Hanwha Life Esports Sweeps DRX 2-0: Zeka’s MVP Show and the LCK Community’s Verdict
Set 1: Zeka’s Corki and Hanwha’s Early Control Set the Tone
The series opened with Hanwha Life Esports establishing early dominance through sharp macro and objective control. Zeka, piloting Corki, was the centerpiece—his poke and positioning consistently pressured DRX’s midlane. Peanut’s Nidalee played a crucial role in jungle skirmishes, and Viper’s Ashe offered strong utility in teamfights. Despite DRX’s attempts to contest, Hanwha’s clean engages and superior vision led to a steady gold lead. The decisive moment came with a well-executed Baron fight, as Zeka’s Corki secured multiple kills and Hanwha closed out the game in 33 minutes.
Fans praised Hanwha’s draft and Zeka’s aggressive play, with comments like “Zeka taking on the role of a Corki/Galio merchant is exactly what I anticipated.” DRX’s Ucal and Teddy showed flashes of brilliance, but the team struggled to keep up with Hanwha’s tempo.
Set 2: Viper and Zeka Dominate as Hanwha Closes the Series
Game 2 saw Hanwha Life Esports maintain their momentum. Zeka switched to Galio, enabling proactive roams and crowd control, while Viper’s Varus became a late-game carry threat. Peanut’s Wukong and Delight’s Nautilus provided reliable initiation, repeatedly catching DRX out of position. DRX’s Teddy (Miss Fortune) and Ucal (Yone) tried to rally, but Hanwha’s coordinated teamfighting and macro decisions overwhelmed them. The match ended after 38 minutes, with Hanwha racking up 32 kills to DRX’s 18.
The Korean community and global fans alike highlighted Viper’s consistency and Zeka’s versatility. Some pointed out DRX’s lack of cohesion, especially in late-game teamfights, while others commended Hanwha’s ability to close out games methodically.
Key Players: Zeka and Viper Shine Bright
Zeka was the undisputed MVP, delivering impactful performances on both Corki and Galio. His ability to dictate the pace of fights and create kill opportunities set Hanwha apart. Viper, meanwhile, provided steady damage and late-game insurance, especially in Game 2. Peanut’s jungle pathing and Delight’s support engages were also instrumental.
For DRX, Ucal and Teddy stood out as the most reliable threats, but the rest of the roster struggled to match Hanwha’s team coordination and execution.
Fan Reactions: Community Buzz and Cultural Insight
Online communities on Naver, Reddit, and DCInside were abuzz after the match. About 80% of comments favored Hanwha’s performance, with many lauding Zeka’s adaptability and Viper’s stability. Some DRX fans expressed frustration, particularly with Sponge and Andil’s performances, while others praised Ucal and Teddy for keeping the games competitive.
Memes about Zeka’s champion pool and Hanwha’s playoff prospects circulated widely, reflecting both admiration and playful banter. The LCK fandom’s high expectations for Hanwha’s upcoming match against T1 were a recurring theme.
Interviews and Team Issues: Hanwha’s Confidence, DRX’s Struggles
In post-match interviews, Zeka credited the team’s preparation and focus, stating, “We’ve been working on our synergy, and I’m happy with how we executed today.” Viper emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum heading into the playoffs. Hanwha’s coach highlighted the team’s improvement in communication and late-game decision-making.
DRX’s coaching staff acknowledged the need for better cohesion, especially in high-pressure situations. Community discussions raised questions about potential roster changes and the team’s direction for the rest of the split.
With this win, Hanwha Life Esports solidifies its position as a top LCK contender, while DRX faces mounting pressure to regroup and find answers before their next series.