What’s going on with T1? Is HLE back? Recapping the Super Match Day of LCK Round 1-2

Week two of the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) kicked off in strong fashion this Wednesday, April 8, with two high-level best-of series featuring what could very well be the league’s top four teams. After defeating BNK FEARX last week, Gen.G secured a second consecutive win, this time against T1, sitting now at 2-1. The other BO3 saw Hanwha Life Esports take down a struggling Dplus KIA, moving up to 2-1 as well, while T1 and DK fall to a more concerning 1-2 record.

With a double round-robin format and ten teams, the Spring Split is by far the longest of the year in the LCK, with 18 BO3s to determine who will qualify for the Mid-Season Invitational, but also to decide who will advance to the Legend Group and who will have to go through the Rise Group in Summer. Dropping a few series now, especially against direct competitors, could prove costly in a race that stretches across the entire year.

The Kanavi Show

Last week, Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok struggled somewhat against a more efficient and well-organized T1, but this time, he was imperial. In game 1, he delivered an outstanding performance on Jarvan IV, finishing with an impressive 100% kill participation.

In game 2, he showcased a much more aggressive style, one he was well known for during his time in the LPL, on Kha’Zix, a pick rarely seen in the LCK. He completely took over the game, leading his team in damage with over 30%. Kanavi is adapting better and better to the LCK, which at times struggles to keep up with his relentless pace.

완벽한 설계, 빈틈없는 승리, 오늘의 주인공은 HLE🍊

Perfectly executed. Flawlessly won. Today’s star: HLE! pic.twitter.com/j9AenFmLsY

— Hanwha Life Esports (@HLEofficial) April 8, 2026

After a rather difficult Winter in the LCK Cup, HLE have seemingly managed to bounce back at the start of the LCK Round 1–2. Choi “Zeus” Woo-je and his teammates seem to be back on track, with Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo delivering a statement performance against Heo “ShowMaker” Su. HLE will have to prove their consistency in the coming match against BNK FearX, who are still last in the standings.

Gen.G is still a cut above

In every possible way, Gen.G dominated their eternal rivals T1, who found no answers, whether in the first or the second game. Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon was named MVP of the series after delivering a strong performance on Anivia, while Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan and Ryu “Keria” Min-seok attempted a Kalista–Renata Glasc bot lane, but it led to nothing.

LIGHTS OFF SMITE HEIST ON – CANYON GETS THE STEAL! #LCK pic.twitter.com/Xq9fzwLIib

— LCK (@LCK) April 8, 2026

After that, T1 tried a front-to-back composition with Galio and Pantheon to protect Peyz’s Zeri, but Gen.G’s very aggressive setup built around Nocturne, Neeko, and Ambessa had far too many tools to break through the wall set up by the three-time defending world champions, who logically ended up falling.

Is this a worrying sign for T1?

After dropping to both KT and Gen.G, things are getting tough for T1. The team appears to be struggling to find a good solution in the meta, and the players themselves often look disjointed and uncoordinated. Doran isn’t able to make a difference in the top lane and Oner has had a major drop in form since the start of the LCK season.

Considering how teams like Nongshim RedForce and KT Rolster have also shown strong signs of form, the fight for playoffs for this split might become the most competitive we’ve seen in years. T1 will be back in action on Friday against DN SOOPers, while Gen.G will face Dplus Kia on Saturday.