Hanwha Life Esports Push GenG To Brink In Road To MSI

On June 13, 2025, the Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium became the battleground for one of the most intense showdowns in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) "Road to MSI" tournament. The 3rd round match between Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) and Gen.G was more than just a battle for bragging rights—it was a direct ticket to the coveted Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and a chance to represent the LCK on the global stage in Vancouver, Canada.

Both teams entered the arena with high stakes and strong pedigrees. Gen.G came in as the undefeated regular season champions with a flawless 18-0 record, while Hanwha Life Esports was hot on their heels with an impressive 17-1 record. The atmosphere in Busan was electric, with nearly 4,500 out of 5,500 seats filled on a weekday afternoon, and the buzz only growing as the tournament continued.

The opening set was a marathon 49-minute duel that tested the skill and endurance of both squads. Hanwha Life Esports, fielding the lineup of Zeus, Peanut, Zeka, Viper, and Delight, took an early lead, especially in the bot lane where Viper’s Varus relentlessly pressured Gen.G’s Peyz. This early advantage set the tone as HLE gradually expanded their lead through objective control and mid-lane skirmishes.

Gen.G, not to be outdone, rallied in the mid-game thanks to Chovy’s stellar Ryze play. Notably, during the Baron Nashor contest, Chovy’s quick elimination of HLE’s jungler Peanut’s Poppy shifted momentum and allowed Gen.G to claw back into contention. Yet, despite these efforts, the first set ended with Hanwha Life Esports breaking Gen.G’s undefeated streak by destroying their Nexus, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

The second set saw Gen.G switch to the blue side, opting for a composition centered around Sion and Ryze top and mid, with Trundle in the jungle and Ezreal-Karma in the bot lane. Meanwhile, Hanwha Life Esports prioritized Kalista and Renata Glasc for their bot lane, rounding out their lineup with Ahri, Jarvan IV, and Camille. From the outset, HLE’s aggressive invade attempts by Gen.G were thwarted, allowing Hanwha Life to seize control and extend their lead to a staggering 15-5 in kills.

Despite Gen.G’s attempts to mount a comeback with a successful team fight and Baron buff, Hanwha Life’s defense was impenetrable. The turning point came from Delight’s Renata Glasc, who, in tandem with Zeus’s Camille, dominated the bot lane by shutting down Chovy’s Ryze, a key player for Gen.G’s hopes. Securing the second Baron Nashor, Hanwha Life Esports surged forward, closing the set with a commanding 20-6 victory and a 2-0 match lead, putting them on the brink of MSI qualification.

Behind the scenes, the coaches’ insights shed light on the teams’ preparations and mindsets. Gen.G’s head coach Kim Jung-soo arrived in Busan on June 11 and emphasized the team’s shared dream of international victory. “All tournaments are important, but Gen.G is a team gathered with the dream of winning international tournaments,” Kim said. He acknowledged Hanwha Life’s strength, predicting a tough series with hopes for a 3-1 victory rather than a clean sweep. Kim highlighted the evolving meta, noting that LCK teams, including Gen.G, had been scrimming aggressively with LPL (Chinese) teams, absorbing their dynamic playstyles and aggressive pick-ban strategies.

Kim also praised Hanwha Life as a cohesive unit with no glaring weaknesses, focusing much of his strategy on countering their champion pools and preparing for later set pick-bans. He stressed that while top lane used to be the decisive battleground, the current meta demands excellence across all lanes. “Today is a really important match, and the players have worked very hard for the international tournament. We want to win and make our fans smile. We want to leave Busan with a smile,” he affirmed.

On the other side, Hanwha Life’s coach Choi In-gyu maintained a cautious stance regarding his team’s readiness. “We'll know after playing the first game,” he said, noting challenges in adapting to regional moves and practice environments. Choi pointed out Gen.G’s keen sense of timing and resource allocation across lanes as a key strength to be countered. His team’s focus was on exploiting these nuances to turn the tide.

The stakes of this tournament extend beyond the immediate glory. The winning team not only secures the LCK’s top seed at MSI but also earns the right to compete in the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, amplifying the global significance of this clash. The intense rivalry, strategic depth, and high-level execution on display reflect the LCK’s status as a premier League of Legends region.

Adding to the excitement, the event has drawn passionate fans who have filled the arena to near capacity, creating an electric atmosphere. LCK and its sponsors have enhanced the experience with various fan events, booths, and interactive activities, ensuring that the energy inside the venue matches the intensity on the Rift.

As the series progresses, the pressure mounts on Gen.G to recover from their first-ever loss of the season and on Hanwha Life Esports to close out the match and secure their historic first MSI appearance. With the third set underway, all eyes remain glued to Busan, where every move, every team fight, and every decision could tip the scales in this high-stakes battle for international glory.