The 2024 League of Legends KeSPA Cup kicked off its first day of Group B matches on December 1, featuring intense competition among top-tier teams. Gen.G emerged as the standout performer, securing a flawless 3-0 record. DWG KIA (DK) and Hanwha Life Esports followed closely with 2-1 records, while T1, despite the presence of key players like Oner and Gumayusi in their initial lineup, struggled and finished the day with a disappointing 0-3 result.
The opening match saw Nongshim RedForce take on Hanwha Life Esports. Nongshim, fielding first-team players like Kingen and Lehends, started strong, securing early kills in the bottom lane. However, Hanwha Life, led by Zeka, Viper, and Delight, quickly turned the tide with superior team fights and strategic play. After capturing the Aurora and Baron buffs, Hanwha Life solidified their lead and closed out the game in 31 minutes, securing their first victory.
In the second match, T1 faced Vietnam All-Star. Despite featuring star players Oner and Gumayusi, T1 struggled against Vietnam's aggressive bottom lane plays, which saw their Varus accumulate four kills within the first ten minutes. While T1 managed to regain momentum through a well-executed dive in the top lane, costly mistakes in the mid-game allowed Vietnam All-Star to reclaim the lead. A decisive loss in the late-game Baron fight sealed T1's defeat.
The third match featured Gen.G against DK, with DK fielding a full-strength roster. Gen.G, without star players Chovy and Ruler, surprised everyone by outperforming DK in coordination and team fights. Guided by Kiin and Canyon, Gen.G demonstrated remarkable synergy, securing their first win of the day.
Hanwha Life faced T1 in the fourth match, with T1 fielding a revised lineup that excluded Oner and Gumayusi. Despite T1's resilience and early lead in dragon stacks, Hanwha Life, led by Zeka and Viper, showcased superior mid-to-late game execution to claim their second win.
The fifth match saw DK and Nongshim RedForce clash in a heated battle. DK's Ezreal, piloted by Aiming, dominated the early game, securing three kills within the first seven minutes. While Nongshim mounted a spirited defense and gained temporary advantages, DK's well-coordinated team fights, driven by Aiming’s exceptional performance, led them to victory.
In their second match of the day, Gen.G faced the Vietnam All-Star. With Chovy returning to the lineup, Gen.G faced stiff competition but ultimately relied on their late-game prowess to outmaneuver Vietnam and secure their second win.
The day concluded with DK narrowly defeating Hanwha Life in a thrilling match, finishing with a 2-1 record, and Gen.G cruising past T1 in the final game to complete a perfect 3-0 run. T1, with a largely second-string lineup, was unable to match Gen.G's dominance.
Looking ahead, Group A matches will begin at 2 PM tomorrow, available for streaming on Twitch and YouTube. Fans eagerly anticipate the next set of clashes in this prestigious tournament.
Sayart / Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com
