HLE take down T1 in the LCK Summer 2025 Playoffs and secure a guaranteed spot at Worlds 2025

Today featured one of the most anticipated and high-stakes matchups of the LCK Summer 2025 Playoffs: Hanwha Life Esports vs T1. Expectations were high, with fans hoping for a close series — but the outcome turned out quite differently.

Game 1 Picks:

• HLE: Aurora, Poppy, Orianna, Lucian, Braum
• T1: Sion, Jarvan IV, Galio, Kai`Sa, Neeko

Game 2 Picks:

• HLE: Ambessa, Vi, Ryze, Ziggs, Rell
• T1: Gwen, Pantheon, Annie, Xayah, Renata Glasc

Game 3 Picks:

• HLE: Jax, Xin Zhao, Sylas, Smolder, Alistar
• T1: Gragas, Qiyana, Cassiopeia, Yunara, Rakan

A very shaky performance from T1 contrasted with a ruthless and flawless showing from Hanwha Life Esports. T1 were far from their usual form in this match, struggling with everything from individual play to draft choices that they had little experience with. Perhaps they tried to surprise HLE, but clearly, the plan didn’t work. Meanwhile, Hanwha Life Esports stuck to their comfort picks and simply played their game. It’s also worth noting HLE’s draft bans — they heavily targeted T1’s support by removing his signature champions, which played a key role in their victory.

Hanwha Life Esports ADC Viper earned MVP honors for this match, delivering outstanding performances — going 7/3/9 on Lucian, 5/0/10 on Ziggs, and 8/1/6 on Smolder.

With this victory, HLE secured their spot at the biggest League of Legends event of the year — Worlds 2025. They also advance to the Upper Bracket Final of the LCK Summer 2025, where they will face KT Rolster, who defeated Gen.G the day before.

T1, on the other hand, drop to the Lower Bracket Round 2, where they will have one last chance to qualify for Worlds. They now await their next opponent — the winner of the Dplus vs FEARX matchup.

The LCK Summer 2025 Playoffs will take place from September 10 to September 28 and will decide which teams qualify for Worlds 2025. The event features a prize pool of ₩562,500,000 KRW (around $407,919 USD). Each team will be aiming for strong results, so make sure to follow the LoL News page for the latest updates from the League of Legends esports scene.