First Stand 2026 Match Preview: An Eastern Battle to Kick Off
Sometimes in an international tournament, we have to wait before we see a best-of-five series between Eastern teams. For First Stand, we do not need to wait long. The first series of the tournament features Bilibili Gaming and FearX. Many believe that the LPL is behind the LCK at First Stand. Can Bilibili Gaming restore hopes in the LPL with a victory over the second LCK seed?
Recent Match History and Head-to-Head
BLG and BFX have never played against each other. BFX’s only international appearance came at the Asia Invitational last year. BLG is on a four-series win winstreak, winning all his matches during the LPL playoffs. On the other hand, BFX lost twice during the playoffs, both at the hands of Gen.G Esports.
Featured Matchup
Viper Versus Diable
Viper and Diable have faced each other twice before. On both occasions, Viper was victorious. Having played against Diable, Viper will have a good idea of how he wants to play. Diable is the key part of BFX’s success. The team has played around since his debut in the LCK last year. For BLG to guarantee success in the series, they will need Viper at peak form. At his best, no one can touch Viper. However, Diable has shown signs of reaching Viper’s peak. The two Korean AD carries could be the deciding factor behind their team’s first series win.
The LPL’s Losestreak
In 2025, the LPL only won 2 best-of-three series against the LCK. Anyone’s Legend beat T1 2-0 at the Esports World Cup, while Weibo Gaming defeated Dplus KIA 2-0 at the Asia Invitational. The LPL has not won a best-of-five series against the LCK since the 2024 World Championship. BLG defeated Hanwha Life Esports 3-1 in the Quarterfinals.
Since then, the LCK has won nine straight series. T1 were the victors in six of the nine series. BLG were victims at the hands of T1 in two of them. The LCK has dominated international tournaments. The last time an LPL team lifted an international trophy was JD Gaming at the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational. BLG will want to start well and end the LPL’s losing streak.
Two Teams Who Love To Fight Early
Neither team shies away from taking early fights. They want an early lead in the game to stamp their mark. The early Drake preference and importance of the botlane matchup should bring action around the botlane and bot river. We should see both XUN and Raptor, along with Knight and VicLa, making their presence known in the botlane. The team that builds a lead should be the favorite.
However, we have seen BLG throw away leads on numerous occasions. They could have won all five games against JD Gaming in the Upper Bracket Final. However, mid-to-late game mistakes saw their lead cut to a deficit. BFX is a team that will pounce on any mistake that BLG makes. They must be ruthless and clean to ensure they close out games in the series.
Prediction
Bilibili Gaming 3-2 FearX
The experience on the BLG roster should prevail. All five of their players have been to numerous international series. BFX has not played in front of a crowd outside of the LCK Cup. The nerves will likely have an impact and could be the deciding factor. If BFX can conquer their nerves and lack of experience, we might see the LCK winstreak continue. BLG has the botlane to contend with Diable and Kellin, but they must be on top of their game.
First Stand Impact
The Group Stage of First Stand has teams participate in a GSL-style group. That means each group is a mini double-elimination bracket. The winners of tomorrow’s series will play each other in a qualification match. The losers will fight for their lives in the elimination match. Ultimately, teams need two wins to qualify for the Knockout Stage.
More First Stand Content
The articles below will provide more information on the First Stand event and the team’s participation. You can expect further preview and review coverage of all the matches taking place in the coming week.
