Buzz
Many LPL spectators lack confidence in securing the ASIAD gold medal when facing LCK.
Among the 4 Major tournaments of League of Legends, LPL Summer 2023 is likely the earliest and quickest to conclude. After the match between JD Gaming (JDG) and Bilibili Gaming (BLG) on July 30th (Vietnam time), there are only 2 matches left before LPL Summer 2023 comes to an end. The reason for the tournament's fast pace (within just over 2 months) is because China will be the host of the upcoming ASIAD.
However, for LPL spectators, they truly lack confidence in competing for the League of Legends gold medal with the 'arch-rival' LCK. This belief was further reinforced after BLG's loss to JDG in the LPL Summer 2023 qualifier finals. In this match, BLG, a strong and in-form team, failed to find any weaknesses in JDG to exploit, let alone secure a victory. What's noteworthy is: 2/3 of JDG's current key pillars, Kanavi and Ruler, are members of the South Korean League of Legends team participating in ASIAD.
The positions of Kanavi (Jungle) and Ruler (Marksman) are also positions where LPL currently seems to be lagging behind, at least based on the performances of players in Summer 2023. Elk (Marksman of the Chinese League of Legends team competing at ASIAD) is Ruler's nemesis in the recent match. And since joining BLG, Elk has never beaten Ruler. Some even suggest that although LPL has had many talented Marksmen in the past, perhaps this time the gold medal should go to LCK, witnessing Elk being completely overwhelmed by Ruler.
Of course, all opinions are subjective. Players will still have time to prepare for the upcoming ASIAD, and it is entirely possible that Elk will demonstrate a different side. He may even seek revenge and prove himself as a worthy choice right at LPL Summer 2023, if BLG can defeat LNG Esports and rematch JDG in the upcoming grand final.
