Peanut Praises Gumayusi
In the recent LCK 2026 Rounds 1-2 group stage match between HLE and DK, HLE secured a 2-0 victory but faced significant challenges. Particularly in Game 1, despite using a strong lane duo, Gumayusi, due to miscalculations and frequent ganks, was unable to showcase much with his signature champion. Although he contributed damage and kills toward the end of the game, it was not his best performance as the 2025 Worlds FMVP. However, Peanut still praised his junior for a play considered the “key” moment of Game 1.
Peanut commented: “The Rift Herald was unleashed with perfect timing! Caitlyn riding the Rift Herald and charging in!! Wait! The breakthrough play here was Caitlyn using the Rift Herald to knock up Ashe.”
This was the moment when HLE caught DK off guard by attacking Baron after taking down Lucid. In the ensuing fight, due to low health, HLE was counterattacked. During the “shootout,” Gumayusi climbed onto the Rift Herald, knocked Peyz up, and helped HLE win the fight, securing three Baron buffs.
A key factor was this being Smash’s first death. From there, the distance between the two ADCs remained considerable, but overall HLE made a remarkable comeback and regained all advantages. Although DK mounted a respectable counterattack later, HLE no longer lost control of the game as they did early on.
HLE Needs Gumayusi to Regain Top Form
Gumayusi still made precise plays at critical moments and avoided mistakes during important phases. However, overall in the match against DK, HLE’s AD can only be rated as adequate. Gumayusi needs to quickly regain his peak form, as he has shown in the past, to help HLE prepare for the even more crucial stages on the Road to MSI 2026 ahead.