First Stand 2026 Match Preview: An LPL Grand Finals Rematch
Bilibili Gaming and JD Gaming met twice during the LPL Playoffs. On both occasions, BLG were the victors, winning 3-2 and 3-0 respectively. They face off for another best-of-five series at First Stand, battling for a spot in the Grand Finals. Given recent results, BLG are the favorites to win the series. Can JDG turn the tables and upset BLG to advance to the Grand Finals?
Recent Match History and Head-to-Head
BLG and JDG have faced off twenty-one times in their history. Overall, JDG has the edge over BLG. In recent times, BLG has won more often. In 2026, JDG won both best-of-three series, while BLG won the two best-of-five series. One team will garner the edge over the other after today’s result. BLG went 2-0 during the Group Stage, while JDG went 2-1, losing to Gen.G Esports.
Featured Matchup
Bin Versus Xiaoxu
Xiaoxu has been the most stable player for JDG at First Stand. He has delivered multiple key plays in JDG’s series. While JunJia is pivotal to lead the charge, Xiaoxu is the one who keeps the boat afloat. Even in a game where Lyon targeted him, he made the pivotal play, killing Inspired in a 1v3 in game one. Bin has seen a resurgence this year, after a disappointing 2025. Xiaoxu will need to step up to take on high-flying Bin.
Early Game Versus Late Game
In every game of the Upper Bracket Final, BLG had a significant gold lead at fifteen minutes. In two of those games, JDG fought back to win. In the Grand Final, they were not as lucky, winning one game before losing the series. BLG has not shown that their late-game performances have improved. They struggled against FearX without early leads, and nearly blew a massive gold lead against G2 Esports. BLG has the dominant early game, but that might not matter. They will need to ensure they do not give JDG a chance to make a comeback. If they do not get a significant advantage early, JDG might run away with the game and even the series.
The Pride of China
The series winner will likely play against Gen.G Esports in the Grand Final. They will have to represent China in the final. If they play against Gen.G, they will have to become the first LPL team to win a best-of-five series against Gen.G since the 2023 World Championship. BLG was the team that beat Gen.G Esports in a shock victory.
They also became the first LPL team to win a best-of-five series against the LCK since the 2024 World Championship, after beating FearX. BLG is the only LPL in recent times to beat an LCK team. Before them, it was JDG in the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational. Both teams have made LPL proud, and they will need to do it again tomorrow.
Prediction
Bilibili Gaming 3-1 JD Gaming
Given their recent series, predicting against BLG is a mistake. They have gotten the better of JDG in a best-of-five series. They also had the better Group Stage performance. While they did not have to face Gen.G Esports, they dismantled G2 Esports in their meeting. JDG, on the other hand, struggled to defeat Lyon. If JDG can stay even in the early game, they will have a chance to beat BLG. Their only strong early game performances came against Loud. Against Lyon, they fell behind early. Nothing shows that JDG’s early game can contend with BLG’s at First Stand.
A Grand Final Spot Awaits
The winner of today’s series will advance to the First Stand Grand Final. They will play against the winner of the earlier series between Gen.G Esports and G2 Esports.
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.
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