Entering the first match at EWC 2024, Gen.G was seen as the top contender for the championship. They faced off against Top Esports – the runner-up of LPL Spring 2024, who had a rather underwhelming MSI 2024 run. Gen.G was even expected to potentially finish the match early with a dominant performance, especially after T1 had kept fans waiting for too long on their opening day on July 4th. However, the reality of the match was completely different from what fans might have imagined, particularly the performance of the reigning MSI champions and the kings of the LCK.
In both games, it was an absolute domination by TES. In fact, the LPL representatives were very confident, allowing Gen.G to pick their signature champions in the deciding second game. The brilliance of Tian in the playmaking role, along with 369 and Creme as the main damage dealers, left the stars of Gen.G, who had just crowned champions in Chengdu a few months ago, completely at a loss. Peyz was virtually invisible, while Lehends continuously had to put himself on the line for his teammates. By the end of the match, Lehends’ Leona had died 11 times with only 2 assists to show for it.
However, Gen.G’s defeat has left some fans more worried. Specifically, although this is just a tournament that isn’t too significant in the professional League of Legends scene, Gen.G has shown that they are truly serious. Yet, they failed to defeat TES – an opponent regarded as weaker and often unpredictable in their gameplay. If it were a playoff match for the Worlds, Gen.G would definitely be in danger with this loss, and they could even face elimination.
This is the season where Gen.G boasts what can be considered their strongest roster ever since Samsung Galaxy was no longer on the League of Legends map. However, they have never won a Worlds title under the Gen.G name, and fans have every reason to worry for Chovy and his teammates.