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League of Legends 2024 World Championship kicks off in Berlin on the 25th of September. A total of 20 teams will compete to succeed T1 at the top of the Riot Games MOBA world hierarchy. On this occasion, Sheep Esports brings you a daily feature on one of the teams taking part. This September 24th, the twentieth episode of our series focuses on
Hanwha Life Esports, LCK first seed
.The Golden Road Slayer
HLE has finally made their return to Worlds. Their last appearance dating back to 2021 when they featured standout players like Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon and Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu. Despite a solid level that year, they choked in the quarterfinals. The organization then went on to miss Worlds for the next two seasons. 2022 was particularly tough, as the team hit rock bottom, finishing in last place twice in the league. In 2023, HLE had a rough end in the regional finals leading to a major rebuild going in 2024. During the last offseason, they chose to rebuild their roster around their two star carries, Kim "Zeka" Geon-woo and Park "Viper" Do-hyeon, with the goal of reclaiming their former dominance.
Entering 2024, the team appeared incredibly stacked on paper and quickly demonstrated their potential. They had a strong start in the Spring Split, ultimately finishing 3rd after falling to both Gen.G and T1 in the playoffs. Despite the losses, their performances showed glimpses of their true potential, but the best was yet to come.
By Summer, they emerged as one of the most improved teams in the LCK. The squad went on a remarkable playoff run, beating T1 twice in a row. This success was partly attributed to T1 being in a slump, but this surely marked the end of a two-team dominance in the LCK that had been unchallenged for two years. HLE's consistent improvement throughout the year culminated in breaking this cycle.
But their greatest achievement of 2024 was yet to come. They arrived in the Summer Playoffs Grand Final where they faced the unbeatable emperor of the league: Gen.G. Despite being the underdogs and carrying the organization's record to have lost to Gen.G 19 times consecutively, they pulled off a stunning victory in a tightly contested series ending 3-2. This monumental win not only crowned them champions but also broke the long losing streak. HLE finally managed to rise to the top of the LCK after being last just two years ago.
HLE ended the Golden Road after clutching a very tight series against Gen.G. Credit: Riot Games/LCK
A key storyline of their success was Zeka's dominance over Chovy, breaking a series of unfavourable stats. Before this series, Zeka was carrying an impressive 1-16 record against Chovy, with his only win dating back to his legendary performance with DRX during the 2022 Worlds semi-finals. This second win over the best player in the World marks Zeka's return to his peak level of play. He also sends a message before entering Worlds: he is always here when games matter.
This team has earned the title of "Golden Road Slayer" after breaking Gen.G's narrative. As LCK’s first seed, they now enter Worlds 2024 as serious title contenders. The biggest challenge ahead of them is managing the pressure that comes with their newfound status on the global stage.
The hidden LCK n°1
Without a doubt, HLE has one of the most impressive rosters of the tournament. Starting with Han "Peanut" Wang-ho recognized as one of the best jungler of the LCK this year after gapping Kim "Canyon" Geon-bu in the final and outclassing Mun "Oner" Hyeon-jun during the whole summer split. His consistent performances have been a key factor in the team's success as he is the maestro of the team. Now, both he and Choi "Doran" Hyeon-joon are entering Worlds with a strong determination to make up for last year’s disappointment with Gen.G where they lost in quarters.
Peanut is HLE's maestro. He comes for his 6th Worlds run, hoping to claim his first trophy. Credit: Riot Games/LCK
On the midlane, Zeka, the 2022 World Champion, had a lackluster start to 2023 with a weak Spring Split, but he surged back to form in the Summer. He returned to his DRX level, dominating opponents and earning the Finals MVP in the Summer playoffs against Gen.G. Now, he's considered one of the top midlaners heading into the tournament. Alongside him is Viper, another World Champion, who has been a contender for the title of the "best ADC in the world" for several years in a row. Rounding out the team is Yoo "Delight" Hwan-joong, known for his incredible Rakan and his ability to shine on engage supports, which could be a major advantage in this year's meta at Worlds.
You'll find below the full roster of Hanwha Life Esports:
Choi "Doran" Hyeon-joon
Han "Peanut" Wang-ho
Kim "Zeka" Geon-woo
Park "Viper" Do-hyeon
Yoo "Delight" Hwan-joong
Header Photo Credit: Riot Games/LCK
