Bilibili Gaming have signed Li “Flandre” Xuanjun ahead of the LPL Split 3 playoffs. The 2021 world champion joins BLG after Bin stepped away from the lineup, with Wenbo filling in at top lane during his absence.
Flandre joins BLG before the roster lock
BLG confirmed Flandre's arrival on August 9, ending a period of uncertainty around their top lane. The move comes after Chen “Bin” Ze-Bin stepped away from the starting lineup at the beginning of Split 3, with academy player Yang “Wenbo” Wen-Bo filling the role.
Bin remains with BLG after stepping away from competition to rest, but there is no confirmed date for his return. Flandre therefore gives BLG another option in the top lane while Bin is away.
Wenbo's performances helped BLG remain competitive during the split, but Flandre now provides the roster with a veteran who has already experienced the highest level of international competition. The signing also reunites Flandre with Park “Viper” Do-hyeon, his former EDward Gaming teammate from the 2021 World Championship-winning roster.
Why Flandre is an important addition for BLG
Flandre offers a different profile from Bin. Rather than relying on the top side as a primary source of pressure, Flandre has built much of his reputation around stable laning, weakside play and a broad pool of team-oriented picks. That could give BLG another way to distribute resources around Knight and Viper.
The LPL English Podcast's latest episode also discussed the move, with the panel examining whether Flandre could function alongside Bin in a larger top-lane rotation. The discussion highlighted the potential value of having two contrasting approaches available, particularly for a BLG roster already built around several elite carry threats.
The podcast discussion also praised Wenbo's contribution during his time in the lineup, while noting that Flandre's experience could give BLG greater flexibility as the team prepares for best-of-five matches.
Flandre brings a world championship pedigree
Flandre enters BLG with a World Championship title already on his résumé. He won Worlds 2021 with EDward Gaming, where he played alongside Viper during the organization's championship run.
Flandre and Viper are teammates again, five years after winning Worlds together with EDward Gaming. This time, the two will look to help BLG through the LPL playoffs.
BLG's top lane changes the playoff picture
BLG have already established themselves as one of the LPL's leading teams, but the timing of the signing makes the move particularly significant. Split 3 results will influence the region's path toward the 2026 World Championship, making every playoff series increasingly important.
| Player | Role | Key profile |
|---|---|---|
| Flandre | Top lane | Veteran, weakside-oriented, 2021 World Champion |
| Bin | Top lane | Elite carry threat and former BLG starter |
| Wenbo | Top lane | Academy player who stepped in during Split 3 |
Flandre's arrival does not necessarily erase Bin's importance to the team, but it gives BLG another experienced player who can fit a lower-resource style. That flexibility could become particularly valuable in a best-of-five environment.
Flandre's arrival does not mean Bin has left BLG. Bin remains with the team and is expected to return, with Flandre providing another option in the top lane. The two players could therefore share playing time during the remainder of the season.
The official LoL Esports competition pages provide the wider tournament context, while the LPL stage information tracks the current competitive schedule.
Flandre expected to debut against JD Gaming
Flandre is expected to make his BLG debut on Wednesday, August 12, when BLG face JD Gaming. The matchup should provide an immediate test of how quickly the veteran top laner can integrate into a roster featuring Knight, Viper and ON.
The result will also offer the first competitive indication of whether BLG can translate the roster change into an advantage as the team heads toward the playoff stage.
Frequently asked questions about Flandre joining BLG
Who is Flandre?
Flandre is the League of Legends top laner Li “Flandre” Xuanjun. He is best known internationally for winning the 2021 World Championship with EDward Gaming.
When did Flandre join BLG?
BLG officially announced Flandre's signing on August 9, 2026, shortly before the LPL Split 3 roster deadline.
Who did Flandre replace at BLG?
Flandre joins after Bin stepped away from the starting lineup. Wenbo had been filling the top-lane position during Split 3.
Has Flandre won Worlds?
Yes. Flandre won the 2021 World Championship with EDward Gaming.
When is Flandre expected to debut for BLG?
Flandre is expected to make his debut against JD Gaming on August 12, 2026.
What does Flandre bring to BLG?
Flandre gives BLG veteran experience and a more weakside-oriented top-lane option, potentially allowing the team to allocate more resources toward its other star players.
A new chapter for BLG's top lane
Flandre's arrival gives BLG an experienced world champion at a critical point in the LPL season. His first match against JD Gaming should reveal how quickly the new lineup can settle, while the coming playoff matches will determine whether the change can strengthen BLG's push toward another international appearance.
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