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- Image of Worlds 25, Courtesy of Riot Games

World Championship 2025 AL Preview: From Underdogs to Giants

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By Devin Morris | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 1:44 PM ET

Anyone’s Legend came out of nowhere this year to ascend to the top of the LPL. At various points in 2025, they have been the best Chinese team and have competed with the likes of T1 and GenG at international events, and can go all the way at the World Championship. They slumped after returning to the LPL for Split 3, but seemed to recover some form in the Playoffs. If they are back at their Split 2 and MSI form, can they go all the way and prevent a Korean team from winning the World Championship for the fourth straight year?

Anyone’s Legend Roster

Li “Flandre” Xuanjun – Chinese Top Laner
Lee “Tarzan” Seung-yong – Korean Jungler
Cui “Shanks” Xiaojun – Chinese Mid Laner
Wang “Hope” Jie – Chinese Bot Laner
Kim “Kael” Jin-hong – Korean Support
Wong “Tabe” Pak-kan – Hong Kongese Head Coach

Anyone’s Legend started the year by changing two players from last year’s roster. Flandre and Tarzan replaced Hu “Ale” Jiale and Kim “Croco” Dong-beom, respectively. The roster has not changed throughout the year. Their mid-laner, Shanks, is under a microscope after videos of him sexually harassing and threatening to kill a girl emerged from a livestream. Riot has taken no action against him as of yet.

AL’s Road to Worlds

At the beginning of the year, not many expected AL to be one of the best teams in the LPL. They finished second and first in Splits 1 and 2, respectively. At MSI, they were the third-best team, losing 3-2 to both GenG Esports and T1. They finished second at EWC, losing another series 3-2 to GenG. Upon their return to the LPL, the quick turnover meant they would struggle for the majority of the Regular Season. They stumbled to fourth place in the Regular Season.

Further disappointment would ensue as they lost 3-2 to Weibo Gaming in the first round. That loss would be what they needed to regain some form as they stormed through the Lower Bracket, losing one game in three series. They met their end against Top Esports, losing 3-1. However, due to the Championship Points they garnered throughout the year, they qualified for the World Championship as the LPL second seed.

From Draft Dominance to Being Stuck

Image from League of Legends courtesy of Riot Games

One of the reasons why AL managed to become a powerhouse in the international scene was their drafting. They always managed to find wins in the draft, mainly thanks to their coach, Tabe. However, since returning to the LPL, their drafts have not progressed, and they seem to be stuck in the meta from earlier this year. Their draft priorities do not match what other teams have preferred in the latter half of the year.

Towards the end of the playoffs, AL managed to catch up with the times a bit, and they helped them to go on a dominant Lower Bracket run. With multiple patches occurring between the end of LPL Playoffs and the World Championship, can AL adapt to the new meta and become a draft powerhouse?

Tarzan is the Linch Pin

Tarzan is the engine behind the AL roster. He has been considered as one of, if not the best, jungler in the world at multiple points throughout the year. Despite AL dropping off in performance during Split 3, he managed to maintain his form throughout and get them to the World Championship. He kept AL afloat during their struggle period. As the facilitator, the meta suits Tarzan, with the meta not shifting away from AD fighter junglers. If AL wants to stop the Korean dominance at international competitions, they will need Tarzan to be at his best to take down their opposition at the World Championship.

Expectations

AL is one of two Chinese teams that many expect to challenge the LCK at the World Championship. We have seen them nearly beat the LCK on numerous occasions this year. While they are coming off a weak split, the potential is there for this team. At a minimum, this roster should make the top four, unless they get a horrible draw in the quarterfinals.

Upcoming Journey

AL begins the World Championship in the Swiss Stage in Pool 2. The teams they could meet in the first round are: Hanwha Life, Movistar KOI, Vivo Keyd Stars, and KT Rolster (if T1 wins the Play-In match against Invictus Gaming).

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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