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Bilibili Gaming: China’s Rising Esports Powerhouse

Introduction

Bilibili Gaming (BLG) has emerged as one of the most formidable forces in competitive esports, particularly in League of Legends. Founded in 2017 by the Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili, the organization has evolved from a mid-tier contender into a global powerhouse. With a roster stacked with elite talent and a history of deep tournament runs, BLG now stands at the forefront of the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) and continues to challenge the world’s best on the international stage.

Origins and Early Years

BLG was born from the acquisition of the I May roster in December 2017. Initially, the team struggled to find consistency in the LPL, often finishing in the middle of the pack. Despite flashes of brilliance, BLG lacked the star power and infrastructure to compete with China’s elite teams like EDward Gaming, Royal Never Give Up, and Invictus Gaming.

The turning point came in 2022 and 2023, when BLG began investing heavily in talent and coaching. The organization secured back-to-back Demacia Cup titles and made a statement with a second-place finish in the LPL Spring 2023 split. These results marked the beginning of BLG’s transformation into a serious title contender.

The 2024 Breakthrough

BLG’s breakout year came in 2024. The team won both the LPL Spring and Summer splits, defeating Top Esports and JD Gaming in dominant fashion. Their domestic success translated to the international stage, where they reached the finals of both MSI and Worlds.

At MSI 2024, BLG fell 3–1 to Gen.G in the grand final, but their aggressive playstyle and mechanical prowess earned global respect. Later that year, they pushed T1 to five games in the Worlds 2024 final, narrowly missing the championship. Despite the loss, BLG’s performance solidified their reputation as one of the best teams in the world.

2025 Roster and Synergy

BLG’s 2025 roster retained its core, with only one change in the jungle position. The current lineup includes:

Role Player Join Date
Top Chen "Bin" Ze-Bin June 2022
Jungle Yan "Wei" Yang-Wei July 2024
Mid Zhuo "Knight" Ding December 2023
ADC Zhao "Elk" Jia-Hao December 2022
Support Luo "ON" Wen-Jun December 2022

This roster blends mechanical excellence with strategic depth. Bin is known for his laning dominance and clutch teamfight execution. Knight, widely regarded as one of the best mid laners in the world, brings cerebral play and unmatched consistency. Elk and ON form a synergistic bot lane duo, while Wei’s jungle pathing and early-game impact have added a new dimension to BLG’s playbook.

Coaching and Infrastructure

BLG’s coaching staff has played a pivotal role in their rise. Head coach Maokai, along with assistants Easyhoon and LvMao, have cultivated a disciplined yet flexible system. The team’s drafts are often praised for their creativity and adaptability, allowing BLG to pivot between aggressive skirmishes and controlled macro play.

The organization also benefits from strong infrastructure and sponsorships, including partnerships with DreamSmart Group and Ping An Bank. BLG’s facilities and support systems rival those of top-tier Western organizations, giving players the resources to perform at their peak.

Tournament Achievements

BLG’s recent tournament results reflect their ascent:

Year Tournament Placement
2022 Demacia Cup 1st
2023 Demacia Cup 1st
2023 LPL Spring 2nd
2023 MSI Semifinals
2023 Worlds Semifinals
2024 LPL Spring 1st
2024 MSI 2nd
2024 LPL Summer 1st
2024 Worlds 2nd
2025 LPL Split 2 2nd

Their consistent top finishes in both domestic and international events have earned BLG over $1.8 million in prize money and a peak viewership record of nearly 7 million during Worlds 20242.

Playstyle and Identity

BLG’s identity is built around proactive map control, high-tempo skirmishing, and individual outplays. They often draft for lane priority and early jungle pressure, enabling Knight and Bin to roam and create advantages. Elk’s positioning and damage output in late-game fights are crucial, while ON’s vision control and engage timing make him one of the most reliable supports in the LPL.

Their ability to adapt to different metas has been a key strength. Whether it’s scaling compositions or dive-heavy setups, BLG consistently finds ways to execute their game plan.

Rivalries and International Impact

BLG’s rivalry with T1 has become one of the most compelling storylines in modern League of Legends. After losing to T1 in the Worlds 2024 final and again at MSI 2025, BLG remains hungry for revenge. Their matches are often tactical masterclasses, showcasing the highest level of play.

Internationally, BLG has helped elevate the perception of Chinese League of Legends. While LPL teams have historically been known for aggression, BLG’s balanced approach has demonstrated that Chinese teams can excel in macro and teamfight execution as well.

Valorant and Other Divisions

Beyond League of Legends, BLG has expanded into Valorant, fielding a competitive roster in China’s VCT circuit. While their Valorant team hasn’t reached the same heights as their LoL division, they’ve shown promise with strong performances in regional qualifiers and international events like Masters Toronto and the Esports World Cup.

BLG previously operated an Overwatch Contenders team affiliated with Hangzhou Spark, winning the LanStory Cup in 2019 before disbanding in 2022.

Legacy and Future Outlook

BLG’s journey from a mid-tier LPL team to a global contender is a testament to strategic investment, talent development, and organizational vision. With their current roster locked in through 2026 and a hunger for international titles, BLG is poised to remain a dominant force in esports.

Their next challenge is converting deep runs into championships. With Knight, Bin, and Elk entering their prime, and Wei integrating into the system, BLG has all the tools to claim the elusive Worlds trophy.

Conclusion

Bilibili Gaming represents the new era of Chinese esports—technically refined, strategically versatile, and globally ambitious. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine expectations, BLG is not just a team to watch—they’re a team to fear.


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