Kha Y Tran The highly anticipated clash between JD Gaming (JDG) and Bilibili Gaming (BLG) in the LPL 2026 Split 1 – Group Ascend on January 26, 2026 ended with a 2–1 victory for JDG. From start to finish, both teams delivered a thrilling, tactical and emotional best-of-three series that kept fans fully engaged.
Overall, the match showcased not only mechanical skill but also deep strategic thinking. As a result, every game felt different in tempo and execution.
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Draft & Pick Overview
First of all, JDG opted for a teamfight-oriented composition perfectly suited to the meta. In particular, they prioritized champions with strong engage tools, reliable peel for the ADC, and excellent 5v5 potential around major objectives. Because of this, JDG dominated Dragon and Baron fights and consistently shined in decisive mid-to-late game teamfights.
In contrast, BLG leaned toward a control-and-counterplay style. Instead of forcing fights early, their draft focused on slower, safer gameplay with strong map control, pick potential, and poke. While this approach helped BLG excel in the mid game, it also meant their composition lacked the explosive late-game damage needed to close out games quickly.
Detailed Match Breakdown
Game 1: JDG Take Early Control
Right from the opening minutes, JDG showed clear intent to play fast and control the river and jungle. At the same time, their jungler constantly invaded, placed deep vision, and pressured both side lanes.
Between minutes 5 and 10, JDG gained a bottom-lane advantage after a clean gank, giving their ADC an early kill.
Soon after, at minute 14, JDG secured the first Dragon and began to snowball.
Not long after that, a skirmish around the Rift Herald went in JDG’s favor with three kills, allowing them to take the mid turret.
Although BLG tried to scale into the late game, JDG gave them no room to breathe. Eventually, a decisive Baron fight at minute 28 saw JDG wipe BLG and march straight into the base to end the game.
As a result, JDG won Game 1.
Game 2: BLG Strike Back
In response, BLG completely changed their approach in Game 2. Rather than playing fast, they slowed the game down and focused on controlled skirmishes.
Early on, BLG ganked top successfully for First Blood at minute 6. Shortly afterward, they secured two Dragons in a row, forcing JDG into uncomfortable fights. Then, a 4v4 fight in mid lane at minute 17 ended with BLG taking four kills and destroying the mid turret.
From that point on, JDG began making positioning mistakes. Meanwhile, BLG punished them with superior vision control. Eventually, at minute 26, BLG caught JDG’s main carry near Baron, secured the Baron buff, and closed out the game just minutes later.
Consequently, BLG won Game 2 and tied the series 1–1.
Game 3: JDG Deliver in the Decider
With everything on the line, Game 3 turned into a true chess match. At first, both teams played extremely cautiously.
During the first 15 minutes, only objectives were traded, with no major kills. Later on, JDG won a Dragon fight 3–1 at minute 18, securing their second Dragon. Afterward, they took control of Baron at minute 23 following a successful fight in the top river.
Although BLG tried to defend and drag the game into the late stage, JDG showed their experience. Ultimately, at minute 30, JDG executed a perfect engage, instantly eliminating BLG’s carries. As a result, they wiped the team and ended the game shortly after.
Therefore, JDG won Game 3 and the series 2–1.
Key Highlights of the Series
- JDG showed excellent objective control in Game 3, especially around Dragons and Baron. One winning teamfight was enough to end the match.
- After losing Game 1, BLG adapted well, playing slower and smarter to force a deciding game.
- JDG did not rely on early snowballing but on clean 5-man coordination, especially in engages and protecting their carries.
- JDG’s ADC and mid laner positioned perfectly in key fights and were rarely caught out.
- BLG defended well and scaled, but one small mistake in the final game cost them the entire series.
Final Thoughts
The JDG vs BLG series was one of the most exciting matchups of the week at LPL 2026 Split 1, full of momentum swings and high-level macro play. Fans were treated to a showcase of top-tier strategy and teamwork.
JDG’s 2–1 victory not only secured a crucial group-stage win, but also confirmed their strong and consistent form. Despite the loss, BLG proved they are a dangerous opponent with impressive comeback potential.
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Quynh Bui 
