The final match of the 2021 Worlds Regional Qualifiers in LCK between T1 and Hanwha Life Esports did not attract much attention from the international gaming community, as both teams were already guaranteed a spot in Europe this year. However, for both T1 and HLE, this match was still critically important, as the winning team would secure a place in the group stage, while the losing team would face additional challenges by having to compete in the Play-in.
T1 was considered the stronger team, but HLE continued to show how much they were on the rise. Although Faker and his teammates quickly took a 2-0 lead, Chovy and his friends fought back fiercely to equalize at 2-2. The match went to a fifth game, and only after a successful team fight did T1 officially determine the outcome.
The playoff stage and the tense Regional Qualifiers have left players from both teams showing clear signs of fatigue. However, the result of this final satisfied both sides, as both T1 and HLE had accomplished their goals.
With a 3-2 victory over HLE, T1 will head to Worlds as the third seed from LCK, securing a slot straight into the group stage, while HLE will begin their journey at their first international tournament from the Play-in.
