Ending the 2021 LCK Summer Split with a disastrous result and being eliminated in the group stage, Hanwha Life Esports still managed to squeeze into the CKTG Regional Qualifiers of LCK due to their high ranking in the spring split (top 4) and a bit of luck, accumulating enough Championship Points.
However, before the Regional Qualifiers began, many opinions suggested that the chances for Chovy and his teammates to reach CKTG 2021 were only theoretical, as their two direct rivals, Liiv SANDBOX and Nongshim RedForce, were both performing remarkably better. Nonetheless, the unexpected revival of the legendary marksman – Deft, has placed HLE on the cusp of writing a fairy tale.
Starting with a defeat in the very first game, HLE left viewers with a sense of “no hope,” but in the subsequent three games, the image of a team from the “spring’s top four” suddenly reappeared.
Chovy and his teammates delivered a performance showcasing determination and an unbelievable breakthrough, especially from Deft. The 25-year-old marksman had a forgettable season, making numerous mistakes and underperforming in the group stage. But when at the “end of the road,” his superstar mentality unexpectedly emerged. Deft had an outstanding Bo5 series, excelling in lane and contributing a massive amount of damage in team fights.
Particularly in game 3, using Aphelios to dive into the enemy’s formation in the Baron pit and still surviving, even securing a Quadra Kill, Deft truly lifted his teammates’ spirits to new heights.
Defeating LSB in their first match of the Regional Qualifiers, the ticket to CKTG 2021 seemed distant, but now it is right before their eyes, as HLE is just one more Bo5 away from their goal, which is the match against Nongshim RedForce in round 2.
Just winning against NS and reaching the finals of the Regional Qualifiers will automatically make them the last representative of LCK participating in the world’s top tournament. If this happens, it will undoubtedly be one of the most “quirky journeys” in League of Legends history, as a team that couldn’t even make it to the Summer Playoffs boldly advances to CKTG after defeating all other formidable opponents.
