Preface: The S16 season has officially started, and it’s believed that most players have been paying attention to the recent confrontations. The LCK region’s matches have been quite fierce. In the past two years, LCK teams have reclaimed dominance over the competition, with no region able to resist their strength. The transfer period saw the creation of multiple elite squads. The clashes between T1 and HLE teams became a hot topic among fans, especially since HLE invested heavily, not only acquiring the finals MVP Xiaolübu from T1 but also bringing in top LPL coach Hongmi and jungler Kanavi. However, Oner completely dominated Kanavi, crushing him across three different teams. After the match, Homme admitted that his BP was problematic.

He is actually Kanavi’s greatest rival

Most players still pay close attention to the HLE team. As one of the top teams in the LCK region over the past two years, HLE has consistently made significant investments each transfer season. This season, they not only signed T1’s finals MVP Xiaolübu but also brought in jungler Kanavi and elite coach Hongmi. This lineup quickly became a major topic of discussion among fans. During the previous K Cup tournament, their overall performance was solid, trading wins with T1, so many were looking forward to their matchups in the main event. However, T1 came back to win 2-1 decisively.

After the match, jungler Kanavi was thrust into the spotlight. His reputation within the LPL region has never been particularly strong. While he may have delivered some impressive plays during regional clashes, helping his team advance to the knockout stage, problems arise during the world-level competitions. Especially when facing LCK teams, he tends to become overwhelmed and makes various critical mistakes. This time around, fans joked that Kanavi would become the LPL region’s biggest “strict father,” but within his own region, he performed terribly and was thoroughly crushed by Oner.

Fans joked that Oner has become Kanavi’s "strict father," having dominated him across three different teams. The first time was in the S13 semifinals when Kanavi was with JDG and was eliminated by T1 with a 3-1 score. Then in the S15 semifinals, when playing for TES, Kanavi was swept 3-0 by T1. Lastly, in this LCK Cup confrontation, while on HLE, he was defeated 2-1 by T1. The last time Kanavi defeated Oner was back in the S13 MSI, when JDG beat T1 3-2. Over their entire professional careers, they have faced each other five times, with Kanavi winning once and losing four times, and their individual game record stands at 6 wins and 13 losses in favor of Oner.

After the match, HLE’s head coach Hongmi gave an interview addressing the issues in the game. Homme took most of the responsibility upon himself. He said that the team performed well in the first game, but regrettably, in the second and third games, they failed to secure good champions for the players. This was likely his first admission that his BP was flawed, and he did not blame the players. Previously, in a TES documentary, he mentioned that his last-minute changes in lineup were based on better ideas, but he hadn’t had time to communicate with players. So why has he become so weak and powerless since returning to LCK? He should be more assertive.

Farewell thoughts

When in the LPL region, he was arrogant and confident, but upon returning to LCK, he became humble and reserved. Perhaps the LPL clubs gave him too much, fueling his confidence. I really hope LPL clubs become tougher in the future. Even if Homme chooses to come back, no one should want him. I don’t believe that losing one coach means the players can’t perform. This season, the AL team will surely prove that a coach is only a bonus; the five players are the core, just like Fan Zhendong. His retired and rehired coach can’t stop praising him now.

What do all of you viewers think about this matter?