Kha Y Tran IG vs TES on January 21, 2026 was one of the most exciting matches at the LPL Cup 2026. From the start, two LPL giants went head to head in a thrilling best-of-three series. Although they dropped Game 1, Invictus Gaming stayed calm. Instead of panicking, the team adapted quickly. As a result, they secured a 2–1 win over Top Esports.
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Draft (Ban/Pick) Analysis
During the IG vs TES series, the draft phase shaped every game. Both teams came in well prepared. However, IG read TES better in Games 2 and 3.
Rather than choosing risky champions, IG picked lineups that were easy to execute. Moreover, their draft fit the teamfight and objective-focused meta perfectly.
On the other side, TES struggled. In particular, their lineups lacked frontline power in Games 2 and 3. Once they were forced into 5v5 fights, they could not hold their ground.
Match Progress
Game 1: TES With a Perfect Start
In the opening game, Top Esports quickly took control. Thanks to superior lane control and objective setup, TES repeatedly forced favorable skirmishes.
Their jungle pressure was especially effective, allowing the team to snowball hard.
After more than 35 minutes, TES punished IG’s mistakes to close out the game and take a 1–0 lead.
Game 2: IG Strike Back
However, in Game 2, Invictus Gaming completely changed their approach. They became more proactive in vision control and objective fights.
IG consistently won teamfights around the Dragon pit.
As a result, they equalized the game state and then took the gold and item advantage.
Finally, after a perfectly executed teamfight, IG wiped TES and ended the game, tying the series 1–1.
Game 3: IG Dominate and Finish TES
In the decider, IG looked like a different team. From the very start, they:
- Fully controlled the map
- Secured early major objectives
- Gave TES no chance to come back
Therefore, IG kept forcing fights and winning every key engagement. After just over 30 minutes, Invictus Gaming destroyed TES’s Nexus and sealed the BO3 with a convincing 2–1 victory.
Match Highlights
- Despite a rough start, IG showed true resilience by winning the next two games in a row.
- In Games 2 and 3, IG won nearly every crucial teamfight, allowing them to control Dragons, Baron, and the overall tempo.
- IG’s coordination was extremely smooth, with every engage being clear, decisive, and well-timed.
Overall Assessment
The IG vs TES LPL Cup 2026 series shows that IG are in very stable form. In contrast, TES started strong but lacked consistency in the later games. Tactical adaptability was the biggest strength of IG in this matchup.
In short, IG delivered an impressive comeback against TES at the LPL Cup 2026. With this win, Invictus Gaming continue to assert their position in the race for LPL dominance this season.
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Quynh Bui 
