Kha Y Tran The clash between HLE and T1 was the most anticipated match of the opening week of the LCK Cup 2026. As two of the strongest teams in the league, both squads delivered a thrilling series. In the end, however, T1 completed an impressive comeback and secured a 2–1 victory over HLE.
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Pre-Match Context
Before the games even began, both teams were extremely cautious in the ban–pick phase. On the one hand, T1 drafted with a clear focus on objective control and structured teamfights. On the other hand, HLE opted for a more direct, head-on fighting style.
In particular, T1 emphasized Dragon and Baron control. Moreover, they removed key carry champions to reduce early pressure from HLE. As a result, picks like K’Sante, Sylas, Aphelios, and Lulu created a strong front-to-back teamfight composition.
Meanwhile, HLE focused more on raw combat power. However, they lacked early-game macro tools such as Xin Zhao or Pantheon. In addition, the Fearless Draft format limited their flexibility after Game 1. Consequently, their later drafts were not as optimized as T1’s.
Match Progression
Game 1: HLE Take the Lead with Superior Objective Control
At the start of Game 1, HLE immediately took control of the river and jungle. First of all, they pressured mid lane and secured small CS and vision advantages. As a result, T1 had to play reactively.
Then, in the mid game, HLE rotated efficiently to pressure outer turrets. Meanwhile, T1 struggled to find good engage tools. Therefore, they could not start favorable fights.
Eventually, HLE secured Baron and pushed all three lanes. At that point, T1 no longer had the resources to defend. Consequently, their Nexus fell at the 28-minute mark.
Game 1 went to HLE due to superior macro and objective control.
Game 2: T1 Strike Back and Even the Series
In Game 2, T1 adjusted their approach and played much more proactively from mid lane. Early on, T1’s mid–jungle duo showed excellent synergy, and Faker secured first blood. In the mid game, T1 controlled nearly every major objective on the map. Although they lost a Voidgrub, they took the Rift Herald and destroyed the top turret to open up the map. HLE lost tempo and had to play according to T1’s pace.
T1 then set up around Baron to force a teamfight. HLE were compelled to engage but were out of sync and lost the fight. With Baron buff, T1 systematically took down HLE’s structures. Thanks to superior macro and teamfighting, T1 closed out the game quickly at the 24-minute mark.
Game 3: Total Domination by T1
From the early game, T1 snowballed through the top side of the map. By mid game, they controlled almost every objective, leaving HLE with little room to respond. A key river fight completely opened up the game for T1.
In the late game, all T1 players were in top form. With clean coordination, T1 secured an early Baron and pushed all three lanes. HLE could no longer defend as every lane for T1 was far ahead.
At the 23-minute mark, T1 wiped out HLE inside HLE’s own base and ended the game. This was a “perfect snowball” performance from T1.
Match Result
T1 completed the reverse sweep and defeated HLE 2–1. The victory also earned Team Baron additional points.
Key Highlights
- HLE had an excellent first game with strong objective control.
- T1 showed high form and macro play on par with the best.
- All T1 lanes performed well, and their mid–jungle duo had outstanding synergy.
Conclusion
T1 won thanks to their ability to adapt after defeat and their superior objective control. This victory proved that the reigning world champions’ form is more than just a title—it’s real.
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Hastag
#LCKCup2026 #T1 #HLE #RiotGames #LeagueOfLegends
Quynh Bui 
