Gen.G’s loss puts this team in a tough spot along with T1 and HLE
Recently, Gen.G surprisingly lost to KT in the first playoff match of the reigning MSI champions after the conclusion of the group stage Rounds 3-5. This outcome is beyond the imagination of both the League of Legends community and experts, as Gen.G was clearly favored, while KT struggled to qualify for the playoffs. The loss also means that HLE and T1 cannot secure an early spot for the upcoming Worlds in China.
However, this sets a difficult stage for all three teams. First, HLE and T1 will face off, with the losing team dropping to the lower bracket and waiting for the winner of the BFX – DK match. Given BFX’s current form, they have a high chance of advancing far in the playoffs, while DK is also an unpredictable opponent. T1 previously defeated DK, but that was when they capitalized on Aiming’s mistakes, and they cannot rely on him to falter again.
Meanwhile, for Gen.G, they still have every factor intact for a perfect LCK season, including the championship and a seed position for Worlds. However, in recent years, Gen.G has not fallen into the lower bracket for a long time. With the need to face teams that have “no way back,” no one can predict the outcome. Both HLE and T1 have defeated Gen.G this year, while DK and BFX are ready to create surprises.
Opportunities for HLE, T1, and Gen.G are still intact but very fragile
Having secured a spot for Worlds early, Gen.G’s only remaining goal is the title. However, it is clear that today they lost to KT due to being outperformed, especially in the Canyon – Chovy matchup. If this continues, the likelihood of Gen.G leaving empty-handed in the domestic league this year is very high.
For HLE and T1, the match on September 14 will be a “battle to the death.” Neither team wants a protracted struggle, and both will have to give their all to compete against each other, as opponents in the lower bracket are also ready to spring surprises.