HLE may already be eliminated, but Delight thinks a South Korean team will still raise this year's Summoner's Cup.
Pressure always seems higher for teams entering Worlds as their region's top seed—especially for Hanwha Life Esports, who faced immense expectations as the first seed from the LCK in the League of Legends World Championship 2024.
This marked the first time HLE carried the prestigious LCK first-seed title, raising hopes for a deep run in the tournament.
HLE’s journey in the Swiss Stage was nothing short of stellar, with wins over PSG Talon, G2 Esports, and FlyQuest. Their only loss came against fellow LCK team Gen.G.
However, their Worlds 2024 campaign ended abruptly in the quarterfinals, where they fell 3-1 to the LPL first seed, Bilibili Gaming.
Despite the heartbreak, the players — many of whom return year after year — will undoubtedly aim for their first Worlds title in the future.
Reflecting on the toughest challenge
In an interview with GosuGamers, HLE support Yoo "Delight" Hwan-joong opened up about the difficulties they faced at Worlds 2024 and the lessons learned from their journey. When asked about the most challenging moment of their run, Delight didn’t hesitate.
"The most difficult part was today," he admitted, reflecting on their loss to Bilibili Gaming. "Some things went well, but there were also things that didn’t go as planned in-game." Despite their preparation, key moments slipped through their fingers, ultimately leading to their elimination.
“It’s a bummer,” he said candidly, capturing the disappointment felt by the team.
Thoughts on the Meta and Renata Glasc
As the competition continues, all eyes are on how the evolving meta will impact team strategies. Delight shared his insights on the current state of the game, noting, "I don't think there will be any major changes." However, he did mention one potential shift: "If there is a change, it will most likely be in the bottom lane."
Delight believes Renata Glasc could emerge as a pivotal pick in the final stages of Worlds. Renata, known for her game-changing ultimates and ability to control teamfights, has only been picked four times at Worlds 2024 so far. However, Weibo Gaming showcased her potential in their quarterfinal match, using her to turn the tide in crucial moments.
Gen.G is Delight's pick for the title
Despite the disappointment of Hanwha Life’s exit, Delight was clear in his prediction for the Summoner's Cup. "I think Gen.G is the most likely to win this split [Worlds]," he said without hesitation. "I'll pick Gen.G, because I think they are the best."
Lessons from Worlds 2024
Though Worlds 2024 didn’t go as planned for Delight and HLE, he remains steadfast in his commitment to growth. "You know, I always think that I have something to learn when I lose a game," he reflected. Continuous practice and self-improvement are at the core of his mindset. "It's in my values to keep practicing so that I can improve as I play."
As the tournament progresses, fellow LCK teams Gen.G and T1 continue to fight for the title, alongside LPL’s Top Esports and North America’s FlyQuest. Despite HLE’s defeat to an LPL team, Delight remains confident that the LCK will take home the Summoner’s Cup.
“I’ve mentioned before that I think Gen.G is the strongest contender left — so I believe the LCK will take it this year,” he stated, maintaining hope for his region.
As the competition heats up and the remaining teams navigate the intense pressure, all eyes are on the final stages of Worlds 2024. With the Summoner's Cup within reach, it’s clear that every team will be pushed to their limits in pursuit of victory.
