The 2025 season of the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) kicked off with a bang, as Gen.G Esports dominated Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) in a crushing 2-0 series.
This match, which seemed poised to be a thrilling rematch of the highly anticipated Summer 2024 Finals, turned out to be anything but, with Gen.G showcasing their complete dominance from start to finish.
Despite the hype surrounding Zeus’s highly anticipated debut for Hanwha Life, and the similarity in team compositions, Gen.G proved to be in a class of their own. The reigning favorites of the LCK not only won but did so in commanding fashion, leaving no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with as the season unfolds.
A Quick 2-0 Sweep: Gen.G’s Absolute Control
From the first minute, it was clear that Gen.G had come prepared. The first game ended in just 29 minutes, followed by a swift 23-minute victory in the second. The domination was evident, and even though Zeus was expected to make an impact for Hanwha Life, he struggled to find his footing in the series.
His performance on Ambessa and Ornn failed to match the expectations fans had for his transition from T1, further exacerbating Hanwha Life’s struggles.
Ruler, Gen.G’s ADC, was on fire, proving that his return to the LCK is no fluke. His impeccable positioning and decision-making were key in securing both victories, and he was undoubtedly one of the standout players of the series. But he wasn’t alone in the spotlight.
Image via LCK.
Gen.G’s Masterclass: Chovy, Canyon, and Kiin
- Chovy, Gen.G’s midlaner, was flawless throughout the series, applying immense pressure on Hanwha Life’s mid-lane and delivering when it mattered most. His control of the game’s tempo made it difficult for Hanwha Life to execute any substantial plays.
- Canyon, the LCK’s best jungler, continued his legacy as one of the top players in the region, his jungle pathing and decision-making were on full display, enabling Gen.G to stay ahead in objectives and fights.
- Kiin in the top lane was a force to be reckoned with, displaying a level of dominance that has him primed to become one of the best top laners in the LCK.
Image via LCK.
Hanwha Life: A Poor Showing
On the other hand, Hanwha Life’s roster, despite all their potential, fell short in this matchup. Aside from Zeus, none of the other players had a standout performance. Every member of the team finished the series with a negative KDA, which speaks volumes about how badly they were outplayed by Gen.G.
Despite the pressure on Zeus, who is expected to lead the charge for his new team, it’s clear that the transition from T1 to Hanwha Life will take some time. His underwhelming performance against a superior Gen.G squad shows the difficulty of adapting to a new environment and new team dynamics.
Image via LCK.
Gen.G’s Strong Start to 2025
With this 2-0 victory, Gen.G has not only proven themselves as the team to beat in the LCK but also taken an early lead in the standings. They now sit solo at the top of the league, with Hanwha Life and T1 trailing behind.
Gen.G’s victory was made even sweeter by the fact that T1 suffered an unexpected loss to Dplus KIA, further cementing Gen.G’s spot as the frontrunner for the 2025 LCK season.
Conclusion
Gen.G’s 2-0 victory over Hanwha Life Esports has sent a clear message: they are the team to beat in the LCK 2025 season. Their well-rounded performance across all roles shows their superiority, and with such a strong start, they will surely be the team to watch in the upcoming matches.
As for Hanwha Life, the struggles are evident, and while Zeus has a lot of room to grow, it remains to be seen if the team can recover and compete at the top level.
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