Bilibili Gaming (BLG) emerged victorious in the 2026 First Stand tournament by defeating G2 Esports 3-1 in the grand final, marking the organization’s first international League of Legends title. The epic showdown took place on March 22nd at Riot Games Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. This win also solidified Park ‘Viper’ Do-hyeon, Bot Laner for Bilibili Gaming, as the first player to secure back-to-back First Stand victories, having previously triumphed in 2025 with Hanwha Life Esports.
BLG’s triumph had wider implications beyond just lifting the trophy. The victory granted the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) a seeding advantage for the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), enabling the region’s second seed to skip the Play-In Stage and directly progress to the Bracket Stage.
The series kicked off with G2 seizing the first map, led by Rasmus ‘Caps’ Borregaard Winther, Mid Laner for G2 Esports, who put on a flawless performance to give the EMEA team an early lead. However, BLG struck back in game two, utilizing global pressure with Pantheon and Galio to even the score. Subsequently, the Chinese squad dominated the final, clinching game three with stellar laning displays from Zhuo ‘knight’ Ding, Mid Laner for Bilibili Gaming, and Chen ‘Bin’ Zebin, Top Laner for Bilibili Gaming.
Game four initially seemed to favor G2 after they established an early advantage. Yet, the tide turned during a crucial fight near the dragon pit, where BLG shifted the momentum in their favor. Bin played a pivotal role in sealing the series by swiftly eliminating G2 Bot Laner Steven ‘Hans Sama’ Liv during the deciding push. Bin was later honored as the OPPO Player of the Series.
BLG’s Spectacular Start to 2026
The championship win marked a significant milestone for Bilibili Gaming, who had previously not secured an international title since their inception. For Viper, this victory added another accolade to his illustrious career. Winning First Stand with two different organizations in consecutive years highlighted the player’s remarkable consistency on the global stage.
The tournament also served as the inaugural international League of Legends event of 2026, offering regions an early indication of their standing ahead of MSI and the remainder of the season.
Gen.G and BNK FEARX Displayed Promise Despite Early Eliminations
Despite not reaching the final, League of Champions Korea (LCK) representatives Gen.G and BNK FEARX demonstrated their ability to compete on the international stage. Gen.G bowed out in the semifinals after falling to eventual runners-up G2. Prior to that, the team had shown strong form, fueled by their undefeated LCK Cup campaign and solid performances in the tournament’s early stages.
On the other hand, BNK FEARX made a splash in their international debut. The team challenged eventual champions BLG to a full series and swept Team Secret Whales 3-0. Nam ‘Diable’ Dae-geun, Bot Laner for BNK FEARX, delivered standout performances, securing pentakills against both BLG and Team Secret Whales. Despite their early exit, these displays elevated BNK FEARX’s reputation.
While the LPL emerged victorious in First Stand, the event also showcased the depth of the LCK. Gen.G entered as strong contenders, while BNK FEARX emerged as one of the tournament’s pleasant surprises. With First Stand concluded, all eyes are now on MSI, where BLG’s triumph has already provided the LPL with a valuable edge in the competition format.