Bilibili Gaming has signed Wenbo as its new top laner for the upcoming LPL Split 3, replacing Bin. The roster change comes as crypto sponsorships continue to gain traction across China's esports landscape, with more teams and leagues exploring partnerships with digital asset firms.
Wenbo in, Bin out
Wenbo steps into the role as Bilibili Gaming prepares for the next split. Bin, who had been a key part of the roster, is out. The team didn't disclose terms of the deal, but the swap signals a fresh direction for the lineup. Bilibili Gaming is one of the more prominent organizations in the LPL, and roster moves like this often draw attention from fans and sponsors alike.
Why crypto sponsorships are growing
Across the LPL and other Chinese esports leagues, crypto brands have become regular sponsors. They offer jersey patches, streaming integrations, and prize pool contributions. The trend mirrors a broader global shift, but in China it carries additional regulatory nuance — the government has sent mixed signals on crypto, but esports sponsorships have largely been allowed to proceed. Teams are increasingly open to deals that bring in revenue and tech-savvy audiences.
What this means for the scene
Wenbo's signing isn't directly tied to crypto, but it happens in a context where crypto money is flowing into esports. Bilibili itself is a platform with deep ties to gaming and digital assets — its parent company has invested in blockchain projects. As LPL Split 3 approaches, the league will likely see more announcements of crypto-backed partnerships. For now, the roster change is a reminder that the business of esports is evolving, both on and off the Rift.
Bilibili Gaming will debut its new lineup in the opening matches of LPL Split 3, scheduled to start next month. The team's first test comes then — and the crypto-sponsorship trend in Chinese esports isn't slowing down.
