Despite a completely failed LCK Summer 2021 season, Hanwha Life Esports still had a monumental journey to overcome, that is the Regional Qualifier for Worlds 2021. Thanks to accumulated points from Spring, HLE became one of the rare teams that did not make it to the Playoffs but still had a chance to attend Worlds. And indeed, they created a miracle with this “wild card” for the Regional Qualifier, as they successively defeated 2 extremely formidable opponents.
They defeated Liiv SANDBOX in the first round of the Regional Qualifier, and just a few minutes ago, they achieved something even more amazing, when they annihilated Nongshim RedForce 3-0 in the second round. With a resounding victory over NS, HLE has OFFICIALLY become the last representative of LCK to participate in Worlds 2021.
Ending the LCK Summer 2021 season by being eliminated in the group stage, ranking only 8th out of 10 overall, Hanwha Life Esports is one of the most disappointing teams in the latter half of 2021. If LCK still maintained the promotion/relegation mechanism, it could only be said that HLE had “successfully retained its position”.
However, that’s the story before the Regional Qualifier for Worlds took place. Although ranking near the bottom in LCK Summer, with a top 4 finish in LCK Spring 2021, and a bit of luck, Hanwha Life Esports still qualified for the Regional Qualifier by accumulating enough Championship Points. However, looking at their performance in the group stage, many would think: “HLE’s chances of attending Worlds are only theoretical.”
But no, Deft said no, Chovy said no, and the HLE team also said no to the two words “give up”. Since LCK has 4 slots for Worlds, HLE reaching the Finals of the Regional Qualifier also means they have become the holders of the fourth and final ticket to the top tournament of League of Legends.
The Final match between T1 vs HLE will be of seeding nature, as the winning team will have a direct ticket to the group stage of Worlds with a 3rd seed position, while the losing team will have to play from the Play-in stage with a 4th seed position.