The LCS beats the LPL in a series for the first time in seven years

Naerlyn Published October 27, 2026

Team Liquid beat Anyone’s Legend in the elimination bracket of the LoL Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage. With a game score of 2-0, NA’s first seed eliminates China’s and keeps their run alive. This is the first time that the LCS beats the LPL (or Korea) since the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational.

Team Liquid wins against Anyone’s Legend

In the LoL Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage, TLAW and AL both fell down to 0-2. After winning the LCS, Team Liquid completely disappointed by losing to CTBC Flying Oyster. Then, they drew Bilibili Gaming and lost again. Against them, Anyone’s Legend fell to Karmine Corp and Top Esports.

With a 0-2 bracket containing four first seeds, one of those two had to go 0-3. Polymarket gave AL a market-implied chance of around 70% before the match started.

In the end, it was Team Liquid that took the series, and in a 2-0 no less. NA’s first seed came out swinging in the first game and crushed AL. Then, they started the second map just as well, before Anyone’s Legend claimed the lead back. However, they failed to hold it and TLAW won the best-of-three.

Now, AL is out of Worlds 2026, and this is the first time an LPL team has finished 0-3. This also makes them the second ever first seed to go out without a game win, after Team Solo Mid in 2020. As for Liquid, they’ll face LØS to continue their Worlds run. TLAW avoids repeating their 0-3 scoreline from 2025.

The LCS beats the LPL for the first time since 2019. Image Credit: Colin Young-Wolff / Riot Games

The first time NA beats China in a series since 2019

2026 has been all about EU beating the East. At the same time, NA had one of their worst ever records against the LCK and LPL. With this victory, this no longer holds.

• The LCS beats the LPL for the first time in a series since 2019
• This is the LCS’s second ever best-of win against the LPL
• It is also their third ever victory against Korea or China

This was merely a best-of-three, and the LCS’s only wins against Korea or China in best-of-fives were in 2018 and 2019. For now, LYON and Team Liquid are still in the running so that maybe, the LCS beats the LPL in a Bo5 at LoL Worlds 2026.

Share your thoughts on their chances in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Colin Young-Wolff / Riot Games

Related Stats: Round 3: TL vs AL

Team Liquid

Anyone's Legend Worlds 2026 Group Stage