Kha Y Tran The match between Top Esports (TES) and Anyone’s Legend (AL) at the LPL Cup 2026 on January 24, 2026 delivered exactly what fans expect from the LPL: fast pace, constant fights, and dramatic momentum swings. As a result, the series kept viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. After three intense games, AL secured a 2–1 victory over TES, and therefore proved their rapid growth and competitive strength this season.
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Draft Analysis: AL Outplay TES in Pick & Ban
Looking at the overall ban–pick phase across three games, both teams came in well prepared. However, Anyone’s Legend showed greater flexibility and better draft adaptation from game to game. In contrast, TES often stuck to similar compositions.
TES Draft Identity
TES focused on:
- Strong 5v5 teamfight compositions
- Heavy ADC protection
- Late-game scaling
However, their biggest weakness was that the drafts felt too one-dimensional. When AL read their game plan, TES lacked a strong Plan B such as split-push or tempo control. As a result, AL dictated the pace in Games 1 and 3.
AL Draft Identity
AL, on the other hand, built drafts around:
- Strong early–mid game power
- Multiple engage tools
- High mobility and snowball potential
Moreover, they prioritized mobile jungle and mid champions to invade, roam, and pressure the map. Therefore, AL controlled major objectives and forced TES to play reactively.
In Game 3, AL’s mid-game focused composition allowed them to close the match before TES could fully scale. Ultimately, this proved decisive.used composition allowed them to close the match before TES could fully scale.
Match Breakdown: TES vs AL – LPL Cup 2026
Game 1: AL Dominate Early, TES Fall Behind
From the opening minutes, Anyone’s Legend showed superior preparation. They invaded TES’s jungle early, secured vision control around the river, and earned First Blood through a successful bot-lane pick.
AL continued to execute clean ganks while TES struggled to stabilize their lanes. By minute 10, AL had a 2,000 gold lead and secured the first Dragon.
In the mid game, AL accelerated the tempo. They took two Dragons and the Rift Herald, then used Herald to break mid turret and open the map. TES tried to defend, but AL won every small skirmish.
At minute 23, AL won a decisive Baron fight, wiped TES, secured Baron, and ended the game shortly after.
Game 2: TES Fight Back with Confidence
In Game 2, Top Esports adjusted their strategy. They played slower, focused on lane control and jungle tracking, and prevented AL from snowballing.
At minute 8, TES executed a perfect counter-gank in top lane, picking up two kills and the first turret. Momentum shifted in their favor.
AL tried to force early fights but failed. TES consistently won small 5v5 engagements thanks to strong positioning from their carries and support.
At minute 20, TES caught AL’s jungler and secured Baron. With Baron buff, TES destroyed AL’s outer towers and expanded their gold lead.
At minute 28, TES won a teamfight in mid lane, wiped AL, and ended the game cleanly.
Game 3: AL Close It Out with Composure
Game 3 was extremely tense. Both teams played cautiously in the first 10 minutes, with gold and objectives nearly even.
The turning point came at minute 14 when AL caught TES’s jungler during a Dragon fight. AL secured the Dragon, rotated to Herald, and broke the mid turret.
From there, AL controlled vision while TES repeatedly got caught in their own jungle. At minute 22, AL won a critical Baron fight, secured Baron, and built a 4,000 gold lead.
TES tried to drag the game to late game, but AL gave them no space. At minute 29, AL won a final teamfight in the bot lane and marched straight into the base to end the series.
Match Highlights
- AL showed strong mental resilience in Game 3 after losing Game 2.
- TES were explosive in Game 2 but inconsistent overall.
- AL controlled Dragons, Heralds, and Baron far better.
- The series delivered non-stop action and classic LPL-style combat.
Final Thoughts
With a 2–1 victory over Top Esports, Anyone’s Legend have proven they are a dangerous contender at the LPL Cup 2026. Meanwhile, TES must improve their mid-game control and adaptability if they want to challenge for the top spots this season.
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#LPLCup2026 #TES #AL #RiotGames #LeaugeOfLegends
Quynh Bui 
