The 2:0 score sent the entire esports scene into a frenzy, but true esports fans understood that the Siberian Bear, pushed to the brink, was the most dangerous.
Weibo's trending topics once again broke records:
#XinghaiReachesMatchPoint#
#GlobalFlowUltimateShowdown#
#SiberianBearMakesItsLastStand#
#NicheHeroesAreComing#
Analysis posts on professional forums sprung up like mushrooms after rain:
"Xinghai's tactical execution in these two games was flawless."
"Siberian Bear must bring out their hidden trump cards."
"All the pressure is now on Team Bear."
"I predict we'll see unexpected champions in the next game."
At the commentary desk, Commentator and Yao Yao were conducting a professional review of the first two games.
"Let's first review the champion selections from both sides," Commentator said, bringing up the data panel. "Star Sea Team has used 10 different champions so far, and Siberian Bear has also used 10."
Yao Yao chimed in, "It's worth noting that Star Sea Team's champion pool has shown astonishing diversity. From a traditional teamfight composition in the first game to an extreme global flow in the second, their tactical reserves seem bottomless."
"As for Siberian Bear," Commentator continued his analysis, "they have also shown a strong champion pool. Especially their mid-laner, who used champion and Twisted Fate, displaying completely different styles."
The big screen showed the list of champions used by both sides:
Star Sea Team: ornn, Jarvan IV, Orianna, aphelios, leona, Shen, taliyah, pantheon, ezreal, camille
Siberian Bear: Gnar, Sejuani, Ryze, Varus, Tahm Kench, Yasuo, diana, Renekton, Nocturne, Twisted Fate, Senna
"Now both sides have a large number of champions banned," Yao Yao summarized, "the third game's pick and ban phase will further test the teams' tactical reserves."
When the players re-entered the stage, there was no longer any hesitation in the eyes of the Siberian Bear players, only a desperate resolve.
"Match point game!" Commentator's voice carried tension. "Siberian Bear has been pushed to the edge of a cliff!"
Since Star Sea Team won the second game, they had the side selection privilege in the third game and once again chose the blue side.
In the first ban phase, Star Sea Team specifically banned Irelia and Xin Zhao.
Siberian Bear, unexpectedly, banned Vayne and Tristana!
"Oh? These two ADCs are not considered meta picks," Yao Yao keenly observed. "Siberian Bear is preventing Star Sea Team's special strategies!"
In the first pick round, Star Sea Team immediately picked Zeri!
"Zeri! Xinghai secures one of the strongest ADCs in the current meta!" Commentator analyzed.
Siberian Bear immediately retaliated by picking Jinx and thresh!
"Jinx and thresh! A very strong bot lane duo!" Yao Yao nodded.
Star Sea Team then picked Gragas and Lee Sin!
"Gragas and Lee Sin! A very strong top-jungle duo!" Commentator praised.
Siberian Bear locked in Graves in the third slot!
In the second pick and ban phase, both sides continued to specifically ban several champions.
Then, Siberian Bear's fourth and fifth picks stunned the entire audience—
Fourth pick, Anivia!
Fifth pick, Udyr!
"Anivia! Udyr!" Commentator immediately stood up. "How long has it been since these champions were last seen in a professional match!"
Star Sea Team made their final two picks: Syndra and Alistar.
Final compositions:
Blue Side - Star Sea Team: Gragas, Lee Sin, Syndra, Zeri, Alistar
Red Side - Siberian Bear: Udyr, Graves, Anivia, Jinx, thresh
"Oh my god!" Yao Yao excitedly analyzed, "Siberian Bear has brought out the ultimate niche composition! Udyr and Anivia are champions that haven't appeared in top-tier competitions for over 300 days!"
In the level one skirmish, Siberian Bear immediately showcased the power of their new composition. Udyr, in Bear Stance, moved quickly, combining with thresh's hook to gain an advantage in the level one fight!
"Udyr's movement speed is too fast!" Commentator exclaimed.
At three minutes, Udyr came to the mid lane. Anivia's Ice Wall perfectly blocked the path, and with Graves' burst damage, Syndra was killed!
"First Blood!"
"Siberian Bear's niche composition is working!"
At six minutes, a 3v3 teamfight erupted in the bot lane. Udyr once again displayed astonishing movement speed, arriving in time to support the bot lane, helping Jinx secure a double kill!
"Udyr's ganking speed is terrifying!"
The subsequent game completely fell into Siberian Bear's rhythm.
Udyr's omnipresent ganks, Anivia's perfect terrain control, Graves' explosive damage, Jinx's insane output... "Siberian Bear's niche composition has produced miraculous results!" Yao Yao exclaimed.
At twenty minutes, the gold difference had already widened to five thousand!
"Is the script of 'reverse sweep from two down' going to play out again?" Li Rui watched from home, anxious.
But Star Sea Team showed their resilience.
At twenty-five minutes, near the Baron pit, Gragas's perfect Ultimate Ability knocked back three enemies! Lee Sin's Insec kick returned Jinx! Zeri, protected by Alistar, completed the cleanup!
"Team wipe! Star Sea Team has fought back!"
The game then turned into a tug-of-war. Although Siberian Bear's niche composition was strong in the early game, it gradually revealed its weaknesses in late-game teamfights.
At thirty-five minutes, during the Elder Dragon teamfight, Anivia's Ice Wall made a mistake. Star Sea Team seized the opportunity to secure a team wipe and turn the tables!
"They won! Star Sea Team won!" Commentator shouted hoarsely. "3:0! Star Sea Team sweeps Siberian Bear to win the Star Sea Cup World Invitational Championship!"
The moment Star Sea Team destroyed Siberian Bear's nexus, golden rain fell throughout the arena!
"We are the champions!" Yao Yao said, tears in her eyes. "Star Sea Team, with three brilliant victories, proved the strength of Chinese esports!"
Final champion Usage Statistics:
Star Sea Team (15 champions):
ornn, Jarvan IV, Orianna, aphelios, leona
Shen, taliyah, pantheon, ezreal, camille
Gragas, Lee Sin, Syndra, Zeri, Alistar
Siberian Bear (15 champions):
Gnar, Sejuani, Ryze, Varus, Tahm Kench
Yasuo, diana, Renekton, Nocturne, Twisted Fate, Senna
Udyr, Graves, Anivia, Jinx, thresh
"In this epic Grand Finals," Commentator concluded, "both sides used a total of 30 different champions, showcasing the infinite charm and possibilities of esports!"
On stage, the Star Sea Team members embraced tightly, basking in the golden rain. This championship was well-deserved!