On February 1, one of the final game days of the group stage of the LCK Cup 2025 took place. Two matches were played — T1 vs Gen.G and Dplus KIA vs OKSavingsBank BRION. In this article, we summarize these matches.

T1 vs Gen.G

This match can truly be called the El Clasico of the Korean scene. Each time, this encounter is crucial for Chovy who seeks to prove he's better than Faker, and it's also significant for Smash, a newcomer who has already been a substitute for Gumayusi for the third match. However, don't let him fool you; his aggressive playstyle leaves no chances. Does he have enough skills to compete with the experienced Ruler?

The first map began with a complete rout by T1. The unexpected happened: the LCK newcomer Smash simply obliterated the Gen.G giants, finishing the map on Kai'sa with 13 kills. The opponents couldn't counter such a well-fed champion, resulting in T1 leading the series.

After the defeat, Gen.G pulled themselves together significantly and began playing entirely differently. Ruler got his beloved Xayah, which was presumably a mistake from T1's coaching staff. The damage he dealt during fights was incredible. Mid-game seemed like T1 was about to lead again and take the series, but the teamwork between Canyon and Chovy allowed for winning skirmishes two against two, four against four, and consequently taking objectives. The result of this map was Gen.G's victory, meaning we were heading to the third map.

The third map started entirely in favor of T1. A failed attempt to steal Raptors for Canyon resulted in an experience lag, and a death near Krags took him out of the game. Zeri from Smash felt pretty good early on thanks to early kills. In the mid-game, Gen.G managed a comeback and started leading thanks to Ruler and Jinx. But a complete failure during the fight for Atakhan and Baron took away all chances for Gen.G to win. Ultimately, T1 won with a score of 2:1.

OKSavingsBank BRION vs Dplus KIA

Even though DK was the absolute favorite in this encounter, it seemed like they weren't present on the first map, a complete failure across all lines. Only the young talent Siwoo, having K’sante, one of the strongest champions on his line right now, didn't lose his lane. Let's note another good game from Hype on Ashe this time without any deaths.

In the second map, DK came in angry after the upsetting defeat. Aiming received his signature Kai'sa. And ShowMaker was notable for an entertaining Tryndamere pick in the mid. Ultimately, both players won their lanes, and thereafter, in team fights, DK left BRION with no chances.

The third map was somewhat similar to the second, mainly under DK's control, but there were interesting attempts and comebacks from BRION. There's not much to say about this map, but unfortunately, we currently don't see the same BRION that defeated Gen.G. Let's note ShowMaker on the signature LeBlanc. Today, he didn't die even once. In the end, the match concluded with a victory for Dplus KIA with a score of 2:1.

Team Standings in Groups

Matches in this tournament are held between teams from opposite groups: "Baron" and "Elder". However, the points earned are counted within their group. This way, the tournament organizers aim to break the routine of professional tournaments.

The LCK Cup 2025 is held in a group stage format and playoffs involving 10 teams, divided into two groups. Each group consists of 5 teams, and the seeding was based on the results of the 2024 tournaments. A spot at the First Stand 2025 is at stake. All information about the tournament can be found at this link.