For the first time in HLE's history, they have qualified for MSI! Zeus: Bro Jin will lead us to win the championship!

In the 2026 LCK MSI Qualifier match, HLE and T1 went head-to-head in the initial battle, a contest of great importance to both organizations. It wasn't just about the first opportunity to qualify for MSI; no one wanted to be relegated to the lower bracket where they would have to take on GEN with Chovy in top form. Defeat in the lower bracket would almost certainly lead to being eliminated. In the end, this BO5 saw HLE triumph 3-1 over T1, securing the first MSI slot from the LCK region—a historic first for the team! Last year, they were denied MSI qualification by T1, but this season they finally achieved their revenge and turned the tables!

During the regular season, the two teams were evenly matched, but looking at this BO5—especially as it progressed—it was clear that Kanavi's early-game jungle pathing and map control allowed Zeka to operate very comfortably in the mid lane. As long as Zeka could survive the laning phase with his mechanically intensive champions, he became unstoppable once he had one item. The final POG award went to Kanavi, who demonstrated strong pressure whether using control-oriented picks like Trundle and Maokai or the mechanical Lee Sin. Notably, he is the only player on the team who has won an MSI championship!

Gumayusi also became the first player in history to qualify for MSI five years in a row. His previous results are as follows: 2022 MSI runner-up; 2023 MSI third place; 2024 MSI third place; 2025 MSI runner-up. After the match, Gumayusi stated that when predicting the other MSI spot, he believes it will be T1—the team he both loves and hates. Meanwhile, top laner Zeus said in a post-game interview: "I've never won an MSI title. This time, since it's being held in Korea, I think we'll have great memories. Plus, we have MSI specialist Bro Jin on our team—he'll lead us to the championship!"

So for this MSI, the most anticipated matchup should be HLE versus TES. If they meet, it will be the first time Kanavi faces his former teammates since leaving the team, as well as reuniting with his LPL comrades!