Image Credit: Bethesda
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Hanwha Life Esports wins the 2024 LCK Summer Split, the team poses infront of the title
Hanwha Life Esports wins the 2024 LCK Summer Split, the team poses infront of the title. Image via Hanwha Life Esports.

Golden road no more: Gen.G fall to Hanwha Life in LCK finals

Hanwha Life Esports head to Worlds as the LCK first seed

Hanwha Life Esports shattered Gen.G’s golden road dreams, dethroning the reigning champions in the LCK Summer Split finals. This seismic victory ended Gen.G’s two-year reign and marked HLE’s triumphant rise to LCK supremacy, claiming their first seed at Worlds in electrifying fashion.

Recommended Videos

2024 marked the second consecutive year a team came agonizingly close to achieving the elusive LoL grand slam—winning all their domestic splits and the Mid-Season Invitational —only to falter one step from reaching it. Last year, it was JD Gaming from the LPL, and this time, it was Gen.G.

Stats image showing Hanwha Life Esports track record against Gen. G in the last few years shows how dominant the latter have been in their matches.
Hanwha Life Esports track record against Gen. G in the last few years shows how dominant the latter have been in their matches. Image via LCK

Gen.G’s journey through 2024 was spectacular. Having secured the LCK Spring Split and the coveted MSI title, they seemed unstoppable. Heading into the Summer Split finals, they were poised to claim the grand slam that has long eluded any esports teams in League history. However, with a jaw-dropping upset, HLE secured their first win over Gen.G since 2021 on the grandest stage of all—ending Gen.G’s two-year dominance over the LCK and clinching the region’s first seed at the 2024 World Championship.

Hanwha Life’s journey to the top was historic to watch. Having taken down T1 in the semifinals with a commanding 3-1 victory, HLE went into the grand final with momentum. They delivered precise teamfighting as they expertly dismantled Gen.G’s attempts at proactive play times and times again around the dragon pit.

This victory was extra sweet for three players—Doran, Peanut, and Delight—as they were all part of Gen.G just one year ago. Now, in an ironic twist of fate, they were the ones to stop their former team’s golden road

Peanut, HLE’s star jungler, made history with this victory. In the post-match interview, he reflected on his journey, recalling how he won his first regional title eight years ago with ROX Tigers—and now he is the first jungler ever to win seven LCK championships.

On the other hand, his teammate Zeka secured his first-ever LCK title and won the MVP award for his performance in the grand final. In the post-match interview, he highlighted how his past struggles against Gen.G’s Chovy—who had a staggering 16-1 match record against him before this series—were crucial in his growth. “The process of losing against Chovy up until this day is what allowed me to win today,” Zeka said before thanking his teammates. 

For Gen.G, the loss will no doubt be a bitter pill to swallow, but their journey is far from over as they head into Worlds, they will look to regroup and try to reclaim their throne on the international stage. 

As the 2024 World Championship approaches, fans can expect even more drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. For now, though, the LCK belongs to Hanwha Life Esports—the team that stopped Gen.G’s golden road.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
More Stories To Read
Author
Image of Cecilia Ciocchetti
Cecilia Ciocchetti
Freelance writer mainly focusing on the League of Legends and VALORANT esports scenes. Sometimes at events interviewing professionals of the scene, from players to the talented people working behind the curtains. You can reach out to me via Twitter.