On January 14 at 11:00 UTC+2, Royal Never Give UP will face FunPlus Phoenix in the group stage of LPL Split 1 2025. The match will be played in a best-of-5 format. We have analyzed the current team situations and made a prediction on the match outcome.

Current Form of the Teams

Royal Never Give Up

RNG is starting the 2025 season with an entirely new roster. Once a great tag, the team's results have deteriorated over time. Now the organization has decided on radical changes, replacing the entire roster. The main focus is on young players who are just beginning their journey on the professional stage. This match will be their first serious test, after which the team's potential and prospects for the new season can be assessed.

FunPlus Phoenix

FPX enters the new season in a similar situation—their roster is also completely renewed. The team's star will be the jungler Shadow, who, despite his youth, has already gained some experience in the LPL. Like RNG, FPX is focusing on finding young Chinese talent, highlighting a common trend in the region. However, how successful this strategy will prove to be will only become clear after the first matches.

Match Prediction

Both teams are in a formative stage, and their performance will largely depend on how quickly the players adapt to the professional scene and synchronize with each other. RNG, despite their inexperience, may showcase a commendable game thanks to their fresh approach and absence of pressure. On the other hand, FPX may rely on Shadow as a leader capable of stabilizing the team's game.

The match is likely to be tense and unpredictable, with a chance to see unconventional strategies and risky moves from both sides. However, Shadow's experience might be a decisive factor, giving FPX a slight advantage.

Prediction: FunPlus Phoenix to win 3:2.

LPL 2025 Split 1 will be played in a group stage and playoff format. The tournament features 16 teams, divided into 4 groups of 4 teams based on the results of the spring and summer splits of 2024. A quota for First Stand 2025 is at stake. You can find all the information about the tournament through this link.