With only one day until the LPL loser's bracket semifinals, ex-TES top laner Wayward faced a wave of reports from viewers after questioning the integrity of the IG vs. LGD match during his commentary. Under mounting pressure, he formally apologized to both teams: "My live comments and the clip titles led to misunderstandings. I apologize to LGD and IG. I will be more cautious in my future streams to prevent such issues."

Guan Zeyuan had just been heavily penalized, yet Wayward still brazenly hinted at match-fixing. Fortunately, IG and LGD didn't pursue the matter further, or else Wayward would have risked losing his co-streaming privileges. As a secondary-stream caster who relies on the league for his livelihood, repeatedly using terms like "real match" to describe weak teams underperforming is risky. Even if the officials decided to punish him, he would have to accept it. Since starting his streaming career, Wayward seems to have lost sight of who's in charge—he says whatever comes to mind.

IG's scrim win rate against BLG is not low

IG, who climbed from the Nirvana group all the way to the top three, will next face AL. Official caster Mao Mao recently revealed on stream: "IG has been in good form lately, and their scrim win rate against BLG is not low." Interestingly, IG plays AL the day after tomorrow, and then faces BLG the following day. The fact that these two teams are still scrimming at this point makes you wonder—does BLG also want AL out? "Win rate not low" probably means IG and BLG are at least evenly matched in scrims.

If that's the case, then IG might actually have a real chance against AL. Could IG really pull off a five-win streak straight into the finals? It's not impossible. AL's recent form has been mediocre; Tarzan and Kael can't carry both top and bottom lanes simultaneously. Old Song has been playing better and better since his "ban" on certain champions. IG's mid lane holds a slight edge over AL. As long as they maintain the level they showed against LGD, IG should be able to beat AL.

LCK salary cap reform next year

During this offseason, the LCK revised its salary cap rules and performance-based exemption standards. According to the new regulations, luxury tax exemptions will be based on performance over the past three years. Each team can have at most two players eligible for the exemption. Under the old rules, international and domestic league performance were calculated separately with no limit on the number of players. But starting next year, domestic league and international results will be combined, and each team will only have two exemption slots.

This reform will have a significant impact on traditionally strong teams. Take GEN for example: currently, all players except support Duro are eligible for exemptions. But next year, only two out of the four can have that status. So GEN will either have to pay a massive luxury tax to keep the current roster, or keep two and let the other two go. If the LCK does this, quite a few players might end up moving to the LPL.

A plastic surgery blogger gives a sharp review of Bin's makeover

Since Bin got double eyelid surgery and lost weight, his appearance has improved significantly. However, many online have speculated that he also had work done on his nose and teeth. Previously, these were just rumors, but recently a plastic surgery blogger posted a video confirming that Bin did get a nose job. The blogger stated: "Bin's nose used to be very flat with a noticeable deficiency at the bridge, but now his entire nose has become more prominent."

The blogger then suggested Bin should also correct his underbite issue—either through orthodontics or jaw surgery. It seems Bin has already taken steps in that direction. ON mentioned during a stream earlier that Bin had gone to get his teeth fixed. If his jawline is also improved, Bin might really have a chance to become the "Yang Yang of the League community." Everyone loves beauty, so it's normal for Bin to get plastic surgery. The only concern is if he overdoes it and ends up like some celebrities who suddenly look completely different.

Conclusion:

With the LCK salary cap adjustment, building a super team next year will become much more difficult. Even teams with deep pockets like HLE may have to think twice about spending extra money to assemble a top-tier roster. The LCK's intention behind this adjustment is clear: to balance the overall strength of the league's teams and prioritize the development of the competition as a whole.

So, what do you think? What are the odds for IG vs. AL?

Feel free to leave a comment and discuss!