Bilibili Gaming are the First Stand 2026 Champions

After a three year drought, China is on the international board once again.

There were twists and surprises along the way but in the end, China is back on top as Bilibili Gaming are the First Stand 2026 champions, defeating rivals G2 Esports, 3-1, to win their first international trophy.

🏆 @BILIBILIGAMING ARE THE 2026 FIRST STAND CHAMPIONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3yGQ0Wbz4Y
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) March 22, 2026

As China’s first seed, a lot of expectations were on Bilibili’s shoulders. Their consistent podium finishes in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) and even their deep runs at international tournaments have made them real threats to South Korea’s League of Legends dominance. There were some initial worries after their close match against FEARX, but after that they were back in dominant form.

G2 on the other hand were already looking strong. Outside of getting swept by Bilibili in the group stage, they were handing sweeps themselves the entire tournament. Their biggest bombshell however was their clean 3-0 against LCK champions Gen.G in the semifinals. With EMEA proving that they have what it takes to overthrow South Korea’s kings, emotions were running high that they might be the First Stand 2026 champions.

The First of Many: Bilibili Gaming are the First Stand 2026 Champions — Park “Viper” Do-hyeon is the first back-to-back First Stand champion after winning the previous year with Hanwha Life Esports. (Photo Credit: Bruno Alvares / Riot Games)

Unfortunately, G2 has a historically bad matchup against Chinese teams. Everyone still remembers the heartbreak of 2019 Worlds where they were swept by FunPlus Phoenix in the grand finals, and while it wasn’t that bad this time around, the result was still the same. G2 made them work for it, but Bilibili claimed First Stand 2026 after a 3-1 series.

Generational Bomb Out

Speaking of notorious international performances, Gen.G tripped their way out of another international tournament once again. The team has long been accused of being international chokers but this recent result might be the tipping point.

Gen.G were undefeated in their run through the LCK Cup 2026 and First Stand 2026. Prior to their encounter with G2, everyone thought they were a shoe-in as the First Stand 2026 champions. However, the 0-3 loss against G2 didn’t even look close, and one has to wonder if their infamous reputation is actually getting to the heads of their players.

At least China, and EMRA to certain extent, can be happy that they can still challenge South Korea for an international title.

Banner image from Bruno Alvares / Riot Games.