Summary:
- Hanwha Life Esports advances to the LCK 2025 Playoffs grand final after a clean sweep over KT Rolster.
- Delight was awarded POM for his consistently excellent performance throughout all three games.
- HLE will now wait for their opponent in the Grand Final while KT Rolster will face the winner of the T1 vs Gen.G match.
Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) are on the verge of repeating history. On September 20, 2025, they swept KT Rolster 3-0 in the LCK 2025 semifinal series. The victory sends HLE to the LCK 2025 Finals and guarantees them at least the region’s Worlds 2025 #2 seed. Last year, HLE won the LCK Summer title and went to Worlds as the #1 seed. Now, they’re just one win away from doing it again. Here’s how the HLE vs KT semifinal match played out.
Format and Overview
Hanwha Life Esports showed why they’re still one of the top teams in the LCK with their playoff run. Because of their strong finish in Split 3 of the regular season, they started in the Upper Bracket Round 2 alongside Gen.G. There, HLE swept T1 3-0, flipping the script on a team that had beaten them several times earlier in the Split.
KT Rolster meanwhile came in with strong momentum after a 3-1 win over BNK FearX in Round 1. They followed it up with a close 3-2 victory against Gen.G, knocking down the LCK’s biggest powerhouse to the lower bracket. But when they faced HLE in the Semifinal, that momentum just wasn’t enough.
HLE vs KT: Full Series Recap
HLE vs KT was expected to be a close clash after KT’s upset win over Gen.G, but HLE came prepared and left no room for doubt. Across all three games, HLE controlled the pace, shutting down KT’s aggressive style.
Game 1
KT tried an early lane swap to help deokdam’s Kai’Sa, but HLE adjusted fast. Peanut and Delight teamed up for an early gank in KT’s botside jungle. They successfully stole Cuzz’ blue buff, which allowed them to pressure KT. Meanwhile, Zeus’s Rek’Sai excelled at helping HLE dive their opponents.. Delight’s Alistar stepped up with key plays, locking down fights and helping HLE take a smooth first win.
Game 2
In the second game, KT looked better with picks like Jhin and Annie, but HLE’s teamfighting was simply too strong. Viper’s Sivir and Zeka’s Orianna scaled well into the late game, and Delight’s Rell once again locked down KT’s carries. Every fight went HLE’s way, and their clean coordination pushed them to a 2-0 lead in the series.
Game 3
KT tried one more time to turn the series around, drafting Smolder and making an early dive for first blood. But HLE responded quickly. At the first dragon fight, HLE wiped KT with five kills, led by Zeus’s Ambessa. Viper even stopped Zeus from stealing the pentakill, adding some lighthearted drama. From there, KT had no chance—HLE snowballed their lead and ended the series with a decisive 3-0 sweep.
Delight as POM
Delight played well in all three games, earning the Player of the Match (POM) award. Even though his performance was shaky in earlier series, HLE’s support has bounced back, making perfect engages and creating game-changing plays.
The rest of the team also delivered in this HLE vs KT match. Peanut played his final match at LoL Park before leaving for military service, which made the win even more special. Viper carried the last game, while Zeus and Zeka both looked to be at their best.
HLE in the Grand Final
With this clean sweep, HLE secured their spot in the LCK 2025 Finals at Inspire Arena and locked in at least the region’s #2 seed for Worlds 2025. They now wait to face the winner of the Lower Bracket Final.
For KT, the loss sends them to the Lower Bracket Final, where they’ll go up against the winner of Gen.G vs. T1. Winning there means they’ll have another chance to face HLE again and fight for the top seed.
Conclusion
The HLE vs KT semifinal proved once again that HLE’s teamwork, discipline, and clutch potential make them one of the strongest contenders in the LCK. From looking slightly out of form weeks ago, they are now at the top of the Playoffs bracket, challenging everyone to try and steal their title.
Now, all eyes are on the LCK 2025 Grand Final, where HLE will aim to defend their crown and secure Korea’s top seed at Worlds. Whether they face KT Rolster, Gen.G, or T1, one thing is clear: HLE are peaking at the perfect time, and their road to another title has never looked stronger.
Writer’s Recommendation:
Liked this article? If you did, you may be interested in related news and guides I’ve written about League of Legends and esports. Check them out!
