Hanwha Life Esports has made a commanding start to the 2025 season by securing the first-ever LCK Cup championship. The team emerged victorious after a dramatic five-game showdown against Gen.G Esports, marking a significant milestone for the organization.
A Ticket to International Competition
With this triumph, Hanwha Life Esports has officially qualified for First Stand, the first international League of Legends tournament of the season. This achievement solidifies the team’s position among the best as they prepare to take on global competition.
A Standout Performance from Zeus
Hanwha Life Esports’ top laner, Choi ‘Zeus’ Woo-je, delivered an exceptional performance throughout the event. The former T1 star was crowned MVP after demonstrating his deep champion pool and masterful use of League of Legends’ Fearless Draft system. His Aatrox pick in game three proved crucial, earning him an impressive 7/0/4 KDA and helping shift the momentum in his team’s favor.
Hanwha Life Esports Wins 2025 LCK Cup (image via Getty)Continuing a Winning Legacy
While the LCK Cup is not officially classified as a seasonal split, this victory marks Hanwha Life Esports’ second consecutive LCK title. The team previously lifted the LCK Summer Split trophy in 2024, showing consistent dominance in the Korean League of Legends scene.
A Grueling Path to Victory
The 2025 LCK Cup kicked off in January, featuring 10 teams divided into two groups. These teams battled for positioning advantages heading into the latter stages of the tournament. Despite their eventual success, Hanwha Life Esports found themselves at a disadvantage early on.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Competing in ‘Group Baron,’ Hanwha Life Esports fell short against ‘Group Elder,’ which meant the team had to navigate the Play-In stage. With a 3-2 record in their group, they placed second behind T1, who topped the standings with a 4-1 finish.
A Critical Play-In Victory
Despite this early setback, Hanwha Life Esports fought back with a dominant 2-0 win over DRX. This victory secured them a place in the playoffs and set up a high-stakes matchup in the first round.
Defeating the Defending World Champions
One of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament saw Hanwha Life Esports take on the reigning 2024 World Champions. The series lived up to expectations, going the full five games. Hanwha Life Esports ultimately emerged victorious, eliminating the world champions with a 3-2 win. The match proved to be a massive draw for fans, reaching a peak of 1.9 million viewers, according to Esports Charts.
Facing Familiar Foes
In the second round, Hanwha Life Esports encountered Gen.G Esports for the first time in the competition. Another intense five-game battle resulted in a 3-2 win for Hanwha Life, pushing them into the upper bracket final. This stage of the tournament saw them take on Dplus in yet another thrilling series that extended to five games.
Hanwha Life Esports Wins 2025 LCK Cup (image via Getty)A Grueling Playoff Run
Hanwha Life Esports endured an arduous playoff journey, playing the maximum number of games in every round. Their resilience and ability to perform under pressure ultimately paid off as they conquered the tournament’s toughest opponents en route to the title.
What’s Next for Hanwha Life Esports?
With the LCK Cup concluded, attention now turns to the upcoming 2025 regular season. The league’s new format promises an exciting and revamped competition, set to begin in April. After their impressive showing, Hanwha Life Esports will be a team to watch as they continue their pursuit of dominance in Korean and international League of Legends.
