HLE Beat T1 to Claim LCK Second Seed as T1 Fans Show Concern for Team’s Form
Hanwha Life Esports secured second place in the LCK standings by defeating T1 2-0, guaranteeing themselves direct entry into Upper Bracket Round 2 of the LCK Playoffs. The result leaves T1 in third place, requiring them to start their playoff run from Round 1.
The loss marks another setback for T1 during a disappointing LCK regular season. The legendary squad has struggled to build consistent momentum, particularly during Rounds 3-4 of the competition, where they achieved just a 3-5 record. The concerning form has drawn scrutiny from fans and raises questions about the team’s playoff prospects.
T1 mid-laner Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok expressed frustration in the post-match press conference, stating that the team failed to demonstrate improvement throughout the regular season—a disappointing outcome for the organization widely considered League of Legends’ most storied franchise. The gap between T1’s recent form and the high standards set by their legacy has intensified pressure on the roster heading into the playoffs.
With HLE now positioned as the second seed and T1 demoted to third, the playoff bracket has shifted significantly. T1’s path to the finals is now considerably more challenging, requiring additional matches to reach the upper bracket stage where HLE has already secured their position.