First Stand 2026 ended with Bilibili Gaming lifting the trophy after a grand final win over G2 Esports. That result handed some much-needed international praise back to the LPL. The tournament was not just about BLG though. Every team left with clear lessons, some bright spots, and a handful of problems to fix.

Team Secret Whales

Team Secret Whales came in as a surprise regional winner from the LCP, but the event proved how steep the learning curve still is. They failed to win a game in their group, losing 3-0 to both G2 and BFX. The roster showed flashes of competence and good moments in fights, but overall inexperience was obvious against top competition.

Takeaway: Cleaner drafts, fewer strategic mistakes, and time will make this squad more dangerous.

BNK FEARX (BFX)

BFX remains a baffling roller coaster. They have swung from failing to qualify for Worlds to beating top teams, then to poor showings in domestic cups. At First Stand they pushed BLG to five games but got convincingly beaten by G2. The biggest headline is the emergence of Diable, a young star who looks likely to draw interest from bigger organizations.

Takeaway: Keep Diable and build around him. That is the clearest path to consistent results.

LOUD

Brazilian League of Legends is enjoying a strong patch. LOUD held their own internationally, taking LYON to five games and losing to JDG, a top-tier opponent. The CBLOL scene looks increasingly able to match North American teams and earn its extra Worlds spot.

Takeaway: CBLOL teams can compete internationally. Treat them as challengers, not curiosities.

LYON

LYON leaned heavily on their jungler Inspired, who again showed why he is talked about among the best Western players at his role. LYON ran a tight series with LOUD, took a game off JDG, and fell to Gen.G. Communication friction showed up in moments, but results remain strong.

Takeaway: LYON are probably the best Western team right now, but to shake off the label of average they need a few more headline wins.

JD Gaming

JDG arrived with high hopes after big offseason talk, but a few transfers changed the picture and the roster looks different than some expected. The team has potential, boosted by coach Tabe and a mix of veterans and promising talent. They pushed BLG at times but ultimately ran into the same wall that has kept them from top LPL dominance.

Takeaway: JDG have pieces to be contenders. Give Tabe time and the squad could be dangerous by summer.

Gen.G

Gen.G have been the region's measuring stick for a long stretch, but this event was rough. G2 Esports handed Gen.G a clean 3-0 that will be remembered. Gen.G still have elite players and strong macro, but this loss exposes vulnerability when momentum collapses.

Takeaway: This could be the nudge Gen.G need to re-evaluate and adapt before bigger events.

G2 Esports

If you ask most people about the greatest Western team ever, the answer is G2. Their legacy includes major upsets and deep international runs. At First Stand they were a major force: they dismantled some top teams and only BLG matched their level in the final. Consistency remains their main problem. When they are focused, they are world-class. When they parody practice, results suffer.

Takeaway: G2 need stronger regional competition to keep them sharp week after week.

Bilibili Gaming (BLG)

BLG were the best team at this event. Their win felt important for Chinese fans and for the LPL's international reputation. The roster clicked: Knight continued to make the case for being among the top midlaners globally, Viper stayed solid in the bot lane, Bin looked rejuvenated, and the Xun and Knight duo showed strong synergy.

Takeaway: BLG are a genuine contender if they keep playing like they did at First Stand.

Standout players

These players formed our Team of the Tournament based on impact, consistency, and how well they fit the current meta.

  • Top: Bin (BLG) — Back to dominant form. Takes over games and looks comfortable on carry picks like Jax.
  • Jungle: Skewmond (G2) — Controls pace, finds advantages in places others do not, and sets up objective plays at a high level.
  • Mid: Knight (BLG) — Still one of the most reliable midlaners. Needs more clutch moments, but his overall play is elite.
  • Bot: Viper (BLG) — Excellent lane phase and teamfight positioning. Made a strong case for being among the best ADCs right now.
  • Support: Labrov (G2) — Played fearlessly, delivered critical engages, and often tilted teamfights in G2's favor.

Best champions at First Stand

The meta favors aggressive jungle skirmishers paired with versatile mage mids. These champions saw significant play and success across the event.

  • Pantheon (Jungle) — 9 games, 88.9% winrate.
  • Karma (Support) — 5 games, 80% winrate.
  • Jax (Top) — 5 games, 80% winrate.
  • Xin Zhao (Jungle) — 11 games, 72.7% winrate.
  • Mel (Mid) — 7 games, 71.4% winrate.
  • Yunara (Bot) — 13 games, 69.2% winrate.
  • Nocturne (Jungle) — 8 games, 62.5% winrate.
  • Ashe (Bot) — 10 games, 60% winrate.
  • Renekton (Top) — 10 games, 60% winrate.
  • Corki (Bot) — 10 games, 60% winrate.

What comes next

With First Stand wrapped up, regional leagues return focus as teams prepare for MSI, which will be held in Korea this season. Expect adjustments, roster shuffles, and strategic refinements as squads aim to lock down spots and improve before the next major international test.

Quick recap: BLG earned the title, G2 showed they can still beat the best, and several teams left with clear items to fix. The competitive landscape looks lively and the next months will be telling.