Gen.G continues their impressive run through the LCK Regional Gauntlet with a 3-2 win over rookies Griffin.
역전에 역전!! LCK 역대 최고의 신예 그리핀의 기세를 잠재우며 선발전 3라운드에 진출합니다!
Game that can't be forgotten. After incredible match game, we are now going to the final round of the #LCK regional qualifier! Thank you so much to the fans and player!#GENGWIN #WeAreGenG pic.twitter.com/lK9Z6Lkvg3
— 젠지 이스포츠 | Gen.G Esports (@GenG_KR) September 14, 2018
Gen.G was coming off of a convincing win against perennial World Champions, SKT T1. However, they did make some uncharacteristic mistakes throughout the series. Also, SKT has been looking weak through the whole season, and so Griffin would be a much greater challenge for the 2016 World Champs. They would need some great performances from the whole team in order to come out with the victory today.
Meanwhile, Griffin was just capping off one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer. Due to the team being made up of all rookies, many people did not think they could accomplish much this season. Fortunately, they were able to silence most of their critics. They would actually have one of the strongest starts of a brand-new LCK team, and would remain one of the best teams in the region. However, their inexperience would eventually be their downfall.
Griffin with an Early Start
Game one would be all Griffin, with their 17-year-old mid lane phenom, Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon. He would have a stellar carry performance on Zoe this game, with a 4/0/6 scoreline. Chovy would actually get these quick early leads, which would snowball into the late game. By the time Gen.G came together, he just had too much damage. Together with top laner Choi “Sword” Sung-won and Lee “Tarzan” Seung-yong, they would push right through Gen.G to take the first game in convincing fashion.
Gen.G Strikes Back
However, games two and three would shift the momentum completely. Gen.G’s star carry Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk would rise to the occasion once again in both games. Now, Gen.G is no stranger to feeding their ADC a lot of resources. In the second game, Ruler would dominate Griffin’s bottom lane duo of Park “Viper” Do-hyeon and Son “Lehends” Si-woo. It wouldn’t be close as the combo of Xayah and Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in’s Rakan would be too much later on.
In game three, it would be the exact same story, with Ruler and CoreJJ choosing Xayah and Rakan once again. However, Gen.G’s top laner Lee “CuVee” Seong-jin would pop off this time, collecting six kills on his Aatrox. He would counter Sword’s Urgot so well that they would dedicate a pick on it next game. It was a pretty decisive two games, but Griffin would be strong enough to fight back.
And on to the next round…
Game four would sway back to Griffin, as Chovy and Viper would pull off a miraculous performance. They would combine for ten of the thirteen kills from the team, and Sword’s Ornn would provide them with some great engages. It was an impressive comeback victory for Griffin who were stomped on in the last two games. Actually, game four would be the quickest game in the series, ending at around 28 minutes.
Luckily for Gen.G fans, they would be able to close out the series in game five. Again, it would be Ruler who would provide the backpack for his team. However, Gen.G also exemplified some of the great team play that made them so feared in the league. We should also put the spotlight on Crown, who would reach into his champion pool to play Lissandra. Kang “Haru” Min-seung was also playing quite well, especially with the absence of jungler Kang “Ambition” Chan-yong. It was a complete team win, as Gen.G now moves on to face Kingzone DragonX in the Regional Gauntlet Finals.
What’s Next?
As for Griffin, it is a disappointing end to an impressive first season in the LCK. However, they do not need to hang their heads. As a full rookie team in the most competitive region in the world, to be able to reach the Finals in your first season in incredible. With more time and experience, I can see Griffin becoming a powerhouse in the LCK. If we look at how young the team is, it may be reasonable to assume that Griffin could be the next big dynasty in the League of Legends world.
What do you think of Gen.G’s big win against Griffin? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! If you want more League of Legends content, check us out here!
Published: Sep 14, 2018 02:45 pm