First Stand 2026 JD Gaming Preview: The Exciting Return of a Sleeping Giant 

By:Devin Morris
The First Stand Logo, the first international event of the year

JD Gaming was once the best team in the world. They were two series away from achieving the fabled Golden Road. They have since taken a hiatus from international competition. First Stand is the first international tournament that they will participate in since the 2023 World Championship. They also have two players who previously played in First Stand. Can JDG recreate their 2023 success with a victory in Brazil?

JD Gaming First Stand Roster

JD Gaming qualifying for First Stand
Image of JG Gaming qualifying for First Stand, courtesy of LoL Esports
  • Xu “Xiaoxu” Xingzu – Chinese Top Laner
  • Yu “JunJia” Chun-chia – Taiwanese Jungler
  • Tsai “HongQ” Ming-hong – Taiwanese Mid Laner
  • Chen “GALA” Wei – Chinese Bot Laner
  • Zhao “Vampire” Zhecan – Chinese Support

JDG’s roster is almost completely different in 2026. The only player left from their 2025 roster is their top laner, Xiaoxu. First Stand is the first time they have finished in the top two of the LPL since 2023. The addition of Wong “Tabe” Pak-kan has helped JDG become a powerful foe in the LPL.

JunJia, HongQ, and Tabe’s Influence

JunJia has been one of the best junglers in the APAC region for some time. He played a pivotal role in CTBC Flying Oyster’s success last year. They managed to win every LCP split and also caused damage at every international event. He was not alone in his endeavors. Another part of that roster is the mid-laner HongQ. Both moved to the LPL in search of success in the Chinese region. In their first split together in the LPL, they have qualified for First Stand. They, along with Park “Viper” Do-hyeon, are three players to have qualified for both First Stand events. The 2v2 prowess of JunJia and HongQ will prove pivotal in Brazil.

Another facet of JDG’s improvement is Tabe. While a coach’s impact is often hard to tell, Tabe’s is evident. Every team he has coached in recent years has improved. You do not need to look any further than Anyone’s Legend last year. He took a mid-table LPL team to the LPL title. Tabe has not tasted international success since coaching Royal Never Give Up to a Mid-Season Invitational title in 2022. Can he win his first international title in 4 years?

JDG Playing to Restore Success

The JD Gaming 2023 World Championship and 2026 First Stand Rosters
Image of two JD Gaming rosters, courtesy of LoL Esports

JDG was the best team in the world in 2023. That was until they met T1 in the World Championship semi-finals. The team had won every tournament they could back then. They lost one best-of-five series in 2023. That was against the eventual World Championship winners, T1. Since the defeat, JDG has narrowly missed out on international participation multiple times. 2026 was a different story as they managed to qualify for the First Stand event. Having already lost in the LPL Grand Final, JDG has no chance of winning the Golden Road. However, they can start their path to success with a victory in Brazil.

Prediction

JDG is a wildcard at First Stand. They are the second seed of the LPL, but reading their exact level is difficult. JDG, at the end of the split, was behind Bilibili Gaming. They pushed them to game five in the Upper Bracket Final because of Bibilbi Gaming’s mistakes. Giving over significant gold leads is not a good sign for this team. In theory, they should qualify for the knockout stage. However, LYON and LOUD will be breathing down their necks. A grand final appearance is better than expected for this roster.

JDG’s Path to Reigniting Success

JDG will play their first series against Gen.G Esports. A victory in that series will see them play against the winner of LYON and LOUD. Losing to Gen.G Esports will put them in an elimination match against the aforementioned teams. Two wins in the group will earn qualification to the Knockout Stage. Two losses will eliminate them from the competition. Should they qualify, they will face one of the teams from Group A. The team they play will depend on the position in the group.

More First Stand Content

The articles below will provide more information on the First Stand event. Stay tuned for more previews on the teams later this week. You can expect further preview and review coverage of all the matches taking place next week.

Author

  • Devin Morris

    I am a gaming fanatic from little old South Africa. I have had a passion for gaming and writing from a young age. My early favorites were Age of Empires, FIFA and Need for Speed games. As I grew older I moved into more competitive gaming, focusing on Overwatch, League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. I also sink way too many hours into Destiny 2!

I am a gaming fanatic from little old South Africa. I have had a passion for gaming and writing from a young age. My early favorites were Age of Empires, FIFA and Need for Speed games. As I grew older I moved into more competitive gaming, focusing on Overwatch, League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. I also sink way too many hours into Destiny 2!

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