LCK Cup 2025 Preview: Tournament Format, Teams & Predictions | LoL Esports

The 2025 League of Legends season is set to begin with the LCK Cup 2025, the first major regional tournament of the year. Kicking off on January 15 in Korea, this event will feature 10 teams competing for a single qualification spot at First Stand 2025, the first international tournament of the season. As teams return with updated rosters and fresh ambitions, the competition is expected to be fierce, with T1, Gen.G, and Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) emerging as top contenders.

Tournament Format

The tournament format for the LCK Cup 2025 introduces a unique structure designed to ensure the best team represents the region. The 10 teams are divided into two groups, and all matches are played in a best-of-three (Bo3) format using the Fearless Draft system, which prevents teams from picking champions they previously used in the series. Instead of competing within their own groups, teams play round-robin matches against teams from the opposite group.

The first group to achieve 13 wins is declared the Winners Group, while the other becomes the Losers Group. The top three teams from the Winners Group automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the bottom two teams from this group must compete in the Play-In stage. The four strongest teams from the Losers Group also enter the Play-In stage, where they battle for the remaining playoff spots. The last-place team from the Losers Group is eliminated from the tournament.

This structure makes every match crucial, as teams must not only perform well in their own games but also hope their group dominates the competition to gain an advantage in the playoffs.

Main Favorites: Can T1 Continue Their Dominance?

Among the strongest contenders for the title, T1 stands out as the reigning World Champions of 2024. Their victory at Worlds 2024 was an unexpected triumph, as the team had faced various challenges throughout the season. However, thanks to strong team coordination and strategic adaptability, they overcame obstacles and secured the championship.

Ahead of the 2025 season, T1 underwent significant roster changes, with star top laner Zeus departing to join Hanwha Life Esports (HLE). To fill the gap, the team signed Doran, known for his consistency and ability to hold his own in the top lane. Despite this adjustment, T1 remains highly ambitious, aiming to retain their dominance and prove that their Worlds 2024 win was no fluke.

With a new lineup and revised strategies, T1 is expected to fiercely compete for both regional and international titles. Fans anticipate another year of high-caliber performances, and the pressure will be on T1 to live up to their reputation.


(Image via LoL Esports Fb page)

Title Contenders: Gen.G & Hanwha Life Esports Make Big Moves

Aside from T1, Gen.G has emerged as another major title contender. The team made significant roster upgrades in the off-season, the most notable being the return of legendary bot laner Ruler, who had spent the last two years competing in the Chinese LPL with JD Gaming. During his time in LPL, Ruler won both Spring and Summer Splits and secured a Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) title, making his return a massive boost for Gen.G.


(Image via LoL Esports Fb page)

In addition to Ruler's return, Gen.G successfully extended their contract with mid laner Chovy, ensuring his place on the roster until 2027. Chovy has been one of the most consistent mid laners in the LCK, and his long-term commitment signals Gen.G’s focus on stability and growth. The team also acquired Duro, a rising star in the support role, further strengthening their lineup. With these key players in place, Gen.G enters 2025 with high expectations, looking to dominate the domestic scene and compete internationally.

Meanwhile, Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) made a massive statement by signing Zeus, a two-time world champion, for the top lane. HLE had already shown their potential by winning the LCK Summer Split 2024, where they defeated Gen.G in the finals. However, their Worlds 2024 campaign fell short, as they only managed to reach the semifinals before being eliminated by T1.

By securing Zeus, HLE aims to solidify their place among the LCK’s elite teams and contend for both regional and international titles. With an already strong roster and renewed motivation, they could emerge as a dominant force in 2025.


Credit: Hanwha Life Esports

Dark Horse: Can KT Rolster Surprise Everyone?

While KT Rolster may not have the most star-studded lineup, they possess key players with the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. Mid laner Bdd, known for his proficiency on champions like Orianna and Azir, displayed impressive performances in 2024, boasting a KDA ratio of 4.7 and an average CS per minute of 8.8 in the Spring Split. Alongside him, jungler Cuzz, who recently returned to KT Rolster, brings experience and an aggressive playstyle, which could prove crucial in critical matchups.

Although KT Rolster failed to qualify for Worlds 2024, their roster changes and strong synergy could make them a potential upset team in LCK 2025. If Bdd and Cuzz perform at their peak, KT Rolster might surprise fans with a deep tournament run.

Worth Watching: Dplus KIA’s Roster Shakeup

Another team drawing attention is Dplus KIA, which made two key acquisitions before the LCK 2025 season. They promoted top laner Jung "Siwoo" Si-woo from their Challengers team, recognizing his impressive performances in LCK CL, where he achieved 70 solo kills and placed second in both splits. Additionally, legendary support Cho "BeryL" Geon-hee makes his return to Dplus KIA after a stint with KT Rolster.


Credit: Dplus Kia

BeryL, a two-time world champion, played a crucial role in Dplus KIA’s first Worlds victory in 2020 and later won again with DRX in 2022. His experience and leadership could be invaluable as Dplus KIA aims to redeem themselves after a disappointing 2024 World Championship, where they failed to make the playoffs despite a strong start. With their revamped lineup, Dplus KIA hopes to reclaim their status as an LCK powerhouse.

The LCK Cup 2025 runs from January 15 to February 23 at LoL Park, Seoul, South Korea. As the first official tournament of the year, it will not only determine the region’s representative for First Stand 2025 but also serve as an early test for LCK teams, showcasing how they adapt to roster changes and new strategies.

Source: https://bo3.gg/lol/articles/lck-cup-2025-preview