Weibo Gaming, the fourth seed from China’s LPL, has stunned the world by reaching the grand finals of Worlds 2023, defying all odds and expectations. Analysts have drawn compelling parallels to DRX, the Korean team that clinched the World Championship in 2022 against equally unforeseeable odds.
The Parallels with DRX’s Cinderella Story
Weibo Mirrors DRX’s Path
Pre-Worlds 2023 predictions left Weibo Gaming out of the final contention, especially in a field dominated by heavyweights like Gen.G, LNG Esports, Bilibili Gaming, and G2 Esports. Yet, Weibo has mirrored DRX’s 2022 journey, from Play-In stages to defeating top-tier teams, including a semifinal victory over BLG.
Analyst Insights: SHakarez and Ashley Kang
LoL analysts and experts, including SHakarez and Ashley Kang, have highlighted startling similarities between the two teams. Both teams placed fourth in the spring, lost to the fifth in playoffs, ended up sixth in summer, and lost playoffs against the third seed, eventually securing their Worlds spots through regional qualifiers.
DRX 2022:
• 4th in Spring
• Loses to 5th in playoffs
• 6th in Summer
• Loses to 3rd in playoffs
• Qualifies from regionals, wins WorldsWBG 2023:
• 4th in Spring
• Loses to 5th in playoffs
• 6th in Summer
• Loses to 3rd in playoffs
• Qualifies from regionals, Finals???— Renato Perdigão (@Shakarez) November 11, 2023
Star Players: Deft and Xiaohu
The stars of both teams, Deft in 2022 and Xiaohu in 2023, share similar limelight and impact, drawing a fascinating comparison between their performances and contributions to their respective teams’ success.
Xiaohu (2023)
Tenth year in his career
Been to seven Worlds
Never won Worlds
Going to his first Worlds finals in his careerDeft (2022)
Tenth year in his career
Been to seven Worlds
Never won Worlds
Going to his first Worlds finals in his career— Ashley Kang (@AshleyKang) November 11, 2023
A Potential Echo in History
Should Weibo Gaming reach the final and win against T1, it would replicate DRX’s historic victory over Faker’s squad, further solidifying the eerie resemblances between their championship journeys.
The Unpredictable Nature of Esports
Weibo Gaming’s run to the Worlds 2023 finals is not just a repeat of history; it’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of competitive League of Legends esports. Whether they capture the title or not, their story is one for the ages, echoing DRX’s incredible 2022 campaign.