JD Gaming Falls Short, Invictus Gaming Clinches Final LPL Seed to Worlds 2026
JD Gaming's journey to the 2026 League of Legends World Championship came to an end on September 19 at the Shanghai League Arena. The team, one of the LPL's most recognized organizations, was defeated 1-3 by Invictus Gaming in the Lower Bracket Final of the LPL Regional Finals.
The team had entered the Lower Bracket Final after a convincing win over Team WE on September 18, with bot laner GALA earning MVP honors for his high-KDA performances.
Despite taking one game against IG, Invictus Gaming controlled the series decisively, winning three maps to claim the final LPL seed heading into Worlds 2026.
The four teams representing the LPL at the 2026 World Championship are now confirmed: Anyone's Legend holds the first seed, followed by Bilibili Gaming, Top Esports as the third seed, and IG as the final qualifier.
JD Gaming will participate in the Demacia Cup Global Invitational 2026, an event designed for teams that did not qualify for Worlds, providing a competitive outlet and a global stage outside the Worlds bracket.