HLE defeats T1 to qualify for the 2026 MSI for the first time; T1 falls to the lower bracket.

In the recently concluded LCK upper bracket final, Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) defeated T1 3-1 in Wonju, successfully advancing to the 2026 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) held in Daejeon.

This marks the first time HLE has qualified for this international tournament since the team's inception, and they will directly advance to the MSI main event as the LCK's number one seed.

In this match, HLE demonstrated overwhelming dominance. Mid laner Zeka made his MSI debut, while jungler Kanavi, who won the 2023 MSI championship with JDG, delivered a stellar performance, completely dominating T1's jungler Naafiri in a crucial game with his Lee Sin pick.

In contrast, T1's performance, except for the bot lane duo, fell short of expectations in all other positions. Solo laners Doran and Faker underperformed. Jungler Oner won one game with Nocturne, but lacked early-game momentum. Bot laner Peyz attempted to turn the tide in the second game with Sivir, and Keria performed consistently, but it wasn't enough to prevent the team's defeat.

After their defeat, T1 fell into the lower bracket and will face the winner of the match between KT Rolster and Gen.G for the second seed from the LCK. The second seed will need to start in the Play-In Stage on June 28th, where they will face teams from the LCP, LEC, and LCS. Currently, Karmine Corp from the LEC and Deep Cross Gaming from the LCP have already secured their Play-In Stage spots.

Image source: Internet