Kha Y Tran On January 28, 2026, in the framework of the LPL Cup 2026, Ultra Prime (UP) and LGD Gaming (LGD) delivered an emotional Best-of-Three series. Although UP started extremely strong, LGD showed the composure of a veteran team and staged a comeback to secure a 2–1 victory overall.
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Overall Draft (Ban/Pick) Analysis
Overall, the ban/pick phase highlighted a clear difference in strategic mindset between the two teams. First of all, UP prioritized early-game compositions, focusing on champions with strong laning and snowball potential. Therefore, they aimed to gain an advantage right from the start and close out games with a fast tempo.
In contrast, LGD built teamfight-oriented lineups focused on objective control. Specifically, they favored champions with strong engage tools, solid frontline presence, and excellent late-game scaling. As a result, LGD were willing to concede early pressure in exchange for mid-to-late game power.
However, the biggest difference lay in LGD’s flexibility in adapting their draft. After losing Game 1, LGD clearly changed their approach: they banned out UP’s key snowball champions and instead prioritized safer, easier-to-execute picks. Because of this, LGD controlled the pace much better in the final two games.
In short, UP had the stronger early-game draft, but LGD used their draft more effectively in long-term strategy. Thanks to quick adaptation and superior teamfight setups, LGD gained the upper hand and secured the series win.
Match Breakdown
Game 1: UP in Total Control
Right from the start, UP entered the game with confidence. First, they controlled the jungle and major objectives such as Dragons. Then, UP consistently set up effective ganks in the top and mid lanes.
Moreover, UP capitalized perfectly on LGD’s mistakes in skirmishes. As a result, they built a large gold lead and quickly pushed the tempo. In the end, UP closed out Game 1 convincingly to take a 1–0 lead.
Game 2: LGD Strike Back
However, in Game 2, LGD adjusted their strategy. To begin with, they played slow and steady, focusing on farming and vision control. In addition, LGD started to gain the upper hand in small-scale fights.
Furthermore, with strong coordination, LGD secured a crucial Baron in the mid game. Because of that, they turned the tables and constantly pressured UP. As a result, LGD evened the score 1–1, bringing the series back to parity.
Game 3: LGD Show Their Class
Finally, in the deciding game, LGD maintained a stable tempo. Although UP tried to look for comeback opportunities, LGD always positioned their teamfight setup extremely well.
In addition, LGD completely controlled major objectives such as Dragons and Baron. Therefore, they gradually increased their lead and gave UP no chance to turn the game around. At the end of Game 3, LGD secured the win and closed out the Bo3 series 2–1.
Key Highlights
- First of all, UP surprised everyone with a dominant Game 1 performance.
- However, LGD showed their class by adapting quickly after the loss.
- Moreover, LGD’s objective control in Games 2 and 3 was the deciding factor.
- Finally, this victory significantly improved LGD’s position in the LPL Cup 2026 standings.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the UP vs LGD match on January 28, 2026 was one of the most exciting series of the LPL Cup 2026. Although UP started strong, LGD proved to be the more composed and consistent team. Therefore, their 2–1 victory was absolutely well-deserved.
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Quynh Bui 
