Today in 2022 LCK summer: Week 2, Day 5

The 2022 League of Legends Champions Korea summer season is well underway, with games happening five days a week. For fans that don’t have time to watch all the action but want to know what is going on, we at Upcomer are here to provide a daily recap of each day’s games. Here is what happened today in the 2022 LCK summer season.

Nongshim RedForce beats Hanwha Life Esports

Nongshim RedForce came into their final match of Week 2 following a 2-0 victory over Kwangdong Freecs; meanwhile, their opponent, Hanwha Life Esports, had just lost a close three-game set against an undefeated DRX. With both teams still at the bottom of the standings, these evenly matched organizations had opportunities to dig themselves out to close out the second week of the 2022 LCK summer split.

Game 1’s draft didn’t show off anything outside of the box, as both teams drafted standard meta compositions. NS did get on the board first, as NS mid laner Gwak “Bdd” Bo-seong managed to find first blood with a jungle gank into the mid lane at the seven-minute mark.

The real first turning point in the game came after a five versus five fight around the first Rift Herald; NS were able to secure two kills for themselves without surrendering any, but HLE was able to secure the Rift Herald, giving them an early game gold lead. But, with better teamfighting, NS were able to consistently win skirmishes around objectives and 17 minutes in, they had a 7-0 kill lead and three dragons despite the gold only being 2k in their favor. Although the gold didn’t paint the entire picture, NS were so far ahead that HLE could do nothing; the couldn’t even get a single kill while NS took their 18-0 kill score and destroyed HLE’s base in just over 27 minutes.

Game 2’s draft also had no surprises. The early game in Game 2 was a lot better for HLE, as they were able to better match NS in small skirmishes. Around the 15 minute mark, HLE were up in kills 5-2 and had a 3k gold lead thanks to being able to secure both rift heralds. HLE was playing methodically this game, using their leads to continue to make great macro decisions;  eventually choking NS out of the game.

HLE score the ACE to bring this series to 3! #LCK pic.twitter.com/12TybNp20U

— LCK (@LCK) June 26, 2022

Lastly, in Game 3, NS picked up Veigar in the mid lane. Unfortunately, the pick did nothing in the early game, as Bdd gave up first blood rather quickly. Just a few seconds after, NS were able to answer with a kill on Lee “DuDu” Dong-ju in the top lane to keep the kills even. The game was quiet until the 21-minute mark, when HLE found a fight they wanted to take. That fight ended with NS taking their third dragon, but at the cost of four of their member’s lives. HLE then marched right towards Baron and quickly had a 5k gold lead.

At the next dragon fight, NS were able to secure the objective again, but paid the price as their team was wiped once more. However, the third time was the charm — despite being down almost 8k gold, NS’ Veigar stole Elder Dragon, won the teamfight, and in just a blink of an eye, NS were able to steal it away from HLE at 34 minutes into the game to move to 2-2 for the season.

DREAD SECURES ELDER?! 🤯 #LCK pic.twitter.com/TqWJZmUSbV

— LCK (@LCK) June 26, 2022

DRX takes down Kwangdong Freecs

DRX came into this match looking to keep bumping their record up to 4-0 while KDF were just trying keep up. The team came ready to play in Game 1, picking Sejuani in the top lane. Just three minutes into the game, DRX were able to find two kills, which gave them a massive advantage in the early game. However, they were not able to increase that lead, only keeping a small advantage through the early game, but that advantage did still help them secure the first two dragons. Despite the kills being similar for both teams, DRX were able to secure the Hextech Dragon Soul, which allowed them to start controlling the map, and more importantly, take full control in teamfights. 35 minutes into the game, DRX took KDF’s base.

DEFT'S KALISTA 😤 #LCK pic.twitter.com/Qu6HBM7FMu

— LCK (@LCK) June 26, 2022

DRX kept up with the aggressive drafts in Game 2 by picking Twitch and Akali. Although DRX didn’t get two early kills this time, the team did win the early game once again; they had a 2k gold lead 10 minutes in, along with four kills to KDF’s zero. DRX had no problems increasing their lead this time, as by the 25 minute mark, DRX had three dragons to KDF’s zero, a 7-1 kill advantage and 7k gold lead. DRX proceeded to snowball the game, as KDF could not find an response; in just under 32 minutes, DRX finished off the 2-0 victory and continued their undefeated streak.

What’s Next

The 2022 LCK Summer split will be taking a two-day break, but will be back on Wednesday, June 29. The first two games of Week 3 will pit Liiv SANDBOX against DRX and KDF against T1.