Day 2 of the Worlds 2024 Swiss Stage saw LCK’s tigers out for revenge. After a heartbreaking sweep dealt to them by Top Esports in the Esports World Cup 2024 Quarter Finals, Gen.G gets their payback in the Swiss Stage Bo1 match.
Exchanging Fists: Gen.G vs TES in MSI and EWC 2024
Gen.G (GEN) and Top Esports (TES) are not strangers to each other’s plays and prowess. Both teams have had their share of losses and wins against the other, and this year particularly saw a back-and-forth between them in international tournaments.
At the Mid-Summer Invitational (MSI) 2024, GEN fought a close 3-2 game against TES in the Upper Bracket Semi-Finals but ultimately took the win over the Chinese top team. TES failed in their attempt at a reverse sweep in Game 5, resulting in a surprising loss. Gen.G then went on to claim the MSI 2024 trophy in the Grand Finals against Bilibili Gaming (BLG).
In the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2024, however, Top Esports presented Gen.G with a different story. Seeming to make up for the failed reverse sweep at MSI, TES hit GEN with a 2-0 score in the Bo3 Quarter Finals. TES dominated most teamfights and consistently went ahead of GEN in the gold and kill lead for both games. Suddenly, the fan-favorite GEN was struggling considerably and failed to establish the same dominance they had at the MSI. This evened out the Gen.G vs TES score history.
An Early Reunion: Worlds 2024 Swiss Stage Round 2
On October 4, 2024, TES and Gen.G once again crossed paths in the LoL World Championship (Worlds) 2024 Swiss Stage. Gen.G had just won against LPL’s Weibo Gaming (WBG) in Round 1, and Top Esports had just overcome LCK’s fourth seed, T1, in the same round. In their early reunion, both teams were locked in an intense match, eager to prove or reclaim superiority over the other. In the end, it was Gen.G that was able to add another win to their score tally.
Fans’ comments and video analyses of the Bo1 match declared Peyz as Gen.G’s key player. Even with only two years in professional play, GEN’s bot-laner was applauded for his skill with Kai’Sa and daring, aggressive plays. Along with Peyz, Lehends also showed an exquisite performance with his top-tier positioning.
One of the team’s pivotal moments was during the teamfight at the Red Jungle, where GEN’s well-executed kiting plays and Peyz’ flash rendered TES hopeless. Gen.G kept TES on the map with a Baron threat and got valuable info from a ward near the Red Buff; a bait that TES almost willingly submitted themselves to. In exchange for Lehends’ death shortly after placing the ward, GEN was able to engage TES at the right moment, resulting in a losing battle for the LPL team. Gen.G had control of the game ever since, and at 33 minutes, ended the game with an 8-kill lead and 11k gold advantage.
The Odds for Another Rivalry: Current World 2024 Standings
As of October 5, 2024, Gen.G is currently tied at first place with LNG Esports in the Swiss Stage standings. Both have 3 wins and 0 losses, and are already set to compete at the Knockout stage. As for Top Esports, they need to win against Fnatic (FNC) and achieve another Swiss Stage victory to be able to join Gen.G at Stage 3. Only then will another Gen.G vs TES finals match be possible.
The Knockouts will have 8 teams in a single bracket elimination, consisting of Bo5 matches. The future looks promising for Gen.G, and a bit shaky for Top Esports. Even so, the second seed of the LPL has already shown their ability to turn the tides. Who knows? They might be able to do it again in their following Swiss Stage matches.
Sweet Vengeance for Gen.G
It has been a known fact in League of Legend esports that the LPL and LCK rule the regions, often finding the same teams as opponents in finals matches. Last year’s Worlds, for example, also had T1 from the LCK stand alone to face LPL teams in their quest for their eventual championship. Top Esports had previously shot down the Worlds 2023 reigning champions before their match against Gen.G, only to get obliterated by the LCK’s currently most powerful team.
Like hitting two birds with one stone, Gen.G’s win over TES serves vengeance for both themselves and the LCK. For now, Gen.G has the upper hand against their LPL rivals, but we can never be too ready for potential upsets.
Gen.G has shown a dominant run throughout the season so far. Despite a broken golden road, the team’s top-tier macro play, teamfight prowess, and quick, decisive plays, make them the most promising contender in the fight for the Summoner’s Cup. As they advance to the Knockouts, are the LCK’s Tiger Nation already on their way towards their first Worlds win?
