Many Parallels Between Gen.G 2026 and HLE 2025
The first half of Gen.G’s 2026 season can be described as not entirely successful. They won the LCK Cup 2026 but then experienced a dry spell. Recently, Gen.G officially became the former MSI champions after losing their spot at the tournament. However, keen viewers noticed that they share many similarities with last year’s HLE.
First, HLE in 2025 also ended the LCK Cup that year as champions. Many believed this team could break the “duopoly” of Gen.G and T1 not only in the LCK but internationally as well. HLE even outperformed Gen.G by winning First Stand later with a dominant performance. Yet, all their achievements stopped there.
During Road to MSI 2025, they had to play two BO5 series in pursuit of a ticket to the second biggest international tournament in the LoL scene. Like Gen.G, their direct opponent who denied them this opportunity was T1. Subsequently, both LCK Cup champions had to watch MSI from home.
But Gen.G Fans Hope the Pattern Ends Here
It should be noted that after missing MSI 2025, HLE qualified for EWC but was eliminated early. They also finished as runners-up in LCK 2025 and went home empty-handed at Worlds after a quarterfinal exit. Surely, no Gen.G fan wants their team to repeat this this season.
But that depends on Gen.G performing with peak form, focus, and resilience. Unfortunately, in recent matches—especially the loss to T1—they failed to demonstrate any of these three crucial factors.