BLG Signs Toplaner Flandre, Demotes Wenbo

BLG is getting its third toplaner in two weeks: Flandre will join the roster and reunite with former teammate Viper. Let’s explore everything to know about the move, including what it means for the LPL.

BLG Signs Flandre

On August 9, 2026, Chinese org Bilibili Gaming (BLG) announced it had signed Li “Flandre” Xuanjun to its League of Legends team. Flandre, known for his Worlds 2021, will serve as a toplaner. He replaces previous pick Yang “Wenbo” Wenbo, who faces demotion back to BLG’s Junior academy team after several months of competition.

Wenbo had stepped in for Chen “Bin” Zebin, who is on hiatus due to health issues. Bin noted in a July 21 Weibo post that (translated from the original Chinese) ‘Recently, my whole condition is not very good … after communicating with the team, I will temporarily leave the stadium to rest and adjust.”

Flandre will be the team’s 3rd toplaner in just two weeks.

Welcome to BLG, Flandre!
Let’s write a new chapter on the Rift.#BLGWIN pic.twitter.com/IuBkc0mGHC

— Bilibili Gaming (@BilibiliGaming) August 9, 2026

The team wrote about the move on X.com, “Welcome to BLG, Flandre! Let’s write a new chapter on the Rift.”

Another Weibo post expressed gratitude to the pro for choosing to represent the BLG. The team noted his lengthy LPL experience, and praised his positive personality.

Flandre has played competitively in the LPL circuit for over a decade. He has previous experience on rival orgs JD Gaming and EDward Gaming. Most recently, he played on Anyone’s Legend for two years. The toplaner has also participated in three Worlds events, winning Worlds 2021 with EDG.

What Does This Mean for the Team?

BLG has proven to be a fierce opponent in recent years. Despite the toplane roster mix-ups, its 2026 season is no different. BLG remains one of the strongest contenders in the current competitive sphere. The team took first place at First Stand in March. Then, they swept through LPL Split 1 and 2 with flying colors. A 2nd place at MSI to LCK foe Hanwha Life Esports continued this string of placements.

Will BLG Make It to Worlds 2026?

BLG is now progressing through LPL Split 3, which will span until mid-September. The tourney’s winner will automatically qualify to Worlds 2026, so the stakes are high. That said, BLG is sitting in a great spot and a Worlds qualification is looking increasingly likely.

Even if they don’t win the Split, they sit at the top of the LPL Championship Points leaderboard. At the time of writing, there is a 20-point gap between BLG and the second-highest team, Top Esports. BLG also sits at a 7:1 Group Stage record, holding recent 2:0 sweep victories against EDward Gaming and Top Esports. They will likely progress to the Playoffs if they keep this performance up.

Flandre and Viper Reunite

Notably, Flandre and BLG Botlaner Viper have competed together before. This transfer will reunite them. The duo occupied slots on EDward Gaming’s 2020-2022 lineup, with two Worlds qualifications, a win, and much success. Flandre’s singing brings existing team chemistry that will likely help BLG stabilize after the recent roster changes.

It also keeps the org in top form for Worlds-level competition by bringing in more international experience. Wenbo’s performance has kept BLG’s pace going strong, and the industry is taking note. However, as the academy team stand-in has only a few years of competitive history, BLG likely sees Flandre as a more viable Worlds contender.

Stay tuned for more League of Legends esports and in-game news.