KPL Stages a “Revenge Battle” as Chongqing Wolves Face Guangzhou TTG Again After Three Years

At 18:00 on September 12, a “revenge battle” will take place at Xiamen Olympic Sports Center Phoenix Gymnasium, with Chongqing Wolves facing Guangzhou TTG. On September 10, 2023, Chongqing Wolves lost 2-4 to Guangzhou TTG in the KPL Summer Split final, helping Guangzhou TTG secure the first championship in its history. After that matchup, Guangzhou TTG fell into a slump and only returned to the final stage this year, while Chongqing Wolves waited three years for this opportunity at “revenge.”

Chongqing Wolves will face Guangzhou TTG in the KPL Summer Split final. Image source: official King Pro League Weibo account

“Suffered a major setback” after the previous matchup

In 2023, Chongqing Wolves not only won the KPL Spring Split championship but also performed strongly in the Summer Split regular season, finishing first in Group S with a 4-1 record. Combined with their clear advantage over Guangzhou TTG in their regular-season meetings, Chongqing Wolves were considered favorites for the Summer Split title at the time.

However, in that final, “Xiaopang,” the tactical core of Chongqing Wolves, was repeatedly targeted by opponents and suffered multiple unexpected deaths. Wolves’ marksman “Yaodao” was also limited by the opposing strategy, and Chongqing Wolves eventually lost 2-4.

After that match, both Chongqing Wolves and Guangzhou TTG suffered major setbacks. Chongqing Wolves experienced fluctuations in form, reaching finals seven times and winning three championships (the 2023 Challenger Cup, the 2024 KPL Spring Split, and the 2026 Challenger Cup). Guangzhou TTG did not reach another KPL final for three years, so many fans view this meeting between the two teams as a “revenge battle.”

It is worth noting that Chongqing Wolves set up a second viewing venue at the Wolves Competition Center in Bishan for this match. Tickets sold out among fans just four minutes after going on sale. A Wolves fan, Ms. Li, said: “Since Chongqing Wolves won the 2024 KPL Spring Split championship, the team has not won a KPL title for two years. I hope they can return to glory this time.”

Frequent exchanges between players of the two teams

Guangzhou TTG’s run to the final received significant help from jungler “Xiaopang,” who was loaned from Chongqing Wolves. Before the match, there were also discussions that Guangzhou TTG’s club hoped to earn enough funds to buy out “Xiaopang.”

In fact, Guangzhou TTG and Chongqing Wolves have a good relationship with frequent player exchanges. Previously, Chongqing Wolves support player “Fanfan” and mid laner “Xiangyu” both transferred to Guangzhou TTG. Among Chongqing Wolves’ current main lineup, top laner “Qingqing,” mid laner “Zihuan,” and marksman “Daozai” were all previously Guangzhou TTG players. In Guangzhou TTG’s lineup, top laner “Luobo” previously played for Chongqing Wolves, while jungler “Xiaopang” is on loan from Chongqing Wolves. For fans of these players, the match may bring mixed emotions.

The reporter also learned that unlike the Chinese Super League, the KPL does not have a “recusal clause” for loaned players. As a result, this match will feature Chongqing Wolves jungler “Wanwan” competing on the same stage as loaned jungler “Xiaopang.”

Reporter Zhao Yingji