You've only been playing for half a year, and you've already reached the finals?

Chapter 123 The Finals Begin!
"10!"

As darkness fell, the countdown numbers finally appeared on the big screen at the scene.

Along with the number 10, there was also the official photo of Ghost, the bot laner for DWG.

"9!"

Every second, a player's image appears on the screen.

BerylShowmakerCanyonNuguri
Offstage, eight thousand spectators joined in the countdown, their cheers echoing throughout the venue!
"5!"

The appearance of the green-haired figure on the screen made the voices of the home crowd below the stage even louder!
"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

The last second shows Ming Jing's upright posture. The official photo still uses the one with his left hand making a "1" gesture, which is quite consistent with the number.

A fist symbol appeared on screen at the end, and the cheers from the audience reached a new peak!

Immediately afterwards, two groups took to the stage one after the other: a girl group performing this year's theme song, Take Over, and K/DA's MORE.

During the performance, the stage lights gradually moved towards the center of the venue, and the Summoner's Trophy placed on the pedestal shone brightly under the spotlight.

While the spotlight was drawing everyone's attention, the lifts on both sides of the stage slowly rose, escorting the two contestants onto the stage.

Host Yu Shuang, dressed in a cheongsam, stepped onto the stage to begin hosting the pre-match proceedings of the final.

"Alright, welcome to the finals of the 2020 League of Legends World Championship! After forty days of competition, only two of the twenty-two top teams from various regions have made it to the finals!"

"First, let's welcome LCK's number one seed, DAMWON Gaming!"

"Top laner Nuguri, jungler Canyon, mid laner Showmaker, bot laner Ghost, support Beryl, substitute Nuclear! And their coach, Zefa!"

The cheers from the audience were thunderous and overwhelming.

"Next!" Yu Shuang raised her voice, "Let's welcome our hosts, JD Gaming!"

"Top laner Zoom! Jungler Kanavi! Mid laner Yagao! Bot laner Phi!"

When Ming Jing was introduced, the cheers from the audience noticeably rose to a higher level, surpassing all the previous contestants!

Although Ming Jing has only been in the industry for a little over a month, he has already won everyone over with his outstanding performances.

Ming Jing smiled brightly and, following the rehearsal, walked to his designated spot on the right side of the stage and waved to the audience.

The hopes of the entire region are now on him. If he can win today, he will be crowned a legend!

After Yu Shuang introduced the support player Lv Mao, the substitute Loken, and the coach Hong Mi, both teams had taken the stage.

"Summoners, let's once again welcome the two teams in the finals with the warmest applause and cheers! Players, please return to your seats for final preparations. The finals are about to begin!"

Both teams entered the soundproof room, the door closed, and the noise from the audience was instantly largely shut out.

While the contestants were setting up their equipment, the large screen on site switched to a promotional video for the finals.

Drones fly over Shanghai at night, showcasing the city's vibrant nightscape.

"."

The first sound to appear was the voice of the green-haired character.

"Six years have passed since I started playing professionally." Green Hair said to the side, his face serious. "This time, I finally have the opportunity to challenge the world champion."

The scene then shifts to show Green Hair's disappointing moments in previous competitions.

From being ignored when the team was founded in 17, to the dismal failure in 18, and then to the near miss in the 19 qualifying tournament.
In this arena where talent is essential, Green Hair's professional career has certainly not been smooth.

It wasn't until S10 that they finally made it into the World Championship for the first time, and it was during this tournament that they fought their way to the finals.

"Thanks to my teammates for giving me this opportunity. If I can take this last step, I will be remembered in the history of League of Legends."

"."

Next up was DWG's top laner, Nuguri.

At this moment, the screen began to flicker, and the story of DWG began to play.

This team, which was also founded in 17, did not start as high as JDG, and only fluctuated in the secondary league.

They officially entered the LCK at the end of 2018, and made it to the World Championship in 2019. However, they encountered G2, who were on their way to the Gold Series, and unfortunately lost 1-3.

For three years, DWG did not receive much attention, nor did they receive many advertisements. The five players continued to train in a room in an esports arena.

Pavilions and towers, dance halls and singing stages, birds singing and swallows dancing, ten miles of beautiful scenery like a heavenly street.

Teams like T1 and Gen.G have training bases that are as luxurious as palaces, complete with gyms, training rooms, psychological counseling rooms, yoga rooms, and more, exuding prosperity.

In a small house in the suburbs, Nuguri lay on the floor, still awake, tossing and turning, thinking about a losing game he had just played in Rank.

It was during those thousands of days and nights living in cramped rooms that DWG grew and came to where it is today.

The old masters were always reluctant to let the children who had grown up cultivating on the mountain come down, fearing that they would ruin their years of cultivation if they saw the world's prosperity. Those who became great heroes were often the young people who remained true to their original intentions after coming down from the mountain.

In today's internet age, where are the remote mountains? In this bustling world, only those with unwavering conviction can achieve great things.

DWG is such a group of young men.

Niu Bao, who bears a striking resemblance to Ultraman Belial, spoke with equal sincerity to the camera: "This final has special significance for each of us. We are more eager than ever to win this championship."

Nuguri's sincere words moved even viewers in China who were on the opposing team's side.

The Tigers in 16 inspired the world with their sunny confidence, but also made them one of the few losers who are remembered.

Today, DWG is undoubtedly the spiritual successor to Tiger, a group of young men who rose from humble beginnings to reach the top of the world together.

Suddenly, I have a feeling that JDG has become the villain.
The screen now flashes with highlights from both teams.

Zoe's Bomber combo allows her to instantly kill Draven from a distance, securing an early team fight victory.

Draven flashes forward, slicing through the enemy's two carries with ease in a bloody massacre!
Jinx secured a pentakill in the first game despite being surrounded by her opponents!

Ghost's long-range arrow hits the enemy top laner, helping Nuguri secure a solo kill in their lane!

Canyon's Centaur teamfight strategy, ganking Dragon, eliminates opponents one by one.

Showmaker's Sylas first killed Kindred in the bottom lane, and then used Kindred's ultimate to stall for his teammates' support, resulting in the complete annihilation of the opponents!
The rousing drumbeats abruptly stopped at this moment, and the promotional video came to its finale.

Showmaker sat upright in his chair and delivered his final words:

"That year's final was SSG vs. SKT, with a final score of 3-0. I saw Faker sitting in a chair, sobbing uncontrollably."

"At that moment, I thought, if I could become a professional player, I would definitely win everything."

"Now that the trophy is right in front of me, I have to consider whether this is my only chance in this lifetime. I believe that Faker deserves a lot of credit for LCK's past dominance. It is our duty to rebuild LCK's glory!" Showmaker's words were sincere and genuine, carrying the weight of the entire region on his shoulders, moving the audience deeply.

Then, it was the last person's turn to speak.

Ming Jing looked down at the camera from his elevated position, his handsome face exuding majesty in the backlight.

"Glory doesn't need to be rebuilt; it's always been there, and it will only be taken by a new champion."

"What attracts me most about League of Legends is its brutal elimination rate. In each game, only half of the players can become winners. And only those who win to the end can become champions."

"The history of League of Legends will only record the names of the champions, but my name is destined to be etched on the ruins of my opponents."

"Come on, let's see who the winner is."

Compared to his opponent's grand narrative of carrying the honor of the region on his shoulders, the boy's words were more straightforward, based entirely on his own perspective.

His tone remained unchanged, but the words he uttered were like the low growl of a lion, sending chills down one's spine.

Speaking so arrogantly? Is he really leaving himself no way out?

However, there was no way to refute it.

Competition zone? Dream? Glory? None of these matter to a true talent.

Only talent matters!

If this boy, who has only played the game for five months, were to win the championship, the entire history of League of Legends might be changed!

The final match begins!
In the commentary booth, Wawa Miller and today's special guest commentator, Cousin, are already ready.

Looking at the BP panel that suddenly appeared in front of him, Wawa announced loudly, "Alright, the first BP has begun! Unfortunately, JD Gaming still lost the pre-match coin toss, so they will remain on the red side in the first game!"

Miller's words clearly revealed his regret: "This is actually very dangerous! You know, the blue team has a significantly higher winning percentage in this year's World Championship!"

"But this might add another layer of legend to JD.com's championship!" Wawa added with a smile. "Let's take a look at the ban picks from both sides!"

"On the blue side, DWG banned Caitlyn, Kalista, and Draven! Banning three strong AD carries shows their respect!"

"On the other hand, JD Gaming's bans were also very quick, choosing to ban Nidalee, Twisted Fate, and Tahm Kench! It seems that JD Gaming still wants to focus on the bot lane!"

Redmi's strategy for banning items was very simple; even Wawa could see it.

The strategy was to intentionally let DWG pick Graves, as the champion isn't very strong in the early game. Then, they banned champions like Twisted Fate who have strong roaming and support capabilities to limit DWG's early game tempo as much as possible. Finally, they banned Tahm Kench to prevent Ghost from mindlessly farming lanes using Tahm Kench's protection.

With the three bans already in place, JDG's focus became incredibly clear – early game and bot lane.

On the other side, DWG also understood JDG's intention from this ban, but they did not panic and even smiled.

In the past, they might have considered two options.

But now, they feel no pressure.

Learning and improving are things that every World Championship team needs to do.

After watching the JDG vs. TES semi-final, they also learned some things.

"Come on! Let's blast it to our hearts' content!"

One-handed bomber, lock on immediately!
Upon seeing this choice, the doll was immediately startled. "Huh? Bomberman? They've learned that too?"

This is what Mingjing used to counter Draven in the semifinals. At that time, Mingjing's Ziggs easily withstood Draven's laning phase and quickly launched a counterattack, creating a smooth pushing rhythm.

Ghsot may not be able to make good use of the Ziggs' pushing ability, but as long as he can make good use of the lane control ability, that would already be a success for him!

At this moment, the camera cuts to JDG's side.

Everyone was discussing DWG's pick, but their faces didn't show much surprise.

Since they dared to reveal the Bomber in the semifinals, they must have anticipated the possibility of their techniques being stolen.

Of course, countermeasures were also prepared.

They were just discussing whether or not to take the gun.

"Let's not take it. Graves is too weak at tower diving." Kanavi shook his head. "Let's give Graves to them and just pick Lee Sin or Jarvan IV."

Kanavi no longer blindly believes in jungle carry strategies because he has excellent teammates.

"Okay." Redmi didn't say much more, then asked, "Should we get the Clockwork or the Tsar?"

"The Tsar, I guess," Toothpaste immediately replied. "I'm more confident playing against him."

In a brief exchange, the first three choices for both sides were already decided.

Blue side DWG locked in Ziggs, Graves, and Orianna.

JDG, on the red side, locked in Ornn, Azir, and Prince.

"In the second round of bans, DWG on the blue side still banned the bot lane! They banned Pantheon and Senna! On the other side, JD Gaming banned Kennen and Camille, which can be considered as protecting Ornn!"

"Then came the fourth pick, JDG locked in Leona, leaving the last pick for the bot lane!"

There's not much to say about this choice; Redmi simply wanted to grab the female hero card first.

As expected, DWG paused briefly to think things through and ultimately decided to lock in Sett for the top lane to counter Ornn.

Sett is a regular ban for Ornn. Heavyweights are good at dealing with tanks, and Sett's ultimate can not only counter Ornn's ultimate, but also take advantage of Ornn's tankiness to deal decent AOE effects.

DWG在八强赛对抗DRX的时候也拿过腕豪打奥恩，Nuguri那局打出了5-0-3的完美战绩，帮助队伍15-2轻松战胜对手。

With Sett locked in, Alistar, who has the ability to roam and initiate team fights, will be added to the support role, and the lineup is now finalized!
"The choice is back with JD.com." Miller's tone carried a hint of anticipation. "Let's see how Xiaofei handles his own Ziggs! What does my cousin say about this AD pick?"

My cousin obviously didn't know the explanation, but that didn't stop him from using his understanding of the game to make a guess:
"The best way to counter a long-range poke hero like Ziggs is to engage and initiate. We can see that JDG's first four picks are all heroes with initiation abilities."

"So the last AD pick will definitely be a marksman with teamfight ability!"

Which AD champions can reliably stick with team fights?
It’s so hard to guess.

"Are you the hunter or the prey?"

A female archer wearing a purple bodysuit appeared on screen, eliciting gasps from the audience!
Kai'Sa, the Daughter of the Void!
LPL's two championships in S8 and S9 were inseparable from the strength of this marksman hero. For LPL, this is a truly lucky hero and a legendary hero.

Even in Season 10, this hero has not faded and played a key role in LPL's third championship!

At this point, the heroes of both sides are confirmed!
Blue side DWG: Top lane Sett, Jungle Graves, Mid lane Orianna, Bot lane Ziggs and Alistar.

JDG (Red Side): Top lane Ornn, Jungle Jarvan IV, Mid lane Azir, Bot lane Kai'Sa and Leona.

Facing DWG's strategy of learning from them, JDG selected a lineup with Kai'Sa in the semifinals, thus setting the stage for the finals!

(End of this chapter)