by Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) pulled off a nearly four-hour thriller to capture the inaugural LCK Cup 2025 title, edging League of Legends heavyweight Gen.G 3-2 in a nail-biting best-of-five series.
Early on, HLE’s strategic executions saw them outplay Gen.G’s Kim “Kiin” Ki-in through smart middle and jungle manoeuvres, while Park “Viper” Do-hyeon’s performance during a critical late-game team fight set the tone in the first game.
After trading maps for most of the series, the clash went the distance, and the LCK Cup final would be decided on a fifth map.
?? CONGRATULATIONS #LCK CUP CHAMPIONS, HLE! ?? pic.twitter.com/LyvfDgzgpB
— LCK (@LCK) February 23, 2025
With the match moving at a measured pace—only one kill by the 28-minute mark—a massive team fight erupted at 33 minutes.
HLE capitalised on the chaos, taking down pivotal Gen.G players, including the renowned Jung “Chovy” Ji-hun, and stormed the enemy Nexus by the 38-minute mark.
In a storyline reminiscent of last year’s LCK Summer grand final, Hanwha Life Esports once again toppled Gen.G in a gruelling 5-game saga.
Despite Gen.G’s high-profile roster moves—like the much-anticipated return of Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk—their efforts couldn’t withstand the combined star power and composure of HLE.
Central to the victory was Choi “Zeus” Woo-je, whose high-impact performance after his controversial move from T1 not only proved decisive in three wins but also earned him final MVP honours.
His ability to flexibly play nearly any champion, aided by a fearless draft strategy, turned the tide when the series hung in the balance.
Congratulations to the Woori Bank 2025 #LCK CUP Finals MVP, Zeus! ??? pic.twitter.com/kzAH8rK3su
— LCK (@LCK) February 23, 2025
While the LCK Cup doesn’t directly alter seasonal records, the victory is a significant milestone.
As champions, Hanwha Life Esports now secure their spot as the LCK’s representative at the inaugural First Stand Tournament—a global event set to debut in March.
This win sends a resounding message that HLE are primed for bigger stages, with their eyes already set on LoL Worlds 2025 and beyond.
