HLE Kanavi: "We lost pretty heavily to BLG, but if we meet again in the final, I think we can win"
HLE jungler Kanavi reflects on the 3-1 loss to BLG at MSI 2026, what froze his team in games one and two, and why he believes HLE can win a finals rematch.
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Kavani at MSI 2026. Credit: Riot Games
"In games one and two, we were really frozen in our play"
in a series where the LCK squad looked uncharacteristically hesitant through the first two games. The loss doesn't end their tournament, though: HLE will now face the winner of G2 Esports versus LYON with their run on the line, and a potential rematch against BLG still looms in the final.
” Jin-hyeok discussed what went wrong against BLG, from the level-three skirmish that set the tone in game one to the split calls at the third dragon in game four, shared his prediction for G2's next series, and explained why he still believes HLE can beat BLG if the two teams meet again.
Thank you for joining us after wrapping up the BLG series. How are you feeling right now?
Seo "Kanavi" Jin-hyeok: "We lost 3-1 to BLG today, and it definitely felt like BLG were more prepared than we were. Their gameplay also felt clearly better.
You said BLG were very well prepared. But when it comes to Hanwha Life's preparation, BLG and G2 are very different teams. How did you approach preparing for BLG?
Kanavi: For the BLG series, we prepared a lot so we wouldn't fall behind too much in support-jungle tempo, but I think they just played better than us.
In game one, around level three, there was a small 4v4 skirmish in the enemy jungle. What kind of situation led to that fight, and what do you think was lacking in the execution that caused you to lose it?
Kanavi: In the first game, they invaded our blue, so we went into their blue to look for a trade. We could have just taken blue and backed off, but after hearing the call that Rumble was coming first, we looked for a fight. But then their mid and support wrapped around us, so it felt like we got collapsed upon.
Was the Taliyah botlane pick BLG brought out in game two within your expectations?
Kanavi: Non-ADC champions have been coming out a lot lately, so it was within expectations. But our composition was really countered by Taliyah, so I think they picked it well.
Games one and two weren't easy. By game three, it looked like you were warming up more, and your performance seemed to come alive a bit. What kind of feedback was there?
Kanavi: Even from my perspective, our team felt pretty frozen in terms of play during games one and two, so for game three, we said, “Let’s try to be more proactive“. Is proactive the right word? Anyway, that was the idea, so in game three we played faster and stronger, but the last game ended up being a bit unfortunate.
You mentioned game four was unfortunate. The third-dragon fight seemed really important, but the result wasn't good. What do you think went wrong in that teamfight?
Kanavi: Our composition needed to engage cleanly and decisively, but during the third-dragon fight our calls were split, and our targeting fell apart. I think that was the reason we lost.
Today, especially in games one and two, BLG showed very smart draft decisions. How much of an impact do you think draft had on the result of this series?
Kanavi: Honestly, the draft did more or less go the way we expected, but we didn't respond to it well enough, so that was disappointing. We need to shore that up and prepare for the next match.
Then aside from pick-ban today, what would you say was the biggest reason for the loss?
Kanavi: From what I saw, we hesitated a lot more than we usually do. And in games one and two, we were really frozen in terms of our play. I think that was the biggest thing.
You lost today, but it isn't over yet. Tomorrow you'll face the winner of G2 and LYON. What do you expect?
Kanavi: Based on their recent form, I think G2 will probably win.
You probably watched the recent G2 vs. T1 match. I'm curious how you saw that series and whether it was the result you expected.
Kanavi: I did watch G2 against T1. Even before that match, I thought G2 might pull off an upset, and they really did. I was very impressed watching it. The way G2 didn't give up even from behind and came back all the way was really impressive.
If you get a rematch with BLG in the final, how confident are you that next time you can beat them?
Kanavi: At this tournament, it feels like we've lost pretty hard to BLG, but if we meet them again in the final, of course we'll prepare well, and I think we can win.
If that rematch happens, how would you need to change your approach to win the game?
Kanavi: First of all, if we can lead the game well from game one and play more proactively, I think we can win.
What do you think are BLG's strengths as a team right now?
Kanavi: Looking at BLG, first, every individual seems to do their job well. And recently, their mid-jungle-support synergy looks really good.
In the LCK this year, even during ceremonies, you've usually kept things simple and brief. But today, on the pre-game cam, you threw a punch and showed a more playful side. Can we expect more of that bright side and more different sides of you going forward?
Kanavi: Oh, the director... do you call him a director? That person from Riot asked me to do it, so I did. Next time, I'll try to show you something good as well."
