The news that Star Sea Team defeated Korean White Tiger 3:1 swept the globe like a hurricane.
The top ten trending topics on Weibo were once again dominated:
#StarSeaAdvancesToFinals#
#MidLanersHeroPoolUnfathomable#
#StarSeaVsSiberianBear#
#ChinaESportsRises#
The refresh rate of posts on various major forums reached a new high:
"We're in the finals! We're really in the finals!"
"Twenty different heroes used in four games, that Hero Pool is insane!"
"Siberian Bear, just wait, Star Sea is coming!"
"I'm already nervous for the finals!"
In the live stream, the screen was filled with bullet comments saying "Star Sea is awesome."
Li Rui jumped up excitedly at home and immediately sent a large red envelope in the fan group.
Post-Match Interview: Showing Grace
During the post-match interview, the Star Sea Team players behaved very humbly.
When the host asked about their thoughts on using four different lineups consecutively, Forest Wind smiled and said, "Actually, we still have many strategies we haven't shown yet."
This statement immediately became a trending topic, jokingly called by netizens "the most Versailles championship declaration."
Even more surprisingly, Machine, the mid-laner for White Tiger Team, stated in an interview with Korean media, "Star Sea Team deserves this victory; their tactical reserves exceeded our expectations."
These remarks caused an uproar on Korean forums, with many Korean fans expressing their inability to accept them.
Preparing for the Finals: Final Adjustments
In the Star Sea Team's training room, the atmosphere was both excited and tense.
"Everyone watched the BO5 between Siberian Bear and Royal Knights," the coach said seriously, "Their Hero Pool is equally unfathomable."
The data analyst handed over a thick stack of materials: "Siberian Bear used twenty-three different heroes in previous matches, and they still have many trump cards up their sleeves."
"Most importantly," Su Xiao added, "Their playstyle is more aggressive than White Tiger's, so we must be prepared for early-game pressure."
A Le rubbed his fists, "What's there to be afraid of? We even beat White Tiger, why would we be afraid of these big Russian guys?"
At the same time, in the training base of Siberian Bear, five burly men were watching recordings of Star Sea Team's matches.
"See that?" The coach pointed at the screen, "Their Bard and Kennen combo is very skilled; they must be banned."
Top laner Ivan grinned, "Let me have a go at this Dawn Break."
The jungler's eyes gleamed with excitement, "Their jungle, I'm taking it."
Grand Finals Promotional Video Released
That evening, the official promotional video for the Grand Finals was released.
In the video, the five members of Star Sea Team stood atop the Oriental Pearl Tower, with the bustling Shanghai night view behind them. Meanwhile, the members of Siberian Bear appeared on the snow-covered Siberian Plain, with majestic snow-capped mountains behind them.
The gazes of the players from both sides clashed multiple times in the video, accompanied by rousing music and exciting match highlights, building anticipation to the maximum.
"The quality of this promotional video is amazing!"
"Can't wait to watch the match!"
"Go Star Sea! Keep the trophy in China!"
Pre-Match Predictions: Diverse Opinions
Major esports media outlets worldwide offered their predictions:
A well-known North American Commentator believed, "Siberian Bear's playstyle is more aggressive. If Star Sea Team can't withstand the early pressure, they're very likely to be overwhelmed."
The European analysis desk stated, "Star Sea Team's tactical diversity is their biggest advantage. If they can play at their own pace, they have a good chance of winning."
Korean media commented sourly, "Both teams have obvious weaknesses. No matter who wins the championship, it won't change the fact that LCK is the strongest region."
These predictions sparked heated discussions on forums, with fans supporting Star Sea and Siberian Bear arguing fiercely.
Eve of the Finals: Final Preparations
On the eve of the finals, the Star Sea Team's base was brightly lit.
The players were conducting their final tactical drills, the coaching staff was repeatedly strategizing on pick-and-ban, and data analysts were updating the latest data.
"Remember," the coach looked at the players, "Win or lose, just play with your own style."
Forest Wind nodded, "We've prepared for this day for too long; we won't disappoint everyone."
At the same time, Qin Feng came to the training room.
"Play freely tomorrow's match," he looked at the players, "You have already made history. Regardless of the outcome, you are the pride of Chinese Esports."
These words greatly encouraged the players.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, the members of Siberian Bear were undergoing special relaxation training—lifting weights in the hotel gym.
"Tomorrow, let them see the power of the Battle Nation!" Ivan said proudly, lifting a barbell.
Global Attention: A Historic Moment
On the day of the finals, the Modu Esports Arena was packed with people. Fans from all over the world held up cheering signs and shouted slogans of encouragement.
The live stream's popularity reached new heights, and servers on major platforms were ready to handle the surge.
Li Rui had been waiting in front of his computer early and even wrote in his live stream title: "Witness History! Star Sea Wins the Championship!"
At the Commentator's desk, Commentator and Yaoyao were ready.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Grand Finals of the Star Sea Cup World Invitational!" Commentator's voice trembled slightly with excitement, "After a month of fierce competition, the teams finally standing on this stage are Star Sea Team from the China region and Siberian Bear from the CIS region!"
The big screen began to display player introductions, and with each name announced, the venue erupted in thunderous cheers.
When "Star Sea Team" was called out last, the sound wave throughout the entire venue reached its peak!
"We've waited for this moment for so, so long!" Yaoyao said with tears in her eyes, "Now, let us collectively witness who will become the first champion of the Star Sea Cup World Invitational!"
At the player entrance, both teams were ready to enter.
The five members of Star Sea Team stacked their hands together and shouted in unison, "Victory!"
On the other side, the members of Siberian Bear let out a roar characteristic of the Battle Nation.
A historic moment is about to arrive!