If you had told anyone at the start of the LCK Playoffs that it would be KT Versus HLE and GenG Versus T1, no one would bat an eye. But to say that KT and HLE are fighting in the Upper Bracket would shock everyone. HLE defeating T1 was not nearly as big a surprise as KT taking down the MSI Champions and LCK Playoffs 1st seed, GenG. The winner advances to the Grand Final and secures at least the 2nd seed at the World Championship.
The Upper Bracket final begins at 11:00 PM PT (8:00 AM CET September 20th). Who will advance to the Grand Final for a shot at becoming the LCK Champion?
KT has taken on HLE 6 times during the 2025 LCK season. They only managed to win one of those series, with a total of four game wins.
Both teams enter the Upper Bracket Final with victories in their previous matches. KT has won two Bo5 series in a row, with their most recent win being a 3-2 shock defeat against GenG. HLE has only played one series in the Playoffs, winning 3-0 in a dominant display.
Bdd and Cuzz were pivotal in taking down GenG in their previous series. The two combined for one of the most impressive Mid-Jungle carries of the year. One of the reasons they had the space to dominate was the lackluster performances from Canyon and Chovy. They might have a tougher time against HLE. Peanut was instrumental in the dismantling of T1, and if he maintains that form, Cuzz will not have the space needed for a 1v9 performance like he did in game five against GenG.
Since PerfecT’s debut season last year, he has struggled to match up to the dominance of Zeus. He has been solo-killed multiple times by him in the past. PerfecT has had a resurgence in the past weeks, and his maintaining that level might not even be enough to match Zeus. Out of all the top laners in the world, few have the carry potential to match Zeus at his best. If Zeus is in that form, KT might struggle to keep the two-time World Champion contained.
KT 1-3 HLE
There was something about that HLE performance against T1 that reminded us of their LCK Cup form at the start of the year. They were nearly untouchable in that state. If they have reached that peak form, there is little that KT can do to stop them. Even if Bdd and Cuzz perform at their best, it might not be enough to stop the HLE juggernaut. However, if HLE does not reach that form, they might find themselves in the Lower Bracket against T1 or GenG.
The winner of the series advances to the LCK Final next weekend at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. They will also guarantee at least the second seed for the LCK at the World Championship. The loser will play in the Lower Bracket Final at the Inspire Arena, against the winner of GenG and T1.
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