On February 8, 2025, Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) secured a decisive 2-0 victory against DRX in the 2025 LCK Cup Play-In stage, showcasing their prowess and teamwork. The match, held at LoL Park in Jongno, Seoul, was marked by intense gameplay and strategic maneuvers from both sides, ultimately culminating in HLE's triumph and advancement to the playoff stage where they will face T1.

# Match Overview and Champion Selections

In the first set, HLE opted for a composition of Gnar, Nidalee, Corki, Ashe, and Pantheon, while DRX countered with Ksante, Sejuani, Jayce, Kai'Sa, and Rell. The game started with an early aggressive play from HLE's 'Delight' on Pantheon, invading DRX's jungle and setting the tone for a high-intensity match. Despite initial setbacks, HLE managed to recover and gradually take control of the game through superior teamfighting and objective control. The second set saw HLE selecting Ornn, Wukong, Galio, Varus, and Nautilus, facing off against DRX's Rumble, Vi, Yone, Miss Fortune, and Rakan. This game was characterized by early skirmishes and a more dominant performance from HLE, culminating in a spectacular pentakill by 'Zeka' on Galio that sealed their victory.

# Key Moments and Player Performances

Throughout the series, several players stood out with their exceptional performances. For HLE, 'Zeka' was undoubtedly the star of the show, particularly in the second game where his Galio play was instrumental in securing crucial teamfights, including the game-ending pentakill. 'Viper' also demonstrated his world-class ADC skills, especially on Varus in the second game, providing consistent damage output and positioning that kept DRX at bay. On the DRX side, 'Teddy' showed flashes of brilliance on Miss Fortune in the second game, managing to keep his team competitive despite the overall deficit. However, his efforts were ultimately not enough to turn the tide in DRX's favor. The jungler matchup between HLE's 'Peanut' and DRX's 'Andil' was particularly intriguing, with both players showcasing aggressive early game pathing and ganking. Peanut's Nidalee in the first game and Wukong in the second proved to be more impactful, contributing significantly to HLE's map control and objective secures.

# Game Analysis and Turning Points

The first game was a closer affair than the scoreline might suggest. DRX managed to secure early advantages through well-executed ganks and counterplays, particularly leveraging 'Andil's' Rell to create opportunities across the map. However, HLE's superior macro play and teamfighting cohesion allowed them to claw back into the game. A crucial Baron secure around the 25-minute mark swung the momentum decisively in HLE's favor, enabling them to close out the game. The second game showcased HLE's ability to snowball an early lead. Their draft, centered around strong teamfighting with Galio, Ornn, and Wukong, proved to be superior in the mid to late game stages. The turning point came during a fight for the Ocean Soul, where Zeka's Galio ultimate created the perfect engage for HLE to ace DRX and secure both the Dragon Soul and Baron. This sequence led to the memorable pentakill that ended the game and the series.

# Player Ratings and Fan Reactions

Based on their performances, here are the unofficial player ratings for the series: HLE: Kiin (8/10), Peanut (8.5/10), Zeka (9.5/10), Viper (9/10), Delight (8/10) DRX: Kingen (7/10), Andil (7.5/10), FATE (7/10), Teddy (8/10), BeryL (7/10) The Korean fan community was abuzz with excitement following the match. Many praised Zeka's performance, with comments like "Zeka's Galio was absolutely monstrous!" and "That pentakill will be remembered for ages." Viper's consistent carry performances also drew admiration, with fans noting his ability to perform under pressure. Some fans expressed concern over DRX's form, particularly their inability to close out games when ahead. Comments like "Teddy deserves better" were common, acknowledging the ADC's efforts in trying to keep DRX competitive. Overall, the sentiment was positive towards HLE's growth as a team, with many fans looking forward to their upcoming playoff match against T1.

# Looking Ahead: HLE vs T1

With this victory, Hanwha Life Esports has secured their spot in the playoff stage of the 2025 LCK Cup, where they will face the formidable T1 in a best-of-five series. This matchup is highly anticipated, as it pits HLE's resurgent roster against the perennial powerhouse T1. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how HLE's bot lane of Viper and Delight will fare against T1's Gumayusi and Keria, and whether Zeka can maintain his impressive form against the legendary Faker. The jungle matchup between Peanut and Oner is also expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series. As HLE rides the momentum of their victory against DRX, they'll need to bring their A-game to have a chance against the well-oiled machine that is T1. This upcoming match promises to be a thrilling showcase of top-tier League of Legends, with implications for both teams' standings in the LCK and their prospects for the upcoming regular season.