5 favorites and dark horses you don’t want to skip on
5. NS Redforce
The former Team Dynamics only joined the LCK for the 2020 Summer Split. Their initial season was mediocre, but after a roster refresh, the team had an impressive KeSPA Cup run, going all the way to the finals.
Now, KeSPA Cup standouts didn’t always proceed to have great LCK seasons (as Afreeca Freecs fans can tell you) but it is a team to keep an eye on. (Image credit: NS RedForce)
4. Gen.G
Unlike many LCK teams, Gen.G did not go for any major changes and only promoted a few academy players to substitutes on the main roster. That main roster was pretty solid last year, however, and we can expect them to do well in the upcoming games.
The combination of proven top-tier players and eager new backups is promising. (Image credit: Gen.G)
3. Hanwha Life Esports
HLE is in this weird situation where they signed star power on what looks like an untested team and we don’t know how well it will mesh with the roster. Make no mistake, Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu and Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon are heavy-hitters.
Hanwha Life can soar or it can crash and burn. Either way, you want to be there to watch it. (Image credit: Hanwha Life Esports)
2. T1
The perennial powerhouse of the LCK, T1 should never be counted out. Korea’s most decorated team did not make Worlds last year, but we should not forget that it also won the spring season and had many good games in the spring before being upset by Afreeca in the playoffs.
T1 has since brought in a hot new prospect in the top lane and upgraded their bot lane by attracting Ryu "Keria" Min-seok. Plus, there’s always Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok himself. (Image credit: T1)
1. DWG KIA
The name might be different, but it’s the same DAMWON Gaming roster that went on a tear in the latter part of 2020. They won it all – the LCK Championship, Worlds, and even the KeSPA cup afterward, a feat that no LCK team had ever achieved before.
Even with the change in the top lane after Worlds, the team didn’t seem to miss a beat – and it’s not like Kim "Khan" Dong-ha is a downgrade. DWG is the team to beat in the spring and so far, they have looked like they can definitely deliver. (Image credit: DWG KIA)
The LCK teams are returning to the Rift. After recapturing the Summoner’s Cup, Korea is once more unrivaled at the top of the League of Legends esports scene. With the new season starting on January 13, here are the top 5 LCK teams you want to watch.
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