Okay, here is the comprehensive introductory guide to Bilibili Gaming (BLG).

Bilibili Gaming (BLG) Explained: Your Introductory Guide

In the electrifying, rapidly evolving world of esports, certain names resonate with undeniable force. They represent not just teams, but burgeoning empires built on digital battlegrounds, fueled by passionate fanbases and strategic corporate backing. Among the giants rising, particularly from the incredibly competitive East Asian scene, is Bilibili Gaming (BLG). While perhaps not possessing the decades-long legacy of some Western organizations or the early dominance of certain Korean dynasties, BLG has rapidly ascended to become a powerhouse, particularly in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), China’s premier LoL competition, and a significant player across multiple esports titles.

But what is Bilibili Gaming? Where did it come from? What makes it tick? And why should you, whether a seasoned esports enthusiast or a curious newcomer, pay attention? This guide aims to demystify BLG, offering a deep dive into its origins, its connection to the cultural phenomenon that is Bilibili Inc., its journey across various esports titles, its defining moments, key players, unique culture, and future trajectory. Prepare to understand the story behind the black, white, and vibrant pink – the story of Bilibili Gaming.

This article will cover:

The Genesis: Understanding the origins and formation of BLG.
The Powerhouse Parent: Delving into Bilibili Inc. and its crucial influence.
Forging a Legacy: Tracing BLG’s esports journey and evolution.
The Crown Jewel: An in-depth look at BLG’s League of Legends division (LPL).
Beyond the Rift: Exploring BLG’s presence in other major esports titles.
The BLG Identity: Examining the team’s culture, branding, and fanbase.
Faces of the Franchise: Highlighting iconic players and personalities.
Moments of Glory & Heartbreak: Recounting major achievements and defining moments.
Navigating the Gauntlet: Discussing challenges and the future outlook.
Joining the Cheering Squad: How to follow and support BLG.

Let’s embark on this journey to understand one of modern esports’ most compelling organizations.

1. The Genesis: What is Bilibili Gaming?

Bilibili Gaming, often shortened to BLG, is the official esports division of Bilibili Inc., a hugely popular Chinese online entertainment platform. Officially established in December 2017, BLG marked Bilibili’s formal, large-scale entry into the booming esports industry.

However, the roots go slightly deeper. Bilibili had already dipped its toes into esports sponsorship and content creation before forming its own branded teams. The pivotal moment came when Bilibili acquired an LPL slot for the 2018 season. They purchased the slot and the roster of the existing team I May (IM), which itself had a history tracing back to EDward Esports (EDE), the secondary team of the established powerhouse EDward Gaming (EDG).

This acquisition wasn’t just about buying a team; it was a statement of intent. Bilibili wasn’t content merely hosting esports content or sponsoring events; it wanted to be an active participant at the highest level, leveraging its massive platform and resources to build a competitive and recognizable esports brand. The rebranding from I May to Bilibili Gaming signaled the birth of a new contender, backed by one of China’s most influential digital companies.

From day one, BLG wasn’t just another esports team. It carried the identity and expectations associated with its parent company – a connection that is fundamental to understanding its culture, resources, and fanbase.

2. The Powerhouse Parent: Understanding Bilibili Inc.

To truly grasp BLG, one must understand Bilibili (NASDAQ: BILI, HKEX: 9626). Often described as the “YouTube of China” combined with elements of Twitch, Steam, Patreon, and Crunchyroll, Bilibili is far more than just a video-sharing website. It’s a cultural hub, particularly for China’s younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials).

Key Aspects of Bilibili Inc.:

ACG Roots: Bilibili initially gained popularity as a platform focused on Anime, Comics, and Games (ACG) content. This heritage deeply influences its community culture, aesthetics, and content focus. While it has broadened its scope significantly, the ACG spirit remains core to its identity.
“Danmu” Culture: Bilibili is famous for its “danmu” (弹幕) or “bullet comments” – real-time user comments that fly across the screen during video playback. This creates a unique, highly interactive, and communal viewing experience, fostering a strong sense of belonging among users.
Content Ecosystem: The platform hosts a vast array of user-generated content (UGC) and professionally generated content (PGC), including vlogs, tutorials, music videos, documentaries, live streaming, and, crucially, gaming content and esports broadcasts.
Community Focus: Bilibili emphasizes community building. Features like official memberships requiring users to pass an “entrance exam” on platform etiquette and ACG culture initially fostered a dedicated and knowledgeable user base. While now more open, this community-centric approach persists.
Monetization Streams: Bilibili generates revenue through mobile games (often ACG-themed), value-added services (like premium memberships), advertising, and e-commerce. Its strong position in mobile gaming provides synergistic opportunities with its esports ventures.
Massive User Base: Bilibili boasts hundreds of millions of monthly active users, primarily young, tech-savvy individuals deeply engaged with digital entertainment, including gaming and esports.

How Bilibili Influences BLG:

Financial Backing: As a publicly listed company with substantial revenue streams, Bilibili provides BLG with significant financial resources. This allows the organization to acquire top-tier talent (players and coaching staff), invest in state-of-the-art facilities, and sustain operations at the highest competitive level.
Built-in Fanbase & Marketing Platform: BLG has immediate access to Bilibili’s massive user base. The platform serves as a primary channel for promoting the team, broadcasting matches (often with exclusive commentary or features), sharing behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with fans. Many Bilibili users naturally gravitate towards supporting the platform’s own team.
Cultural Alignment: BLG’s branding often incorporates elements reflecting Bilibili’s ACG roots and youthful energy. Team announcements, social media interactions, and merchandise sometimes play on popular internet memes or ACG tropes familiar to the Bilibili community. This creates an authentic connection that resonates deeply with its target audience.
Content Synergy: BLG players often stream on Bilibili, creating exclusive content for the platform and further strengthening the bond between the team and the community. Match highlights, analysis videos, and player vlogs find a natural home and eager audience on Bilibili.
Strategic Vision: Bilibili’s leadership understands the long-term value of esports as a key pillar of modern digital entertainment. Their investment in BLG is not just a marketing ploy but a strategic move to deepen engagement within the lucrative gaming and esports sector.

In essence, BLG is the competitive spearhead of a vast digital entertainment ecosystem. Its fortunes and identity are inextricably linked to its parent company, giving it advantages and a unique cultural flavor distinct from many other esports organizations.

3. Forging a Legacy: BLG’s Esports Journey (Timeline & Evolution)

BLG’s journey began in late 2017 with the acquisition of the I May LPL slot. Since then, the organization has navigated the complexities of building competitive rosters, expanding into new titles, and striving for consistency and championships.

2018: The Debut Year (LPL): BLG entered the LPL with the former I May roster, featuring players like Kang “ADD” Geon-mo and Xie “Jinjiao” Jin-Shan. Their first year was respectable, showcasing potential but ultimately falling short of the top tier. They established themselves as a solid mid-pack team capable of upsets.
2019: Rising Contender (LPL) & Overwatch League Entry:
- LPL: BLG made significant strides in the LPL. They signed star Korean mid laner Lee “Kuro” Seo-haeng, a veteran known for his consistency and leadership. The team performed well, reaching the playoffs in both Spring and Summer splits and competing in the Regional Finals for a spot at the World Championship, though they narrowly missed out. This year marked BLG’s emergence as a serious contender.
- OWL: Bilibili expanded its esports portfolio significantly by acquiring one of the expansion slots for the Overwatch League (OWL) Season 2. They launched the Hangzhou Spark (杭州闪电), representing the city of Hangzhou. The team adopted a distinctive pink-and-blue color scheme and quickly developed a passionate international following, partly due to its branding and partly due to its competitive initial roster featuring standout players like Xu “Guxue” Qiulin.
2020: Mixed Results & Roster Shuffles (LPL): The LPL division saw more roster changes. Kuro departed, and the team experimented with different lineups. While still competitive enough to make playoffs, they didn’t reach the same heights as 2019. It was a year of rebuilding and searching for a new winning formula. Meanwhile, the Hangzhou Spark remained a competitive force in the OWL.
2021: Investment & Upswing (LPL): BLG signaled renewed ambition by signing high-profile players, including Taiwanese top laner Chu “FoFo” Chun-Lan and veteran bot laner Chiu “Doggo” Tzu-Chuan (mid-season). South Korean jungler Kim “Aiming” Ha-ram also joined. Despite the talent infusion, synergy took time to build, and results were inconsistent. The team showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain momentum. The Hangzhou Spark continued its OWL journey, adapting to the league’s evolving format and meta shifts.
2022: The “Superteam” Experiment & Disappointment (LPL): This was a landmark year in terms of hype. BLG made blockbuster signings, bringing legendary AD Carry Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao out of retirement and adding star support Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song, a former World Champion. Combined with existing talent like FoFo and rising top laner Chen “Breathe” Chen, expectations were sky-high. However, the “superteam” spectacularly failed to gel. Internal issues, role conflicts (Uzi sharing time with Doggo), and inconsistent performances plagued the team. Uzi eventually stepped back again, and the team missed playoffs in the Summer split, marking a significant disappointment relative to the investment and fanfare. The Hangzhou Spark, however, had a strong OWL season, reaching the season playoffs.
2023: Redemption & International Breakthrough (LPL, Valorant):
- LPL: Learning from 2022, BLG undertook a major rebuild, focusing on younger talent and team synergy. They signed top laner Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin (a former World Champion finalist known for his aggressive carry style), mid laner Zeng “Yagao” Qi (a solid, reliable presence), jungler Peng “Xun” Li-Xun (known for his proactive plays), and developed the bot lane duo of Zhao “Elk” Jia-Hao and Luo “ON” Wen-Jun. This roster clicked magnificently.
  - MSI 2023: BLG shocked the world at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) in London. After qualifying as the LPL’s second seed, they embarked on an incredible lower bracket run, defeating both Gen.G and T1 (the top Korean teams) 3-1 and 3-0 respectively, showcasing incredible team fighting and individual skill. They reached the Grand Finals, ultimately losing to fellow LPL team JD Gaming (JDG), but their performance cemented their status as a global elite team.
  - LPL Summer & Worlds 2023: BLG continued their strong domestic performance, reaching the LPL Summer Finals (again losing to JDG). They entered the World Championship in South Korea as a top contender. They navigated the Swiss Stage and defeated Gen.G again in the Quarterfinals. After defeating fellow LPL team Weibo Gaming in the Semifinals, they reached the World Championship Grand Finals – the pinnacle of League of Legends esports. Although they lost convincingly to T1 in the final, reaching this stage was a monumental achievement for the organization, capping off their best year by far.
- Valorant: BLG officially entered the Valorant scene, securing a partnership slot in the VCT China league starting in 2024. They began assembling a roster, signaling their commitment to Riot Games’ tactical shooter.
2024: Maintaining Momentum & New Challenges (LPL, Valorant): BLG started 2024 strongly, retaining most of their core 2023 roster but making a significant upgrade by signing legendary mid laner Zhuo “Knight” Ding (formerly of JDG and TES), replacing Yagao. They dominated the LPL Spring Split regular season and won their first-ever LPL Championship, defeating Top Esports (TES) in the finals. This victory secured their spot at MSI 2024 as the LPL’s first seed. Their Valorant team also began competing in the inaugural VCT China season.

BLG’s journey has been one of steady investment, occasional setbacks, learning from mistakes (particularly the 2022 experiment), and ultimately achieving breakthrough success through smart roster construction and player development, culminating in their dominant 2023-2024 run in League of Legends.

4. The Crown Jewel: BLG in League of Legends (LPL)

While BLG competes in multiple titles, its League of Legends division is undoubtedly the flagship and the primary source of its international recognition. Competing in the LPL, widely regarded as the strongest and most competitive LoL league globally, is a trial by fire. BLG’s evolution within this challenging environment is a compelling story.

Key Eras & Roster Iterations:

The Early Years (2018): Inheriting the I May roster, BLG focused on stability. Players like ADD (Top), Athena/Mole (Mid), and Jinjiao (ADC) formed the core. They were a respectable team known for solid fundamentals but lacked the star power or strategic depth to consistently challenge the top LPL titans like RNG, EDG, and IG at the time. Their playstyle was often characterized as stable and teamfight-oriented, but sometimes passive in the early game.
The Kuro Era (2019): The signing of Kuro brought veteran leadership and a highly consistent mid lane presence. Paired with jungler Meteor, known for his intelligent pathing and objective control, BLG elevated their game. They became a more proactive team, capable of executing controlled aggression. Reaching playoffs consistently and competing in the Regional Finals signaled their arrival as a genuine threat. This era established BLG’s reputation as a team that could punch above its weight.
Transition and Rebuilding (2020-2021): With Kuro’s departure, BLG entered a phase of flux. They brought in Korean talent like Aiming (ADC) and later Taiwanese stars FoFo (Mid) and Doggo (ADC), alongside Chinese players like Biubiu (Top) and Weiwei (Jungle). While possessing individual talent, these rosters often struggled for synergy. FoFo provided a strong mid lane carry threat, and Weiwei showed promise in the jungle, but the team lacked a consistent identity and often fell short in high-pressure moments. They remained a playoff-caliber team but couldn’t break into the absolute top tier.
The Uzi Experiment (Spring 2022): This period generated immense hype but little success. The return of Uzi, arguably the most famous LoL player of all time, alongside World Champion support Crisp and existing players like Breathe (Top) and FoFo, looked formidable on paper. However, integrating Uzi’s demanding playstyle, managing playtime between him and Doggo, and finding overall team cohesion proved disastrous. The team underperformed drastically, highlighting that star power alone doesn’t guarantee success.
The Redemption Arc – The Rise of the “Bin-Xun-Yagao-Elk-ON” Roster (2023): This rebuild proved transformative.
- Bin (Top): Known for his hyper-aggressive style, deep champion pool (including signature picks like Gwen, Jax, Fiora), and clutch carry performances. His acquisition provided BLG with a powerful top-side threat.
- Xun (Jungle): A proactive jungler excelling at ganking, skirmishing, and enabling his laners, particularly Bin.
- Yagao (Mid): Provided stability, reliable wave control, and excellent team fighting, acting as a facilitator for Bin and Elk. While not always flashy, his contribution was crucial for team balance.
- Elk (ADC): Emerged as one of the best ADCs in the world. Known for his aggressive positioning, mechanical skill, and ability to output massive damage in team fights, particularly on hyper-carries like Zeri and Aphelios.
- ON (Support): A playmaker support known for his engage potential (Rakan, Nautilus) and synergy with Elk. His aggression sometimes bordered on risky but often paid off, creating crucial openings for the team.
- Playstyle: This roster developed a distinct identity: extremely strong team fighting, excellent skirmishing, and the ability to play through multiple lanes (Top or Bot). They were known for their resilience, often winning games from behind through superior 5v5 execution. Their drafts were flexible, and their coordination in chaotic fights became their hallmark.
- Achievements: LPL Spring Runner-up, MSI 2023 Runner-up, LPL Summer Runner-up, World Championship 2023 Runner-up. An incredibly consistent year at the highest level.
The Knight Era – Aiming for the Summit (2024-Present): Building on the success of 2023, BLG made a major upgrade by signing Knight, widely considered one of the best mid laners in the world, known for his mechanical prowess, deep champion pool, and laning dominance. Replacing Yagao, this move aimed to add even more carry potential and flexibility to the team.
- Current Roster (Spring 2024): Bin (Top), Xun (Jungle), Knight (Mid), Elk (ADC), ON (Support). This lineup is arguably one of the strongest rosters ever assembled in LPL history on paper.
- Playstyle: Retains the strong team fighting core but adds Knight’s laning kingdom and individual carry threat in the mid lane. This allows BLG to play even more aggressively across the map and potentially dominate the early-to-mid game more consistently.
- Achievements: Won the LPL Spring 2024 Championship, marking BLG’s first domestic title. Qualified for MSI 2024 as the LPL #1 seed.

BLG’s Place in the LPL Ecosystem:

Top Contender: BLG has firmly established itself as one of the LPL’s “Big Four” (alongside JDG, TES, and potentially others depending on the season), consistently competing for domestic titles and international qualification.
Rivalries: Intense rivalries have developed, particularly with JD Gaming (JDG), whom they faced in multiple finals during 2023. Matches against Top Esports (TES) are also highly anticipated, especially with the Knight transfer adding extra narrative weight. Historic LPL giants like EDG and RNG also remain significant matchups.
Playstyle Reputation: Known for explosive team fights, strong individual mechanics across all roles, and a resilient, never-say-die attitude. They embody the high-tempo, aggressive meta often associated with the LPL.

The BLG LoL division’s journey from a mid-tier team to a domestic champion and consistent international finalist is a testament to strategic investment, effective talent scouting and development, and the ability to learn and adapt within the world’s most demanding league.

5. Beyond the Rift: BLG in Other Arenas

While League of Legends is BLG’s most prominent division, the organization’s ambitions extend to other major esports titles, reflecting Bilibili’s broad interest in the gaming landscape.

Overwatch – Hangzhou Spark (杭州闪电):

Entry: Bilibili purchased an Overwatch League expansion slot for Season 2 (2019), creating the Hangzhou Spark. This marked a significant early investment outside of LoL.
Branding: The Spark quickly became known for its unique and vibrant branding – a striking pink and blue color scheme with an electric spark motif and a finger-gun logo. This distinct look, combined with active social media engagement (particularly in English), helped them build a strong international fanbase relatively quickly, standing out in a league filled with more traditional sports aesthetics. The pink color is often affectionately associated with the team.
Roster Philosophy: The Spark initially fielded a mixed roster with strong Chinese talent (like star main tank Guxue) and prominent Korean players. They often aimed for highly skilled, mechanically gifted players. Over the years, the roster saw significant turnover, adapting to meta shifts and player availability, sometimes fielding predominantly Korean rosters and at other times leaning more into Chinese talent.
Performance: The Spark has generally been a competitive team within the OWL structure. They consistently qualified for playoffs or play-ins throughout their tenure. Notable achievements include strong stage performances, appearances in mid-season tournaments, and reaching the final season playoffs in 2022. They were often considered a dangerous dark horse capable of upsetting top teams but struggled to achieve the ultimate consistency needed to win a championship. Key players over the years included Guxue, GodsB, Architect, Shy, Leave (briefly), among others.
Post-OWL Era: With the dissolution of the Overwatch League after the 2023 season, the future of the Hangzhou Spark brand within the new Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) framework managed by ESL FACEIT Group is less clear compared to its peak OWL days. However, Bilibili’s investment demonstrated their willingness to compete in major franchised leagues beyond LoL. The Spark remains a memorable part of OWL history, known for its style and flashes of brilliance.

Valorant – BLG VCT:

Entry: Recognizing the rapid growth of Riot Games’ tactical shooter, Valorant, Bilibili secured a coveted partnership spot for BLG in the newly formed VCT China league, which officially launched competitive play in 2024. This league places Chinese teams directly into the highest tier of global Valorant esports.
Roster Building: BLG entered the Valorant scene by building a roster primarily composed of promising Chinese talent. The organization invested in scouting and developing players within the domestic Chinese Valorant ecosystem, which had been growing rapidly even before the game’s official launch and VCT integration in China.
Early Stages: As of early 2024, the BLG Valorant team is in its nascent stages within the VCT China league. They are competing against established organizations and new contenders in a highly anticipated regional competition. Their initial performance reflects a team finding its footing, developing synergy, and adapting to the rigorous demands of Tier 1 Valorant play.
Strategic Importance: BLG’s entry into VCT China signifies Bilibili’s commitment to staying at the forefront of major esports trends. Valorant represents a key growth area, particularly appealing to a demographic similar to Bilibili’s user base. Establishing a strong presence here is strategically important for the organization’s future.

Other Potential Ventures:

While LoL, Overwatch (historically), and Valorant are the most prominent examples, Bilibili’s deep roots in gaming mean BLG could potentially expand into other titles in the future, especially those popular on the Bilibili platform or within the mobile gaming sphere where Bilibili Inc. has significant business interests. Their strategy seems focused on high-profile, Tier 1 esports with large, established audiences.

BLG’s multi-game presence showcases a broader ambition than just dominating one title. It reflects Bilibili’s desire to be a comprehensive esports powerhouse, leveraging its resources and platform across the biggest digital battlegrounds.

6. The BLG Identity: Culture, Branding, and Fanbase

What sets BLG apart isn’t just its performance, but its unique identity, deeply intertwined with its parent company, Bilibili. This connection shapes its branding, internal culture, and relationship with its fans.

Branding Aesthetics: BLG’s primary colors are black and white, often accented with a vibrant pink or electric blue – colors strongly associated with the Bilibili platform and the Hangzhou Spark. Their logo is clean and modern. While the core LoL team branding is relatively straightforward, their social media presence, video content, and merchandise often incorporate playful elements, memes, and ACG references that resonate with the Bilibili community. They strike a balance between professional esports seriousness and the fun, dynamic energy of their parent platform.
ACG Influence: The spirit of Bilibili’s ACG origins permeates BLG’s culture. This can be seen in:
- Content Creation: Players often participate in lighthearted video content, challenges, or vlogs shared on Bilibili, sometimes playing into anime tropes or popular internet culture.
- Fan Interaction: The team’s social media managers often engage with fans using language and references common within the Bilibili community.
- Merchandise: Limited edition merchandise might feature anime-inspired designs or collaborations relevant to the ACG sphere.
- Player Personas: Some players develop online personas that lean into certain character archetypes popular within the community.
“Little TV” Nickname: BLG is sometimes affectionately nicknamed “小电视” (xiǎo diànshì), meaning “Little TV,” a direct reference to the Bilibili platform’s mascot/icon. This highlights the inseparable link in the minds of many fans.
The Fanbase: BLG boasts a large and passionate fanbase, heavily drawn from the Bilibili user pool.
- Youthful Demographic: Reflecting Bilibili’s audience, BLG fans tend to be younger, digitally native, and deeply immersed in internet and gaming culture.
- High Engagement: They are highly active on social media and the Bilibili platform, known for creating fan content (memes, art, analysis videos), participating enthusiastically in “danmu” commentary during live matches, and passionately defending their team.
- Strong Connection via Content: The steady stream of BLG content on Bilibili (streams, vlogs, highlights) fosters a strong sense of connection and parasocial relationships between fans and players.
- Expectations & Pressure: As the “home team” for Bilibili users, BLG faces considerable expectations. Success is celebrated wildly, but failures can lead to intense scrutiny and criticism within the community forums and comment sections. The fanbase is vocal and emotionally invested.
Organizational Culture: While specific internal dynamics are hard to gauge from the outside, BLG appears to foster a culture that balances intense competitiveness with a degree of player expression. The 2023 roster’s success was often attributed to strong team cohesion and a positive atmosphere, allowing individual personalities like Bin’s aggressive confidence and Elk’s quiet determination to shine within a supportive structure. The organization has shown willingness to invest heavily but also to make decisive changes when things aren’t working (as seen after the 2022 season).

BLG’s identity is therefore a unique blend: a top-tier professional esports organization driven by championship aspirations, yet deeply rooted in the vibrant, meme-filled, ACG-influenced culture of its parent platform. This duality makes them relatable to their core fanbase and gives them a distinct flavor in the global esports landscape.

7. Faces of the Franchise: Iconic Players and Personalities

Over the years, numerous talented players have donned the BLG jersey. Some have become synonymous with the team’s identity during specific eras, leaving lasting legacies.

League of Legends:

Kang “ADD” Geon-mo (Top, 2018-2019): A consistent top laner from the initial roster inherited from I May, known for his reliable play on tanks and bruisers during BLG’s early LPL days.
Lee “Kuro” Seo-haeng (Mid, 2019): The veteran Korean mid laner whose arrival marked BLG’s first major push towards the top. His leadership, stability, and clutch performances were key to their success in 2019. A highly respected figure.
Li “Meteor” Guo-Peng (Jungle, 2019-2020): Known for his intelligent jungling and synergy with Kuro, Meteor was instrumental during BLG’s strong 2019 run.
Xie “Jinjiao” Jin-Shan (ADC, 2018-2020, later Support): A long-serving player from the original I May lineup, known for his solid ADC play and later transitioning to support roles within the organization. Represents the early foundation.
Chu “FoFo” Chun-Lan (Mid, 2021-2022): A high-profile signing, FoFo was the primary mid lane carry threat for BLG during a transitional period, known for his mechanical skill.
Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao (ADC, Spring 2022): Although his tenure was brief and ultimately unsuccessful for the team, Uzi’s signing brought unprecedented attention to BLG. His legendary status makes his short stint a notable, albeit cautionary, part of BLG’s history.
Liu “Crisp” Qing-Song (Support, 2022): A World Champion support who joined alongside Uzi. While the team struggled, Crisp’s individual skill remained evident.
Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin (Top, 2023-Present): A transformative signing. Bin’s world-class carry performances in the top lane, aggressive style, and clutch factor (infamously known for his Gwen and Jax) have been central to BLG’s rise to international prominence. Already a BLG icon.
Peng “Xun” Li-Xun (Jungle, 2023-Present): The engine of the current BLG roster. Xun’s proactive jungling, excellent skirmishing, and ability to enable his laners (especially Bin) are crucial to their success.
Zhao “Elk” Jia-Hao (ADC, 2023-Present): Rose from a promising LPL ADC to one of the best in the world during his time at BLG. His phenomenal team fighting, aggressive positioning, and hyper-carry prowess make him a cornerstone of the team.
Luo “ON” Wen-Jun (Support, 2023-Present): Elk’s lane partner, known for his playmaking engages and synergy with the team’s aggressive style. His willingness to take risks often creates game-winning opportunities.
Zeng “Yagao” Qi (Mid, 2023): The unsung hero of the 2023 roster. Yagao’s stability, supportive playstyle, and excellent team fighting provided the perfect balance for the team’s other stars. Crucial to their international success.
Zhuo “Knight” Ding (Mid, 2024-Present): One of the biggest signings in LPL history. Knight’s arrival signals BLG’s determination to achieve ultimate victory. A generational talent expected to elevate the team even further.

Overwatch (Hangzhou Spark):

Xu “Guxue” Qiulin (Main Tank): A foundational player for the Spark and one of the most recognizable Chinese Overwatch players globally. Known for his exceptional Winston play, he was the face of the Spark for much of its existence.
Park “Architect” Min-ho (DPS): A highly skilled and flexible Korean DPS player known for his proficiency on a wide range of heroes, contributing significantly during his time with the Spark.
Zheng “Shy” Yangjie (DPS): A standout hitscan DPS player who emerged as a major star for the Spark in later seasons, known for his incredible mechanics on heroes like Widowmaker and Ashe.

These players, among many others, have contributed to BLG’s story, embodying the team’s fighting spirit, showcasing incredible skill, and creating memorable moments for the fans. The current LoL roster, in particular, features multiple players who are defining the modern era of Bilibili Gaming.

8. Moments of Glory & Heartbreak: Major Achievements and Defining Moments

BLG’s journey has been marked by both exhilarating highs and crushing lows, moments that have defined the organization and forged its identity.

Glory:

2019 LPL Regional Finals: While they didn’t qualify for Worlds, reaching this stage after signing Kuro signaled BLG’s arrival as a serious LPL contender.
MSI 2023 – The Miracle Run: This tournament stands as a defining moment. Coming in as the LPL’s second seed, BLG’s lower bracket run was legendary. Defeating the LCK champions Gen.G (3-0) and the perennial favorites T1 (3-1) in convincing fashion sent shockwaves through the global LoL community. Reaching the Grand Finals against all odds cemented their place among the world’s elite.
Worlds 2023 – Reaching the Summit: BLG navigated the grueling World Championship, overcoming challenges like a tough Quarterfinal against Gen.G (again winning) and defeating WBG in the Semifinals to reach the Grand Finals. Standing on the Worlds stage is the ultimate goal for any LoL team, and achieving this marked the pinnacle of BLG’s journey thus far.
LPL Spring 2024 Championship: After numerous near misses (three LPL finals runner-up finishes in a row), BLG finally conquered the domestic league. Defeating TES 3-1 in the finals secured their first-ever LPL title, validating their roster construction and dominance, and breaking a frustrating “second place curse.” This victory was hugely significant for the organization and its fans.
Hangzhou Spark’s OWL Playoff Runs: The Spark consistently reaching OWL playoffs and performing well in certain stages or tournaments provided moments of pride for the organization in the Overwatch sphere.

Heartbreak:

Missing Worlds 2019: Narrowly losing in the LPL Regional Finals after a strong year was a significant disappointment.
The 2022 Season Implosion: The failure of the Uzi-Crisp “superteam” experiment was a major setback. High expectations dissolved into internal issues and poor results, leading to widespread criticism and a period of soul-searching for the organization.
Multiple Finals Losses in 2023: While reaching finals is an achievement, losing three consecutive major finals (MSI, LPL Summer, Worlds) was undoubtedly painful. The Worlds 2023 Grand Final loss to T1 (0-3) was particularly decisive and highlighted the final hurdle BLG still needed to overcome.
Hangzhou Spark – Falling Short of Championships: Despite consistent competitiveness and talented rosters, the Spark never managed to secure an overall OWL championship, often falling in playoffs against the very top teams.

These moments, both triumphant and challenging, contribute to the rich narrative of Bilibili Gaming. The ability to bounce back from heartbreak, as demonstrated by their LPL title win after the numerous finals losses of 2023, speaks volumes about the organization’s resilience and ambition.

9. Navigating the Gauntlet: Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its recent successes, BLG operates in the hyper-competitive landscape of modern esports, facing ongoing challenges and harboring grand ambitions for the future.

Challenges:

Intense LPL Competition: The LPL is arguably the deepest and most challenging LoL league globally. Maintaining dominance requires constant adaptation, innovation, and the ability to fend off challenges from numerous strong competitors (JDG, TES, Gen.G’s LPL team, LNG, WBG, etc.). There is no room for complacency.
International Competition: While BLG proved its mettle internationally in 2023, defeating Korean powerhouses remains a key challenge, particularly T1, who denied them the Worlds title. Consistently performing at international events like MSI and Worlds against the best from Korea (LCK), Europe (LEC), and North America (LCS) is paramount.
Player Burnout and Roster Stability: The demanding schedule of professional esports, especially in the LPL, can lead to player burnout. Maintaining roster stability while ensuring players remain motivated and healthy is a constant balancing act. Integrating new star players like Knight also requires careful management of team dynamics.
Meta Shifts: League of Legends is constantly evolving with patches and meta shifts. BLG needs strong coaching staff and adaptable players to stay ahead of the curve and adjust their strategies effectively.
Managing Expectations: After their 2023 breakthrough and 2024 LPL title, expectations for BLG are incredibly high. The pressure to consistently win domestic titles and secure international championships (MSI, Worlds) is immense, both from the organization and the passionate fanbase.
Developing Valorant Presence: Building a championship-contending team in the VCT China league requires time, strategic investment, and effective talent development in a relatively new regional ecosystem for Tier 1 play.

Future Outlook & Ambitions:

Winning International Titles: The clear, primary goal for BLG’s LoL division is to win MSI and, ultimately, the World Championship. Having reached the finals of both, capturing these trophies is the next logical step and the ultimate measure of success.
Sustained LPL Dominance: BLG aims to establish an era of dominance within the LPL, consistently winning domestic titles and solidifying their position as the region’s leading team.
Building a Valorant Powerhouse: BLG intends to become a major force in VCT China and compete for international Valorant trophies, replicating their success in LoL within the tactical shooter scene.
Strengthening the BLG Brand Globally: While well-known in China and increasingly recognized internationally, BLG aims to further grow its global brand recognition and fanbase, leveraging Bilibili’s platform and competitive success.
Continued Synergy with Bilibili: Expect BLG to continue leveraging its unique relationship with Bilibili for content creation, fan engagement, and strategic alignment, potentially exploring further integrations between the esports team and the broader entertainment platform.
Potential Expansion: Depending on the esports landscape’s evolution, BLG might consider expanding into other promising titles in the future, aligning with Bilibili’s broader gaming interests.

The future for Bilibili Gaming looks bright but challenging. They possess the resources, the talent (especially in LoL), the platform, and the ambition to achieve their lofty goals. Their journey represents the cutting edge of modern esports – where digital entertainment giants build global contenders. The coming years will reveal if they can translate their current momentum into a lasting dynasty.

10. Joining the Cheering Squad: How to Follow BLG

Want to keep up with Bilibili Gaming’s matches, news, and content? Here’s how:

Official Website & Platform:
- Bilibili: The primary hub. Follow BLG’s official account (Bilibili Gaming) on the Bilibili platform (bilibili.com or the app) for match broadcasts (often with unique commentary tracks), player streams, vlogs, announcements, and community interaction. This is the most direct way to engage with the team in its native environment.
Social Media:
- Weibo: BLG maintains an active official account on Sina Weibo (weibo.com/blgesports), China’s largest microblogging platform. This is often the first place for official announcements, match results, and fan engagement within the Chinese social media sphere.
- Twitter/X: BLG usually has an official Twitter account (@BLG_Esports or similar) providing updates in English for international fans, including match schedules, results, and major news. The Hangzhou Spark also maintained active English social media.
Esports News & Broadcast Platforms:
- League of Legends: Follow the official LPL broadcasts on platforms like Twitch (LPL Official Channel) and YouTube (LoL Esports) for English coverage of their matches. Websites like Leaguepedia (lol.fandom.com) provide detailed stats, match history, and roster information.
- Valorant: Follow the official VCT China broadcasts (channels to be confirmed via official Valorant Esports sources) and Valorant esports news sites like VLR.gg for schedules, results, and stats.
- General Esports News Sites: Websites like Dexerto, Dot Esports, Upcomer, and ONE Esports often cover major BLG news and match results across different titles.
Community Forums:
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/LeagueOfLegends and r/ValorantCompetitive often have discussions about BLG matches, players, and news. There might also be dedicated fan communities.
- Chinese Forums: Platforms like NGA.cn and Tieba Baidu have large communities discussing LPL and BLG in Chinese.

By following these channels, you can stay informed about BLG’s journey, cheer for them during matches, and engage with fellow fans. Whether you’re drawn by their connection to Bilibili, their explosive LoL playstyle, or their presence in other games, BLG offers a compelling story to follow in the dynamic world of esports.

Conclusion: The Rising Force of Bilibili Gaming

Bilibili Gaming is more than just an esports team; it’s the competitive embodiment of a cultural phenomenon. Born from the vast digital ecosystem of Bilibili Inc., BLG has rapidly transformed from a newcomer into a global powerhouse, particularly on the League of Legends stage. Fueled by significant resources, a passionate built-in fanbase rooted in ACG culture, and a relentless drive for victory, BLG has carved out a distinct identity in the crowded esports landscape.

Their journey has been one of ambition, learning, and spectacular breakthroughs. From the calculated risks of signing veteran stars to the triumphant success built on synergistic teamwork and young talent, BLG’s story is a microcosm of the dynamism inherent in top-tier esports. The near misses of 2023 only seemed to fuel their determination, culminating in their first LPL title in 2024 and cementing their status as a team capable of challenging for any trophy.

With a superteam roster in League of Legends aiming for international glory, a burgeoning presence in Valorant, and the unwavering backing of its parent company, Bilibili Gaming stands poised on the cusp of potentially defining an era. They represent the fusion of entertainment, culture, and competition that characterizes modern esports. Whether you’re a long-time follower or just discovering them now, BLG is undoubtedly an organization to watch – a vibrant, ambitious force shaping the future of competitive gaming. Their story is still being written, and the next chapters promise even more electrifying action and high-stakes drama.