HLE Sets “Embarrassing” Record After Loss to T1
Recently, HLE faced another defeat against T1 in the final matchup between the two teams in the LCK 2025 Round 3-5 group stage. It seemed that the Road to MSI was an “accident” for the team affectionately referred to by fans as the “Orange House,” but their subsequent consecutive losses to Gen.G and especially to T1 suggest that HLE is not as strong as their fans imagined. Notably, HLE has set an embarrassing record: they are the only team in the top 4 of the LCK to lose to T1 four times in a row in the same season, managing to secure just one game win.
This “achievement” of HLE in 2025 is even more disastrous than their previous seasons when they didn’t even have a “star-studded” lineup or when the current lineup didn’t have many all-rounders. Even in the undefeated season for T1 (Spring 2022), HLE still managed to secure at least one game win after two BO3 matches, even though their lineup then couldn’t compare to HLE today.
This time, HLE lost three BO3 matches and one BO5 before finally claiming one game win against T1. In fact, the victory on the afternoon of August 27 seemed more due to T1’s “self-sabotage” than HLE’s players performing exceptionally well.
HLE May No Longer Be a Contender Against T1 and Gen.G This Season
Before discussing their chances of winning a title this season, even achieving victories against T1 or Gen.G seems to no longer be an easy feat for HLE. After a successful start to the season, HLE appears to be revealing their true strength when facing off against Gen.G, while T1 has stabilized their lineup.
Given the current situation, it’s hard to believe HLE will win any titles for the remainder of the season. But of course, if HLE is still looking to “hide their cards,” then the audience might have to wait until the playoffs to see this team showcase their true strength.