With only three BO5 matches left to conclude the LCK first split playoffs, the previous match day featured the winners' bracket final between GEN and BFX. GEN, the league's internal powerhouse, is considered the top LCK team as long as they don't reach international events. Although BFX had previously upset T1, few expected them to win this time. The final result aligned with most fans' predictions: GEN won and advanced to the final.

Watching the entire match, GEN’s players demonstrated superior individual skill, leadership, and team decision-making, completely outclassing BFX. However, BFX didn’t lose without a fight; when GEN reached match point and relaxed their guard, BFX managed to take a small game. Yet, that victory came at a cost, as in the decisive game GEN exploded with full power and finished the match in just 23 minutes, pushing to the base with an 18,000 gold lead.

At 23 minutes with an 18,000 gold lead, Chidi was ahead solo by 5,700 gold—this was almost bot-level dominance. Sanshu’s signature Nidalee really made an impact, having ganked both top and bottom lanes by 8 minutes and controlling all resources. GEN’s mid-jungle this year feels quite different from last year. However, whether they can perform well on the international stage remains to be seen, as fans have been disappointed many times and are cautious to believe again.

After defeating BFX, GEN not only advanced to the finals but also became the world’s first team to secure a spot in the Pioneers tournament. BFX dropped to the losers' bracket final, where winning one BO5 match would also grant them Pioneers qualification. However, their upcoming opponents remain tough; in the third round of the losers' bracket, DK faces T1. Both fans and pros overwhelmingly favor T1, so BFX will likely face T1 again in a rematch.

GEN’s top laner Kiin was asked in a post-match interview which team he preferred to face in next Sunday’s final. Kiin responded that they would give their all against any opponent, but if he had to guess, it would be either T1 or BFX. Xu Ge hasn’t faced Old Li yet, but Kiin ignored him completely. It seems only the fans still believe DK can beat T1, but realistically, DK’s chances against T1 are quite slim.

Top laner Siwoo facing the crafty Doran is unlikely to gain any advantage, and Lucid doesn’t have much edge over DaO either. The two veteran mid laners will probably cancel each other out, so the key lies in the bot lane. Smash needs to dominate his lane and crush Peyz. Comparing GEN vs. BFX and T1 vs. BFX, the difference between the two strong teams’ AD carries is visually obvious: Chidi thoroughly outperforms Big Pineapple, while Peyz cannot keep up.

Sima’s current performance in C-tier matches seems slightly stronger than Peyz’s. If Keria is also off his game, DK’s bot lane might have a chance to break through. However, T1 has rested for some time and has been training hard, analyzing their opponents’ matches, so their form should be much improved. If T1 performs at full strength, DK will definitely struggle. Still, T1’s inconsistency in the league means it’s hard to predict before the match.

This year’s global Pioneers tournament grants two spots each to LCK and LPL. It’s uncertain if there will be a showdown between Left Hand and Right Hand. Chovy has already qualified, putting pressure on Knight. BLG played well in the first half of the group stage but faltered later. If ON doesn’t fix their discipline issues, it seems likely JDG will snatch a Pioneers spot. As for the other team, AL is undoubtedly the candidate.

In conclusion:

The LCK Cup finals are quite friendly to domestic fans. Held in Hong Kong, nearby city spectators will likely have the chance to attend. However, ticket sales depend heavily on T1 reaching the final. Without Old Li, few would be interested in watching. Hopefully, T1 can pull off a 2-0 and advance smoothly to the final.

So, who do you think will be the LCK’s second team to qualify for the Pioneers tournament?

Feel free to leave your thoughts and join the discussion!