Gen.G will be Korea’s third and final team to jet off for Worlds 2020. The Spring finalists took down the Spring champions T1 in a 3-0 sweep to join Damwon and DRX in Shanghai. The team has their eyes on getting revenge for themselves, and redeeming Korea at the international level.
Despite Gen.G maintaining a level of dominance throughout the LCK season, there were doubts as they headed into their LCK Regional Qualifier bout against T1. The three-time world champions look reinvigorated with Gumayusi and Ellim in over Teddy and Cuzz.
However, Gen.G proved just how much of a gap there was between the “Big Four” of the LCK this year — and potentially even the “Big Three”. They handedly took down T1 in a 3-0 sweep that was uncharacteristic of two Korean teams. It was bloody, brawly, and scrappy. It was like watching the LPL.
On the rougher turf, Gen.G had a bit more polish and finesse. The cohesion of their roster stood out, compared to the T1 roster that had only a week of scrims ahead of the gauntlet.
Ellim’s Kindred ended up working against T1 in Game 1, as the Lamb’s Respites did more to protect Gen.G than save his own team. This is not to discount Gen.G’s own play, especially Rascal in the top lane who shut down Canna’s Renekton early.
With the Renekton in his hands for Game 2, Rascal showed up the new king of solo kills yet again in the top lane. While the game was held in the balance for a bit longer, Faker’s Sylas proved to be a double-edged sword — first saving T1 from certain defeat, before two poor teamfights gave the game back to Gen.G.
Game 3 was Gen.G’s most clean and decisive victory of the series. Bdd showed off why he topped the MVP charts for the Summer split, putting on an Ekko clinic across the map. Faker couldn’t keep up, and his side lanes suffered for it. Rascal once again demolished Canna, and while bot lane was a bit more even, Ruler’s class outshone the rookie Gumayusi.
Gen.G chase down T1 like they are chasing down their #Worlds2020 seed! #LCK pic.twitter.com/UKGijZGIPZ
— LCK Global (@LCK_Global) September 9, 2020
As far as 3-0’s go, it was hardly the most decisive victory. However, Gen.G were just relieved to have made it to Worlds, especially Rascal, who will finally have a chance to prove his worth on the international stage in Shanghai.
“This is my first time heading to Worlds as a starting member on a team. Truth be told, after the playoffs, I was feeling very down and struggled mentally, but everyone helped me out a lot, so I want to thank them,” he told the LCK desk after the game.
While things were looking dire for Gen.G after their heartbreaking 3-2 loss to DRX in the Summer Finals, they managed to show they are still one of Korea’s best. The 3-0 victory will do wonders for their confidence heading into Worlds.
They are tempering their expectations somewhat though. Mid lane superstar Bdd said that he’s wary of everyone heading over to Shanghai, and that there’s still plenty Gen.G need to learn.
“I believe that no single team is going to be a pushover at Worlds. I’m very excited to face TES Knight and learn from playing against him.”
Gwak “Bdd” Bo-seong
Rascal had a clearer motive though. He’s after revenge. After getting demolished by 369 at the Mid-Season Cup, he wants to show the Chinese top laner — and the world — that he should be held to the same level as other greats like Nuguri and TheShy.
“The only team we lost to at MSC was TES. I want my revenge,” he stated.
Without the Unkillable Demon King in attendance, Korea’s hopes now lay in three organizations that have never made it to the Worlds final (at least, in name. If you consider SSG and SSW the birthplace of Gen.G, then that’s another story). Gen.G themselves had a disappointing last outing at Worlds in 2018, bombing out in last in the group stage.
However, they are now presented with the perfect redemption story. Not just for the team, but for Korea as a whole, and they are ready to seize it with both hands.
