T1 Reverse Sweeps HLE In Thrilling LCK Cup Opener

The 2026 LCK Cup group stage promised fireworks, and it certainly delivered as T1 staged a dramatic reverse sweep over Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) on January 16, 2026. In a best-of-three League of Legends showdown that had fans glued to their screens, T1 turned the tables after a tough opening loss, storming back to win the series 2-1. This clash was more than just another match—it marked the first time Worlds 2025 Finals MVP Lee ‘Gumayusi’ Min-hyeong faced his former T1 teammates in LCK competition, adding a layer of intrigue and emotion to an already heated rivalry.

Heading into the contest, anticipation ran high. Both squads were coming off eventful 2025 seasons: HLE had started strong by clinching the First Stand tournament, while T1 overcame early struggles to capture the ultimate prize, the 2025 League of Legends World Championship. The off-season saw significant roster shakeups, with HLE acquiring two former T1 stars—Zeus and Gumayusi—further fueling the narrative for this early-season showdown.

Bookmakers and analysts alike pegged T1 as the favorites, with odds at 1.53 to win and predictions leaning towards a full three-game series. The teams’ recent statistics painted a picture of a close contest: HLE boasted a 70% map win rate and a 70% first tower rate, while T1 countered with an impressive 80% first blood rate and a 65% map win rate. The stage was set for a battle of titans, with the added spice of former teammates squaring off on opposite sides of Summoner’s Rift.

Game 1 set the tone for a rollercoaster series. T1, despite carving out marginal laning leads—especially through Choi ‘Doran’ Hyeon-joon and the ever-reliable Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok—struggled to convert their advantages into objective control. HLE, with Gumayusi leading the charge in bot lane, played a patient yet calculated game. "T1 had played the entire opening phase of the game with little regard to objectives, lagging behind by two dragons and three grubs," noted one analyst. That lack of focus around the map’s key points would prove costly.

The turning point came as HLE secured crucial objectives: two dragons, three grubs, and eventually the Baron and Ocean Soul. Although T1 managed a late surge—thanks in large part to Faker’s Ryze, who "output incredible damage to vanquish HLE from the T1 base in a 4-1 teamfight win"—the Worlds champions were caught out of position as the Elder Dragon spawned. HLE’s Delight expertly delayed T1’s engagement, allowing HLE to secure the Elder and then sweep through T1, demolishing the Nexus to take a 1-0 series lead. The message was clear: HLE, with Gumayusi at the helm, were not to be underestimated.

But you know T1—never count them out. Game 2 saw a revitalized squad take the Rift, and it was Faker who set the tone early. Playing Sylas, Faker "secured a double-kill only four minutes into the contest, taking Kanavi’s Wukong and Delight’s Rakan in a risky engagement for both teams." This early aggression shifted momentum firmly in T1’s favor, with Oner and Zeus capitalizing on the advantage. HLE, perhaps rattled by the swift turnaround, misjudged the next engagement around the second Drake, losing the fight 3-1 and surrendering the Drake to T1.

From there, T1 never looked back. They pressed their lead, with Faker and Ryu ‘Keria’ Min-seok kiting HLE around the map. HLE simply couldn’t find a foothold. T1 secured the Dragon Soul uncontested, and Faker capped off a commanding performance with a 9/2/6 record. As the teams reset for the deciding game, the momentum had swung decisively in T1’s direction.

Game 3, as is tradition in Fearless draft formats, brought out the surprises. Doran shocked many by locking in Akali for the top lane, while T1 floated Azir for Zeka. It was a bold move, but it paid off in spades. Faker and Oner, on their comfort picks of Nocturne and Orianna, punished Zeka’s Azir early, while Doran’s Akali contained HLE’s Rek’Sai and contributed heavily in teamfights. By the 14-minute mark, T1 had built a 4,000 gold lead and were up 7-1 in kills—a dominant showing by any measure.

HLE’s composition, for all its tactical intentions, looked toothless against T1’s relentless aggression. Doran, in particular, was on fire, "delivering the kind of mechanics usually seen in ADCs" and finishing with a 9/3/10 statline. HLE tried to claw their way back, but every skirmish seemed to end with T1 pushing further ahead. As the match wore on, it became apparent that T1 were not just playing for the win—they were making a statement to the rest of the LCK.

For HLE, the loss stings, especially after such a promising start and the emotional weight of Gumayusi’s reunion with his old squad. The team’s new look, featuring Kanavi in the jungle and Gumayusi as ADC, shows potential, but communication gaps and growing pains were evident—something that will need to be addressed as the season progresses. As one betting analyst observed, "Kanavi still seems to be familiarizing himself with his new team, seemingly resulting in communication gaps between the jungler and his new teammates."

On the other side, T1’s victory reinforces their status as the team to beat, both domestically and internationally. With a settled roster and the confidence of reigning world champions, T1 demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a flair for the dramatic. Faker’s leadership and Doran’s breakout performance on Akali will be talking points for weeks to come.

As the dust settles on this epic encounter, one thing is certain: the LCK Cup group stage has thrown down the gauntlet. T1’s reverse sweep over HLE not only dents HLE’s early ambitions but also sets the stage for a season of fierce rivalries and unforgettable moments. For now, T1 fans can savor the sweet taste of victory, while HLE regroups and looks to bounce back stronger in their next outing. The battle lines are drawn, and the 2026 LCK season is officially underway—what a way to start!