KWC at EWC 26 Champion: Kuaishou Gaming topple AG.AL

In front of a packed crowd, with a loud AG.AL majority behind them, KSG overcame the odds to defeat a reigning champion that had known nothing but victory for the past three years.

AG.AL started the series with the aggression they had become known for, opening with ganks and dramatic roaming plays from Meng "Shuai" Jiajun. KSG weathered the early storm, with Zhang "LiuLang" Heng anchoring the mid lane on Garuda Khageswara. After absorbing AG.AL’s pressure, KSG found their opening and secured the first game of the Grand Final.

Level playing field

With momentum on their side, KSG took the initiative in game two, using early pressure in the mid lane to force AG.AL out of their jungle and establish vision control. Despite KSG dictating the pace, AG.AL struck back when Shuai stole the Shadow Tyrant at the crucial 10-minute mark. After a 22-minute battle, Chen "Zoe" Jiahao secured the Tempest Dragon to close out the game and level the series at 1-1.

KSG refused to let game three become another endurance test, closing it out in just 13 minutes. But that decisiveness backfired in game four, as uncharacteristic mistakes, including overstaying on low health in lane, allowed AG.AL to respond and tie the series at 2-2.

Neither team could find a lasting edge. AG.AL deployed a poke composition in game five to slowly wear KSG down in a battle of attrition, but KSG answered in game six with aggressive teamfighting to force a decisive seventh game.

The Ultimate Battle

With everything tied at 3-3, it was time for the Ultimate Battle. Coaches were called to the stage to lock in their picks without knowing what the opposing team had selected, creating a blind draft with no tactical advantage for either side. On an even playing field, KSG secured the decisive victory, ending AG.AL’s run in an epic Grand Final.

After the match, jungler He "JuHao" Weijia was named the Sony MVP. His aggression and crucial smites played a key role in KSG’s victory. When asked if he expected to be named MVP, JuHao said it had never crossed his mind: "All I was thinking during the game was how to win. That’s the only thing I thought about." Alongside the honor, JuHao received a $25,000 MVP prize.

Club Championship points secured

KSG’s victory earned the club $600,000 and 1,000 Club Championship points. AG.AL finished with $360,000 and 750 Club Championship points, but its Tekken 8 victory gives the club enough points to take the lead in the Club Championship race.