Kha Y Tran The match between Top Esports (TES) and JD Gaming (JDG) on January 14, 2026, stood out as one of the most anticipated clashes of LPL 2026 Split 1.
Both teams entered the series with high expectations. However, as the games unfolded, JD Gaming quickly established themselves as the more composed and disciplined side. As a result, their superior control translated into a convincing victory.
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Match Overview: TES vs JDG
Game 1: JDG Dominate Through Superior Macro and Objective Control
From the opening minutes, JDG played with confidence and intent. Early on, they set a fast yet controlled pace that shaped the flow of the game. By prioritizing vision on the top side, JDG created early advantages for their solo lanes.
Meanwhile, JDG’s jungler appeared at critical moments across the map. Because of this, TES were forced into a defensive posture. TES opted for a late-game scaling composition; however, losing early river control put them at a major disadvantage when contesting the first Dragons.
As the game moved into the mid phase, JDG’s strengths became even clearer. Instead of forcing unnecessary fights, they focused strictly on objective-based play.
- First, they secured multiple Dragons
- At the same time, they pressured TES into reactive movements
- Moreover, they punished positioning errors with clean picks
TES attempted to respond with smaller skirmishes. In contrast, poor vision coverage and unfavorable positioning prevented them from building momentum.
Eventually, the decisive moment arrived around the Baron pit. JDG baited TES into an unfavorable engagement. After winning the team fight, they immediately converted the advantage into a game-ending push. Ultimately, this sequence showcased JDG’s excellent shot-calling and team-fight execution.on.
Game 2: JDG Maintain Control, TES Fail to Break Free
At the start of Game 2, TES adopted a more proactive approach. However, JDG read their intentions perfectly. In Game 2, TES played more aggressively. However, JDG read their plans well. Smart counter-ganks shut down early pressure.
As the game continued, JDG remained calm. Rather than forcing big fights, they built a slow lead.
- Split pushing created pressure
- Jungle control denied resources
- TES were forced to defend
Over time, TES lost access to neutral objectives. As a result, comeback chances became limited.
The final turning point came after a positioning error from TES. JDG engaged immediately. They won the fight and secured Baron. Then, they executed a clean siege. The series ended 2–0.
Key Highlights
- JD Gaming demonstrated excellent macro control and disciplined team coordination.
- JunJia stood out as the most impactful player, delivering consistent performances across both games.
- Top Esports, despite the loss, showed flashes of strength in team fights and remain a team to watch as the season progresses.
Result and Analysis
This victory gives JD Gaming a perfect start to LPL 2026. More importantly, it sends a strong warning to the rest of the league.
Meanwhile, TES will need to refine their strategies. With better execution, they still have the potential to challenge top teams later in the tournament.
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Quynh Bui 
