First Stand 2026 Team Secret Whales Preview: Continuing The Fear In the LCP

• Nguyễn “Pun” Đăng Khoa – Vietnamese Top Laner
• Trần “Hiro02” Lê Trung Hậu – Vietnamese Top Laner
• Lê “Hizto” Văn Hoàng Hải – Vietnamese Jungler
• Trần “Dire” Duy Đức – Vietnamese Mid Laner
• Hoàng “Eddie” Công Nghĩa – Vietnamese Bot Laner
• Trần “Bie” Đức Hiếu – Vietnamese Support

TSW kept a majority of their roster from 2025. Pun moved to the starting position, taking it away from Hiro02. Their only roster change was bringing in Bie as the starting support. He took over from Đinh “Taki” Anh Tài, who joined GAM Esports for 2026. Most of the TSW roster qualified for the World Championship last year, where they finished 12-14th.

Pure Aggression is TSW’s Bread and Butter

Every player on TSW wants to play on the front foot. They look to take every fight that they can. The grand final against Deep Cross Gaming encapsulated their playstyle. They were willing to fight over every inch of the map. In game one of the series, both teams fought over the second Raptors’ respawn. When TSW has the lead, they will continue to push that advantage. In the LCP, which is generally bloodier than most regions, their aggression and mechanics get them over the line.

However, in international competition, that might not be enough for them to win. The other teams will rarely give them as many openings and skirmishes as teams do in the LCP. The other Eastern teams can also match them in mechanics. One team with a similar playstyle is FearX. Both will want to fight for positions. The difference being that FearX has a better sense of macro. That matchup could become pivotal if TSW gets past G2 Esports.

Ascending to CTBC Flying Oyster’s Stature

TSW had one international performance last year. It ended in disappointment as they went 1-3 in the Swiss Stage. Their final series was against Movistar KOI. On the other hand, CTBC Flying Oyster delivered exciting international performances. They won against every team except Hanwha Life Esports in the First Stand group stage. They narrowly lost to Karmine Corp in the Semi-Finals. At the Mid-Season Invitational and World Championship, they won series against high-quality Western opposition. TSW has massive shoes to fill if they want to reach the heights of CTBC Flying Oyster. The team has the potential to perform. Fortunately, they start with a more winnable series against G2 Esports.

Prediction

At the outset, TSW is the weakest team in Group A. However, that is due to the strength of their group. Being against the top seeds of each region will mean TSW must be at their best to have a chance. TSW has the potential to surprise everyone and qualify for the knockout stage. However, qualifying for the Grand Final will be more difficult. If they finish in second place, they will likely play against Gen.G Esports in the Semi-Final.

TSW’s Path to Cause Fear

TSW will play their first series against G2 Esports. A victory in that series will see them play against the winner of Bilibili Gaming and FearX. Losing to G2 Esports will put them in an elimination match against the aforementioned teams. Two wins in the group will earn qualification to the Knockout Stage. Two losses will eliminate them from the competition. Should they qualify, they will face one of the teams from Group B. The team they play will depend on the position in the group.

More First Stand Content

The articles below will provide more information on the First Stand event. Stay tuned for more previews on the teams later this week. You can expect further preview and review coverage of all the matches taking place next week.

• First Stand Details
• First Stand Roster and Schedule
• Bilibili Gaming Preview
• FearX Preview
• G2 Esports Preview