Gen.G advances to Worlds semifinals with 3-1 win over Hanwha Life Esports

Gen.G opened the knockout phase of the 2025 League of Legends World Championship with a 3-1 quarterfinal win over Hanwha Life Esports on October 28 in Shanghai, as the single-elimination, best-of-five playoff stage began. The quarterfinals run from October 28 to 31, semifinals are scheduled for November 1 and 2, and the Grand Final will be held on November 9 in Chengdu. Matches are played under the fearless draft rules on patch 25.20.

The Gen.G series was a tightly contested affair that showcased both teams' strengths and swingy momentum. Hanwha Life opened the series with an unconventional pick when support Delight selected Pantheon, and an early topside gank gave Zeus first blood. Gen.G answered with sustained pressure through midlane and objective control, however, and a decisive Neeko ultimate from support Duro turned a key fight near Baron in the first game. The second game became a marathon, clocking in as one of the longest professional matches of the year, but Gen.G prevailed after repeated clutch plays from Jeong Chovy and Canyon. Hanwha Life rallied in game three behind Viper on Sivir and a dominant showing from Zeka, forcing a fourth game. Gen.G closed the series in...