Summary:
- Round 2 of the LCK 2025 Playoffs features two big weekend matches: Gen.G vs KT and HLE vs T1, with winners moving to the Upper Bracket Final.
- Gen.G and HLE advanced directly to Round 2 as the top two regular-season teams, while T1 and KT qualified by beating Dplus KIA and BNK FearX.
- These matchups will decide who gets closer to the LCK title and secure early tickets to Worlds 2025, making them must-watch series.
The LCK 2025 Playoffs are heating up with two massive Upper Bracket Round 2 matches. Gen.G will battle KT Rolster, while Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) faces T1. Both matchups will decide who gets closer to the LCK trophy to secure an early ticket to Worlds 2025. Between Gen.G vs KT and HLE vs T1, who will advance to the Upper Bracket Finals?
Format and Schedule
The LCK Playoffs use a Fearless Draft format, forcing teams to ban champions they’ve already used in the series. This encourages creativity and deeper champion pools, making for exciting matches.
The winners of Gen.G vs KT and HLE vs T1 will advance to the Upper Bracket Final, guaranteeing at least Korea’s third Worlds seed. Losers drop to the Lower Bracket for one last chance to qualify, facing the winner of DPlus KIA vs BNK FearX.
This weekend, we’ll witness these two big battles play out during the following times:
Gen.G vs KT Rolster
- September 12, 2025, 22:00 PT
- September 13, 2025, 15:00 KST / 06:00 CET / 01:00 ET
Hanwha Life Esports vs T1
- September 13, 2025, 22:00 PT
- September 14, 2025, 15:00 KST / 06:00 CET / 01:00 ET
Gen.G vs KT Rolster
Between KT Rolster and T1 who had won the opening Playoffs matches, Gen.G chose KT as their opponent for the Round 2 bracket. Gen.G’s roster, led by Chovy and Ruler, remains one of the most consistent in the league.
KT’s aggressive style, however, could challenge Gen.G’s slower, calculated play. Fans are expecting a close series that could go the distance, and if not, a 3-1 score with KT putting up decent fights..
KT Rolster vs BNK FearX Recap
KT Rolster earned their spot in this matchup by defeating BNK FearX 3–1 in Round 1. Their strong early game and bot lane dominance gave them control of the series. While Gen.G is undeniably the best LCK team right now, KT has the chance to bring the giant team to their knees.
HLE vs T1
This match is one of the most anticipated series of the playoffs. During this split, HLE vs T1 had been a very one-sided matchup, favoring the latter. However, it doesn’t mean that T1 will just bulldoze over HLE again in this best-of-five. With a close series against Dplus KIA before this one, T1 might be having a shaky form that could allow HLE to exploit their weaknesses better.
Overall, fans can expect some macro play showdown and explosive teamfights from these two teams. HLE’s Zeka and Viper have been standout performers all split and are capable of turning games around single-handedly. T1, with their playoff experience and synergy, will aim to control the pace of the series and capitalize on any mistakes.
T1 vs Dplus KIA Recap
T1 narrowly survived their series against Dplus KIA in a dramatic 3–2 win. Rookie top laner Siwoo almost carried DK to the upset, but Gumayusi and Keria stepped up in the final game to secure the victory. This hard-fought win gives T1 momentum heading into their clash with HLE.
Conclusion
The LCK 2025 Upper Bracket Round 2 best-of-fives are must-watch for any League of Legends fan. Gen.G vs KT and HLE vs T1 will decide who moves closer to the grand finals and which teams will carry Korea’s hopes on the international stage. The winners lock in at least Korea’s third seed, while the losers drop to the Lower Bracket for one last chance. With so much on the line, every game is critical, and no team can afford mistakes.
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