Gen.G Esports defeated IG 3-0 in the semifinals of the 2026 LoL World Championship (Worlds) held at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas on the 8th (KST), advancing to the finals. Game 1 and 2 showcased a dominant performance in every sense, while in Game 3—which turned into a struggle after handing over the early lead—they pulled off a thrilling comeback victory.
Speaking with Inven after the match, 'Chovy' Jeong Ji-hoon explained the key factors behind the victory, saying, "I thought IG was a team that preferred team-oriented movements. They seemed to like sacrificing side lanes to gain benefits with their main force, so I kept that in mind when coming to the venue." He added, "After experiencing Game 1, they sacrificed even more and grouped up more than I had anticipated. I also kept sticking with the main team. That’s why I think we were able to respond well to IG's signature focused push style."
Gen.G's opponent in the finals will be either T1 or BLG. When asked who he expects to advance, 'Chovy' replied, "Honestly, whenever T1 is involved, I think it’s impossible to predict. It's a matchup where it wouldn't be surprising no matter who wins, making it even harder to guess." He continued, "It will either be BLG after beating T1 at Worlds, or T1 reaching the finals at Worlds once again. Since both are tough opponents, I try not to overthink it."
The following is a Q&A with 'Chovy' Jeong Ji-hoon.
Q. How did you prepare for the match against IG, and what do you think worked well to lead to the victory?
I thought IG was a team that really preferred team-oriented plays. They seemed to like giving up the side lanes to gain benefits with their main group, so I came to the arena with that in mind. However, in Game 1, they gave up even more and grouped up even more than I expected. I made real-time adjustments while playing and kept grouping up with our main team, which I think helped us handle IG's signature concentrated focus plays well and win.
Q. Game 3 turned unfavorable early on as you lost initiative. How did you try to play it out?
It was definitely difficult because we gave up all the initiative. But just because the game is tough doesn't mean we can give up. I tried to make the best decision in every single moment. In the end, combined with some mistakes from the opponent, it ended up finishing well.
Q. Your finals opponent hasn't been decided yet. Who do you think will advance between T1 and BLG, and which team do you feel will be tougher?
Whenever T1 is involved, you can't predict it. It's a matchup where it wouldn't be strange no matter who wins, so it's even more unpredictable. Honestly, both are tough. A BLG that beat T1 at Worlds, or T1 making it to the finals at Worlds again. Both are tricky teams, so I try not to think too deeply about it.
Q. How do you plan to spend the remaining week before the finals?
This is my first time in the finals, and older teammates who have been there told me that there are no teams left to scrim with. So they said they spend the time playing solo queue and managing their condition. Although there are no scrims, there is plenty of time to study pick-and-bans, so I plan to thoroughly work on meta tier lists without missing anything.
Q. The finals are also an important focal point regarding who interpreted the meta closer to the ideal answer. How complete do you feel the team's draft preparation currently is?
We hold internal discussions during drafts, right? I feel it has reached a pretty high level of completion. Since the match against LYON, which was our last match in the Swiss stage, I don't think we've made any major mistakes in drafting. In fact, I think we are drafting better than our opponents.
Q. After eight attempts, you are finally standing in the finals. Your mother, who always offers endless support to 'Chovy', must be extremely happy as well.
Even though I don't express it outwardly much, my mother helps me tremendously. At times, she serves as a role model in my life. Thanks to her, I think I was able to grow up well like this. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. It's a bit embarrassing, so I'll save any further words (laughs).
Q. Lastly, a final word of determination.
I reached the finals after eight years, and I think this might be a moment that may never come again. I don't want to let such an important moment be taken away by nerves or anxiety. I want to enjoy this moment that might only happen once and win the championship. That's all.
