LCK 2026 Regular Season Day 21: Hanwha Life Esports Dethrone KT Rolster with a Series Victory

KT Rolster and Hanwha Life Esports have been on a tear in the LCK. They have one series loss between them, heading into today’s series. HLE got the better of KT in the series. With the 2-0 victory, they dethrone KT at the top of the LCK standings. Before that series, T1 had a dominant victory over Nongshim Redforce. T1 and HLE will face each other later this week.

Nongshim Redforce Versus T1

T1 had their first comfortable victory in the LCK against NS — Image of T1 beating NS, courtesy of the LCK/Riot Games

Game One – Owned by Oner

The game got off to a good start for NS with Taeyoon and Lehends winning the 2v2. However, Oner’s presence in the bot lane made it impossible for NS to make use of the lead. Eventually, Peyz had a gold lead, and the game became unplayable for NS. The fed Oner was the spearhead for T1 in this game. He was unkillable while pushing into NS.

Game Two – Two Global Ultimates > One

The power of Twisted Fate and Nocturne showed in this game. Oner and Faker ensured that Peyz was ahead of the Kalista and Renata Glasc lane. Unfortunately for Sponge, his only impact with Grand Starfall was in vain. T1 continued to build their gold lead, while giving up some kills. Ultimately, T1 closed out the game to continue their series win streak.

Champions Played

Nongshim Redforce

Kingen – Sion, Rumble
Sponge – Jarvan IV, Pantheon
Scout – Azir, Aurora
Taeyoon – Ezreal, Kalista
Lehends – Neeko, Renata Glasc

Doran – Anivia, Ambessa
Oner – Xin Zhao, Nocturne
Faker – Akali, Twisted Fate
Peyz – Jhin, Kog’Maw
Keria – Karma, Lulu

KT Rolster Versus Hanwha Life Esports

HLE gave KT their first loss of the LCK regular season — Image of HLE beating KT, courtesy of the LCK/Riot Games

Game One – Close Until It Was Not

The early and mid-game saw the two teams trade blows. Both looked to make plays to garner an advantage. HLE emerged with the better plays to have a gold lead. They turned that lead into consistent pressure until KT broke. Once HLE pushed ahead, they never allowed KT back into the game. Zeus got the better of PerfecT to kick off the series.

Game Two – Zeus Gives Up The Early Game

Zeus willingly gave up his lane to put Cuzz behind. He delayed the KT jungler’s clear at the cost of his laning phase. That meant PerfecT had a free lane in an already winning matchup. However, it allowed Kanavi to target KT’s bot lane and put Aiming behind. HLE used Gumayusi and Delight’s lead to take over the game. Zeus eventually bided his time to become a powerhouse in the game as well.

Champions Played

KT Rolster

PerfecT – Jayce, Renekton
Cuzz – Pantheon, Xin Zhao
Bdd – Annie, Anivia
Aiming – Ezreal, Yunara
Effort – Nautilus, Lulu

Hanwha Life Esports

Zeus – Yorick, Jax
Kanavi – Vi, Jarvan IV
Zeka – Aurora, Ahri
Gumayusi – Ashe, Lucian
Delight – Seraphine, Milio

A Surprisingly Comfortable Victory

T1 has rarely won a series without stressing out their fans. Today was the first time in a long time that T1 had control, more or less from start to finish. NS had glimpses in the series, but nothing concrete. Oner was everywhere but the top lane this series. He made a significant impact on the bot lane in both games. Perhaps T1 is ramping up heading into the Road to MSI.

KT Rolster Dethroned

KT had their best start to an LCK regular season. They won eight straight matches to sit first in the LCK standings. They were second-best throughout the series. Game one had some moments, but they never gained control. HLE were by far and away the best team today, and they continue their dominant run after losing to T1. They will now face T1 in their upcoming match.