Gen.G experiences one of their weakest season starts since 2022
As known, during the LCK 2026 Rounds 1-2 group stage, Gen.G displayed a notably lackluster performance compared to previous seasons and even relative to the earlier LCK Cup 2026. For various reasons, Gen.G suffered multiple losses despite holding advantages, notably in their match against T1. This costly defeat marked a sad milestone: for the first time since 2022, Gen.G will not attend MSI as the LCK’s top seed.
Consequently, finishing 3rd overall in the LCK 2026 Rounds 1-2 group stage means Gen.G can only qualify for MSI 2026 as the region’s second seed. The top seed will go to either HLE or T1. Moreover, after the first seed is decided, Gen.G must face the remaining team from the upper bracket. Clearly, at this moment, both HLE and T1 pose equally significant threats.
But Gen.G still holds opportunities
In fact, the current top three LCK teams share unpredictability. They might struggle throughout a match or end it within 3 minutes. For example, HLE against BRO on the afternoon of May 31 (Vietnam time) maintained a balanced game for 90% of the match, then HLE finished it within 5 minutes, surprising viewers.
Gen.G and T1 have also experienced similar scenarios. Therefore, even experts find it hard to accurately assess these teams’ strength. Thus, the chance to attend MSI among these three teams is equal, although HLE and T1 clearly have an advantage over Gen.G.