The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) is widely regarded as the most prestigious league in the history of competitive League of Legends. Korea’s dominance in international tournaments, the depth of talent, and the intensity of its rivalries have shaped the global scene.
Over the years, the LCK has been home to legendary teams, iconic players, and unforgettable rivalries. From T1’s dynasty to Gen.G’s recent rise, the clashes between these giants have defined entire eras of competitive play. Let’s break down the most important teams and rivalries that every fan should know.
T1 – The Dynasty of Dynasties
Formerly SK Telecom T1, T1 is the most iconic team in League of Legends history. With Faker at the helm since 2013, T1 established themselves as the standard for excellence in the LCK.
- World Championships: 4 titles (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023).
- Key Players: Faker, Bengi, MaRin, Bang, Wolf, Gumayusi, Keria.
- Legacy: The only team to win three Worlds in four years and return to dominance in 2023.
T1’s brand is synonymous with greatness, and their rivalries span multiple generations of teams.
Gen.G – The New Powerhouse
Once known as Samsung Galaxy (and later KSV), Gen.G has become T1’s biggest rival in the modern era.
- World Championship: 2017 as Samsung Galaxy.
- Recent Success: Multiple LCK titles from 2022–2024.
- Core Players: Chovy, Ruler (until 2022), Peyz, Peanut.
The Chovy vs. Faker rivalry has fueled this clash, with Gen.G often outclassing T1 domestically but struggling against them on the Worlds stage.
KT Rolster – The Telecom Rivalry
No rivalry in Korean League is as famous as the Telecom War: T1 vs. KT Rolster.
- Dating back to the Brood War era of StarCraft, SKT and KT have fought across esports for decades.
- In League, KT has often been the underdog, yet their 2018 superteam nearly dethroned T1’s legacy.
- The Telecom War remains a highlight of every LCK season, no matter the standings.
The history, branding, and fan passion make this rivalry unique in all of esports.
Damwon KIA (DK) – The Brief Dynasty
From 2019 to 2021, Damwon Gaming (later DWG KIA) rose as the new kings.
- World Championship: 2020, crushing Suning in the finals.
- Key Players: ShowMaker, Canyon, Nuguri, Ghost, BeryL.
- Legacy: Their disciplined, macro-heavy style reminded fans of Samsung White’s dominance in 2014.
Though their reign was short-lived, their rivalry with T1 and Gen.G shaped the early 2020s.
Hanwha Life Esports – The Rising Contender
While historically not as dominant, Hanwha Life (HLE) has recently become a team to watch.
- With superstars like Viper and Zeka, they’ve built lineups capable of challenging top dogs.
- Their rivalry with Gen.G, especially after Zeka’s breakout in Worlds 2022, gave them international recognition.
Though not yet cemented as legends, HLE is an important player in the evolving LCK landscape.
Iconic Rivalries That Shaped the LCK
T1 vs. KT Rolster – The Telecom War
- The most famous rivalry in Korean esports history.
- Intense, emotional, and always unpredictable, regardless of standings.
T1 vs. Gen.G – Old Guard vs. New Era
- Faker vs. Chovy epitomizes the clash of generations.
- Gen.G often dominates domestically, while T1 holds the edge internationally.
Gen.G vs. KT Rolster – Battle for Supremacy
- KT and Gen.G often fight for playoff positioning, creating heated best-of series.
- The narrative of “fallen giants vs. rising challengers” adds flavor to the matchup.
DK vs. T1 – Clash of Styles
- ShowMaker and Faker defined mid-lane rivalry from 2019–2022.
- Canyon vs. Oner also became a highlight in jungle matchups.
Why LCK Rivalries Are Special
Unlike other regions, the LCK’s rivalries are steeped in history, prestige, and international success. Every top Korean team has left its mark on the global stage, meaning their rivalries aren’t just regional—they have shaped the entire world of competitive League of Legends.
For fans, watching an LCK clash isn’t just about one match—it’s about decades of history, team legacies, and individual stories that make each series unforgettable.
Conclusion
The LCK remains the gold standard of professional League of Legends, with teams like T1, Gen.G, KT Rolster, and DK carving out legacies that continue to inspire fans worldwide. Their rivalries—whether it’s the historic Telecom War or the modern Gen.G vs. T1 battles—are more than games; they’re esports history in motion.
As the scene evolves, new rivalries will emerge, but the passion and drama of the LCK ensure that it will always remain the home of some of the greatest rivalries in competitive League of Legends.
