch the flanks!”
In such intense confrontations, any slight mistake could lead to instant annihilation.
Li Fan could clearly feel that if he hadn’t raised his reaction attribute to 92 recently, he would have felt overwhelmed facing such dense lines of fire and a complex situation.
There are simply too many genius players in the FPS game scene domestically; only by playing this game can one truly understand what it means for heroes to be like reeds in a river!
After each match, whether they won the game or not, everyone felt mentally drained.
“This intensity… is much more pressure than playing a League of Legends match,” Li Fan said, rubbing his slightly throbbing temples.
The teammates were also struggling to cope with this intensity at this moment, but to achieve results, this was the only way to train.
If you don’t train, others will.
Don’t you see that the queue is instant now?
This is a match on the Asia Server in the top 200…
Seeing the players’ slightly fatigued state after a day of high-intensity training, Li Fan clapped his hands and said with a smile, “Alright, that’s all for today’s training. Everyone worked hard. Let’s go, I’m treating everyone to Haidilao downstairs to relax, replenish some energy, and reward our stomachs.”
“Long live the boss!”
“Fan Ge is generous!”
The players cheered immediately, their training fatigue vanishing instantly.
After all, what could be better than being taken to Haidilao by the boss when you’re exhausted?
Especially now, as it was evening, high-intensity training had long since emptied their stomachs. A good meal, a shower back in the dormitory, and then a satisfying sleep…
July 7th, the second day of the Mid-Season Invitational.
The official League of Legends live stream’s viewership had already surpassed 35 million early on, and the popularity was still rising at an astonishing rate.
Countless viewers were waiting for the most anticipated match of the day, EDG’s game, with all eyes focused on one question: Has Unreal arrived?
However, as the match began and Scout, not Li Fan, appeared on screen, the viewers in the live stream room erupted, and the bullet comments began to flood in.
【 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 】
【 Where is Unreal? Why is this noob mid-laner playing? I feel like they’re going to lose as soon as he starts. 】
【 He really didn’t come? Damn it! What’s going on? 】
【 Why? Why isn’t Unreal playing? 】
【 Scout vs. Faker? How is he supposed to play this? How can a substitute go up against a starter? 】
【 Could the rumors be true? Unreal is skipping the Mid-Season Invitational to play in a PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Bounty Match? 】
【 Don’t they care about the league’s honor? Are they that concerned about a chicken dinner match? 】
【 So disappointing! I’m switching from fan to neutral! 】
【 What is EDG management doing? Why did they agree to him not coming? Unreal’s status is a bit too high. 】
Doubt, confusion, anger, disappointment… various emotions were being vented furiously in the live stream room.
Many couldn’t understand why the league’s new god, heavily promoted by the officials, would be absent from this stage representing the league’s honor.
Why not participate in the upcoming matches?
However, Li Fan’s fans, having experienced the Mid-Season Invitational, could no longer tolerate being bullied; as soon as someone started criticizing, they would immediately step forward to retaliate.
【 Lol, is this moral blackmail starting already? If you care about the league’s honor, you go up there, why are you shouting here? 】
【 Uzi isn’t here either, why aren’t you scolding Uzi for not caring about the league’s honor? He could play in the league with his hand injury, but not in the Mid-Season Invitational? 】
【 So you’re only targeting Unreal to scold him? You’re playing the double standard well, as expected from you League of Legends fans. 】
【 The player has his own arrangements and considerations, and the club agreed. Is it your place to point fingers here? 】
【 Is a PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds match not a match? Unreal is the boss and player of U.TES; what’s wrong with him valuing his own project? 】
【 What, is the LPL going to collapse without Unreal? If that’s the case, then I have nothing more to say. 】
【 EDG won against SKT in the Mid-Season Invitational, so did the league’s honor earn something? 】
The argument in the live stream room shifted its focus to Scout, who was performing poorly, once EDG’s match against SKT officially began.
The match was one-sided from the start.
Scout picked Orianna, attempting to stabilize the mid lane and scale into the late game. This approach was not wrong.
However, he was facing Faker’s Azir, who was in red-hot form.
During the laning phase, Faker displayed terrifying dominance.
The precise pokes from his sand soldiers constantly drained Scout’s Orianna’s health, achieving double pressure on both CS and health.
Scout was playing extremely uncomfortably, even safe farming became a luxury; he couldn’t play passively even if he wanted to.
Even more fatal was that Faker’s roaming and team fight performance completely crushed Scout.
Both were distinctly late-game heroes, yet Azir was played like an early-game hero.
Several crucial knock-ups pushed EDG’s key carries into dire situations.
And Scout’s Orianna’s ultimate repeatedly missed, or only hit unimportant frontline targets, rendering it almost useless.
Under such immense advantage, Faker’s Azir even abandoned the conventional Nashor’s Tooth and Rylai’s Crystal Scepter for sustained damage build, confidently choosing Luden’s Echo and Rabadon’s Deathcap for an extremely bursty, assassination-style build!
An Azir choosing Luden’s Echo and Deathcap first!
This was practically a huge taunt to EDG’s mid and jungle, and the entire team.
It meant that in Faker’s eyes, the opponents could no longer pose any threat to him; he only needed extreme damage to quickly destroy them.
Because the yield of these two items for Azir wasn’t as high as imagined, but the damage was truly explosive!
A quick combo would take half his health, and he could also use his E to dash in, indicating such a large advantage.
The match completely fell into SKT’s rhythm.
EDG’s defense crumbled under SKT’s fluid offense.
Turrets and jungle resources were lost one after another.
Finally, the match time was fixed at twenty-seven minutes.
SKT, carrying a massive economic advantage, ruthlessly pushed down EDG’s base crystal.
A swift victory with no suspense!
【 ? ? ? Twenty-seven minutes? 】
【 I’m stunned, is EDG this fragile without Unreal? Can they be pushed over so easily? 】
【 What is Scout doing? Is Faker treating him like an NPC? Is he really a professional player? Why is an Orianna so useless, with her ultimate missing all the time. 】
【 Orianna vs. Azir and playing this badly? I could do it too, it’s a loss anyway! 】
【 The gap is too big! They’re not on the same level at all! No wonder you can only be a damn substitute, I really can’t imagine anyone wanting you! 】
【 Missing Unreal on day one… 】
【 Now you know why the officials were hyping him up? Without Unreal, EDG is a second-rate team; the gap is this obvious. 】
【 Although I don’t like moral blackmail, this situation… is truly frustrating to watch! Why hasn’t Unreal returned? If it’s like this, it’ll be troublesome. 】
【 Hurry back and swim over here, don’t embarrass yourself over there! 】
EDG will be playing Flash Wolves next…
Everyone still held hope; if they couldn’t beat SKT, surely they could win against Flash Wolves?
To everyone’s surprise, they couldn’t even win against Flash Wolves…
EDG was once again brutally defeated, losing the match in thirty-one minutes.
This meant they no longer had a chance to directly advance to the Finals.
Now, they just needed to prepare for the LPL and LMS bo5 on the third day.
It was indeed a bit embarrassing; the number one seed was completely dominated by the number one seeds from the other two regions.
One could only say that from this day on, everyone had given up hope for the Mid-Season Invitational, their enthusiasm completely gone.
However, in the regional matchups on the third day, the LPL unexpectedly defeated the LMS 3:0, rekindling a sliver of hope.
But in the finals against LCK on the fourth day, especially when the battle dragged into a decisive fifth game, EDG versus SKT, everyone held their breath, feeling very nervous.
Because he hadn’t expected EDG to play in the decider.
But seeing Li Fan appear in his seat, everyone’s eyes widened!
He thought he wouldn’t go, but Li Fan surprisingly showed up in the crucial deciding game!
At that moment, everyone was filled with confidence.
But the match process made everyone’s hearts race.
In a fifty-four-minute long game, not a single person dared to leave their seat, for fear that the match would end if they did.
In the LCK live stream room, everyone was anticipating revenge.
But upon seeing Li Fan’s Cassiopeia’s fatal Flash ultimate, petrifying three SKT members in the Elder Dragon team fight, the hearts of countless LCK viewers in front of the screen sank to the bottom.
“It’s over…”
These two simple words were the common sentiment of almost everyone at that moment.
A team wipe, one push.
EDG cleanly destroyed SKT’s base crystal, helping the LPL lift the championship trophy for the first Asian Championship.
In the live stream room, after a brief moment of silence, the bullet comments erupted completely.
【 As expected… they still can’t win, SKT fought to their limit, but the gap in the mid lane is still unbridgeable. 】
【 Fifty-four minutes! I watched for fifty-four minutes just to see this? Treated like pigs being slaughtered? 】
【 Unreal is still Unreal… this Cassiopeia is outrageous, why is Cassiopeia so broken, it doesn’t make sense. 】
【 I’m impressed, why can’t Faker beat Unreal! 】
【 Heh, what’s this “world’s number one mid-laner”? Won three championships but can’t even win the Mid-Season Invitational. 】
The disappointment and anger from the loss made them need an outlet.
As the leader of the LCK region, Faker being outmatched in his lane naturally drew the backlash of this traffic.
In the LPL official live stream room, the moment Li Fan’s Cassiopeia Flash-ultimately petrified three SKT members and ultimately led EDG to destroy the enemy base, it descended into absolute madness!
【 Ahhhh! We won! We won! 】
【 Unreal! He is a god! The absolute savior! 】
【 Arrived at the arena at the last moment, took on the decisive game under pressure, Flash-ultimately got a triple kill to turn the tide! 】
【 Who dares to call him a deserting player for the region now? Who dares to question him? This is the true value of the LPL’s number one mid-laner! 】
【 Tears are falling! Fan Ge! You are my superman! 】
The bullet comments like a tsunami flooded the entire screen; all the anger at this moment was shattered by Li Fan’s god-like performance!
As all the EDG players, along with players from the other three LPL teams who rushed from backstage, jointly lifted the trophy symbolizing the strongest Asian league, the few LPL fans in the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center erupted with the loudest cheers since the start of the competition, the sound almost shaking the roof.
“Unreal! Welcome to the interview, and congratulations to you, congratulations to the LPL!” Ren Dong’s voice was filled with excitement. “I think all the viewers, like me, have one big question: When did you arrive in Kaohsiung? And why did you decide to play in such a crucial fifth game?”
Li Fan took the microphone: “Actually… I just looked at the time, felt like I could make it, so I booked the earliest flight and flew over.”
“I had only been at the venue for a short while when I heard they were playing the fifth game. The coach asked if I wanted to play, and I said no problem.”
“As for why I played… it’s as everyone said, this is for the region’s honor. I can contribute my part, it’s my duty. However… I still have the PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Bounty Match tomorrow, so I probably won’t be able to attend tonight’s celebration party. I need to head back and train immediately…”
【 Holy crap! 】
【 Comes, dominates, then leaves to dominate more! What kind of time management master is this? 】
【 Real! Flashed in for regional honor, then immediately trained for his club and career. Makes perfect sense! 】
【 Tears of joy, this is the responsibility and commitment of a professional player! Doesn’t want to give up on either arena! 】
【 Haters, speak up! Do you still have the face to scold him now? 】
【 Fan Ge, take care of your health! Just finished a grueling match and have to rush to the airport again! 】
After the interview, Li Fan didn’t even participate in the post-match group photo or media scrum. Under the understanding and grateful gazes of the EDG management and his teammates, he was escorted by staff and quickly left the venue, heading straight for the airport.
That night, keywords like “Unreal Savior,” “Unreal Flash Arrival,” and “LPL Mid-Season Invitational Champions” firmly occupied the top few spots on Weibo’s hot search list.
Under the official Weibo post celebrating the championship, the most liked comment was: 【 I used to think the officials hyping up gods was a bit much, but now I just want to say—keep hyping them up! This is a true god! 】
Li Fan’s remarks in the interview about rushing to the event were also made into various memes and jokes.
“Felt like I could make it, so I came.” – accompanied by an image of Li Fan’s Cassiopeia Flash-ultimately stunning three enemies.
No one questioned his professional attitude anymore, and no one mocked him for being “indecisive.”
When a person proves themselves with absolute strength and responsibility at critical moments, all criticism turns into more admiration and anticipation.
However, the schedule for the Bounty Match was indeed quite short, only five days.
Teams were eliminated based on points; originally twenty-four teams were divided into three groups, and the top four from each group advanced, then the champion was decided on the final day.
Of course, for battle royale games like this, advancement is based on points.
The total point system designed by Huya was also quite clever.
Each group had eight teams. Survival points, meaning winning the game, awarded ten points. Second place received seven points, and it ranked down to the first team eliminated receiving only one point.
Then, each kill awarded one point.
This way, the gap between survival points and elimination points wouldn’t be too large, preventing everyone from choosing to play safely for points. Teams would be incentivized to take risks to get kills for a higher score.
This would make the matches very exciting.
One could only say that the designers of the Huya Bounty Match truly considered many factors and didn’t make the survival points too high.
Even winning the game awarded only two more points than originally planned.
July 10th, at the Shanghai Hongqiao Tiandi Performing Arts Center, the Huya Bounty Challenge Group A matches officially kicked off.
It was also evident that Huya’s decision to host this tournament offline showed their immense confidence.
Although previously, discussions about Li Fan’s absence from the Mid-Season Invitational led to League of Legends fans not buying tickets.
However, as a new and popular game, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds’ match viewership and unpredictability attracted a large audience, and with Li Fan’s participation, tickets were also in high demand.
When the director’s camera panned to the U.TES team’s player booth, focusing on Li Fan, the venue immediately erupted with fervent cheers and screams.
“Unreal! Unreal!”
Many fans waving his support signs vigorously, their momentum clearly on a completely different level than other players.
The intensity of the group stage was just as experienced in the training matches; every game was a top-tier grinder between professional teams!
Every shot hit its mark!
Parachuting, looting, transferring, engaging… the rhythm is suffocatingly fast.
And this also heavily tests the director’s ability to capture the live action. If they don’t capture it well, the cut scenes will be messy and you won’t see anything, easily missing exciting moments, which would result in zero watchability.
League of Legends is also like this…
But in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, each match has eight teams and such a large map.
So it’s very easy for shots to be missed.
And the match perspective isn’t that clear; you don’t know if they’ve actually seen anyone.
Therefore, matches like these really require an experienced director for the audience to have a better show effect.
Li Fan sat in front of the computer, his gaze focused.
In the first match, the flight path passed through the airport from south to north.
Li Fan decisively chose the resource-rich airport as his landing spot.
It was a clear statement that he wasn’t afraid of confrontation!
The other professional teams that landed with them also wanted to establish their momentum from the first match.
“One team in C-building.” Mming reported the information as soon as he landed.
“Grab a gun and clear them out!” Li Fan said at an extremely fast pace. After landing, he picked up an UMP9 submachine gun and a small amount of bullets, and immediately moved towards the direction of the gunshots.
An intense close-range street fight instantly erupted.
Li Fan, relying on his high reaction stat of 92, performed exceptionally well in the bottleneck position.
With the support fire from his teammates, U.TES successfully eliminated the AG team in the early stage, securing four valuable kill points.
However, the gunfire at the airport also attracted the attention of other teams.
During the transfer, U.TES encountered the VTA team ambushing at the bridgehead. After an exchange of fire, only Li Fan and XDD remained alive, ultimately ranking fourth in this match.
The points weren’t very high, but their aggressive start had already shown U.TES’s determination.
In the second match, U.TES chose a stable drop point, focusing on developing and avoiding early fights.
However, during the mid-game circle refresh, they were forced to encounter the LGD team in Y City.
“It’s GodV and them!” XDD shouted.
“Block their entry route into the circle, Lu Bu watch the flank, I’ll draw fire.” Li Fan commanded, but he made a very risky decision himself, taking a wide detour from the side.
Just as Wei Shen’s LGD team attempted to forcefully break through the defensive line set up by XDD and Mming, Li Fan emerged from their rear flank!
The M416 in his hands accurately controlled recoil, bullets seemed to have eyes as he first downed LGD’s assault player!
He immediately switched to the bolt-action sniper rifle, the Kar98k, and fired a shot with iron sights!
“Bang!”
A crisp gunshot sounded, and Wei Shen’s Level 2 Helmet shattered, eliminating him instantly!
【 U.TES-Unreal used Kar98k to headshot kill LGD-GodV 】
“That sniper!” The commentator exclaimed from the commentary booth, “Unreal one-tapped GodV with the 98K! This flank surprise attack was too deadly!”
LGD, having lost their core commander, fell into disarray and were sandwiched by U.TES, leading to their entire team being eliminated.
U.TES won this crucial team fight and proceeded to enter the circle, ultimately securing the win in this match and earning a total of 18 points!
In the following three matches, U.TES completely found their form.
Li Fan’s command was decisive; he could either lead the team to aggressively push through everything or engage in extremely cautious operations to enter the circle.
His individual performance was terrifying, whether it was precise sniping at medium to long range or recoil control at close range, he displayed the skill of a top-tier professional player.
The fifth match was also the last match of Group A.
U.TES was already far ahead in points, but Li Fan did not opt for a conservative playstyle. Instead, he maintained an aggressive push, intending to completely crush their opponents!
The final circle refreshed in a wheat field with only three teams remaining: U.TES was a full squad, AG had three players, and VTA had a lone wolf.
“AG is on the reverse slope below, VTA lone wolf is in the nearby toilet.” Mming accurately reported the information.
“Clear the lone wolf first, XDD and I will smoke and push forward, Xiao Rong provide cover fire, Lu Bu watch the AG direction so they don’t sneak up.”
Li Fan and XDD used smoke grenades for cover, quickly closing in on the toilet. A grenade was precisely thrown through the window, forcing out the VTA lone wolf who was easily finished off.
The situation was now 4v3, but AG held the reverse slope below, giving them a positional advantage.
“We can’t wait any longer, we have to push,” Li Fan glanced at the shrinking electric fence. “I’ll count three, two, one, and we’ll throw flashes and charge!”
“Three, two, one!”
Four flashbangs were thrown almost simultaneously from the slope towards AG’s hiding spot on the reverse slope! A blinding white light erupted!
“Charge!”
Li Fan led the charge, a fully kitted M416 in his hand, leaping down from the top of the slope!
In mid-air, his sight was already locked onto an AG player who had just recovered their vision, and bullets whizzed out!
Landed, eliminated!
【 U.TES-Unreal used M416 to knock AG-Xbin 】
Without any pause, he immediately strafed, his crosshair moving to the head of another AG player who had just regained their sight!
“Da da da da!”
【 U.TES-Unreal used M416 to kill AG-SUME 】
Almost simultaneously, his teammates eliminated the last enemy.
In the bottom right corner of the screen, the message that the AG team was eliminated appeared.
The screen froze, and the giant text “Great Honor, Eat Chicken Tonight!” appeared!
In the fifth match, U.TES successfully ate chicken! They secured 17 points for the match!
As the Group A matches concluded and the final points ranking was displayed on the big screen, the venue began to erupt.
First Place: U.TES – 87 points
Second Place: LGD – 62 points
Third Place: AG – 39 points
Fourth Place: VTA – 31 points
U.TES, leading second-place LGD by a full 25 points, forcefully secured the top spot in Group A and advanced to the finals!
Although the top four teams all advanced to the finals on the fourth day, the strength displayed by U.TES made the audience feel immense terror.
They were clearly on a different level than other professional teams, whether in gunfights or operations…
This instantly increased everyone’s anticipation for the upcoming PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds finals.
Naturally, it also immediately trended on hot searches.
#Top Esports Advances to Finals#
