Hanwha Life Esports enters LCK 2025 as clear favorite after Media Day buzz
The ES TIMES — The 2025 LCK Regular Season Opening Media Day was held at the LCK Arena in Seoul, uniting coaches and star players from all ten competing teams for a preview of what promises to be a transformative season.
The new format extends the season from March through September, moving toward a single, expanded campaign — a shift that demands deeper rosters and sustained performance.
Spotlight on format changes and Fearless Draft
This year's key rule changes include:
The full implementation of the Fearless Draft system
A ban on lane swaps
Both updates are expected to drastically impact strategic decisions, particularly in jungle pathing and bottom lane execution.
All eyes on Hanwha Life Esports
The clear storyline from Media Day? Hanwha Life Esports is the team to beat.
Eight out of ten participating teams pointed to Hanwha Life as the tournament favorite, thanks to its two major title wins in early 2025 and a reputation for tactical precision and consistency.
While rival teams expressed optimism about their upgraded rosters, most acknowledged the sheer dominance of Hanwha Life heading into the season.
Participating teams
The event included representatives from:
Gen.G
T1
DRX
DN FREAKS
kt Rolster
Nongshim RedForce
BNK Esports
OK Savings Bank Brion
Dplus KIA
Hanwha Life Esports
Conversations focused on the need for adaptability, roster depth, and strategic stamina throughout the expanded season.
A new structure for a new era
The 2025 LCK season begins with a double round-robin format, followed by a triple round-robin stage after the Mid-Season Invitational. Organizers emphasized that this shift aims to increase competitive fairness while enhancing fan engagement.
Beyond gameplay, this season is also seen as a turning point for the league's structure and financial model, as the LCK continues to evolve as a global esports powerhouse.
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