Invictus Gaming eliminated their fellow LPL counterpart Top Esports in the first quarter-final of Worlds 2026 held in Allen, Texas. This outcome ensures that China secures a semi-final spot following the LPL’s disappointing 0-4 start in the Swiss Stage.
Invictus Gaming has moved on to the semi-finals of Worlds 2026. They triumphed over their fellow LPL rivals Top Esports in the inaugural match of the Knockout Phase. This series took place at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas, on November 3 (in US time).
This victory guarantees a semi-final position for China. This is particularly significant given the LPL’s 0-4 record in the Swiss Stage. IG is set to compete against either Gen.G or LYON, with Gen.G having previously defeated IG 1-0 during the Swiss Stage, finishing the stage with a commendable 3-0 record.
Stand-in 369 prompted a Game 2 response, but IG gained the advantage
TES participated in the event without ZUIAN. On October 6, the organization revealed that Bai ‘369’ Jia-Hao would step into the starting roster due to visa complications affecting ZUIAN.
The substitute made a notable impact. IG claimed victory in Game 1, having established a gold advantage exceeding 10,000. TES equalized in Game 2 when 369, utilizing Renekton, managed to eliminate JiaQi and TheShy single-handedly during the late phases of the game. IG then secured wins in the following two games to conclude the series.
Every Knocks Out Stage match follows a single-elimination best-of-five format, employing Fearless Draft rules. The two teams had a comprehensive understanding of one another, having faced off twice in best-of-five series in September. IG emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline during the LPL Split 3 playoffs on September 5. However, TES defeated IG 3-1 in the LPL Regional Finals on September 17.
The prize distribution has been established. Worlds 2026 features a cumulative prize pool of $5 million, with $1 million allocated to the champion. Each defeated semi-finalist will earn $400,000, guaranteeing IG at least that amount.
TheShy and Rookie’s comeback has revitalized the 2018 champions
IG’s journey kicked off with a revival mid-season. The team entered LPL Split 3 competing in the Nirvana Group. They then requested TheShy and Rookie, who were both on hiatus, to return. Their addition was crucial in helping the team qualify for Worlds. Both players had previously won the world title in 2018 with IG.
TheShy mentioned that he had assured IG’s CEO he would assist if necessary. “I returned to honor my promise,” he stated following the series.
The subsequent quarter-finals are scheduled for this week. Gen.G is set to play LYON on November 4. Dplus KIA will square off against Bilibili Gaming on November 5. The final European team, Karmine Corp, will face T1 on November 6. All matches are slated to start at 16:00 CT.
The semi-finals will occur in Allen on November 7 and 8. The championship match is scheduled to take place in Brooklyn on Saturday, November 14, at 2pm EST.
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