On the 11st, Hanwha Life Esports and Lion faced off in the lower bracket final of the 2026 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) Bracket Stage, held at the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC) Exhibition Center II in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. In the first set, despite a spirited effort from Lion, Hanwha Life Esports secured the victory by maintaining their momentum.

Hanwha Life Esports controlled the pace early in Game 1. 'Kanavi' Seo Jin-hyeok's Jarvan IV secured first blood with a bottom-lane gank, freeing up 'Delight' Yoo Hwan-joong's Camille to roam. Hanwha Life Esports leveraged Camille's mobility to find success in the top lane. Lion showed resilience, capitalizing on Camille's absence to catch 'Gumayusi' Lee Min-hyeong's Ziggs and trading kills to interrupt Hanwha Life Esports' dragon stack.

Hanwha Life Esports continued to pressure the top lane, handing 'Dokla's' Ambessa her third death. Lion responded by committing multiple players to the top lane, taking down Hanwha Life Esports' jungle and support before securing the Rift Herald. They also caught out Jarvan IV and Ziggs after Hanwha Life Esports overextended into their jungle. Breaking the stalemate, Hanwha Life Esports executed a bold mid-lane dive, taking down 'Berserker' Kim Min-seong's Jhin and destroying the mid-lane tier-one turret.

Around the 27-minute mark, Hanwha Life Esports set up around the Hextech Dragon pit, completely clearing the area of enemy vision. They then initiated a surprise ambush, picking off 'Saint' Kang Sung-in's Ryze. After easily securing the Dragon Soul, Hanwha Life Esports moved to Baron. During the ensuing teamfight, a rare moment occurred where a dying Sion secured a double kill, helping Hanwha Life Esports wipe the enemy team.

Lion did not collapse easily. While Hanwha Life Esports pushed the mid-lane inhibitor, Lion sent a detachment to contest the Elder Dragon. Hanwha Life Esports realized the play too late, and 'Inspired's' Qiyana successfully secured the buff. However, Hanwha Life Esports maintained the initiative; they waited for the Elder Dragon buff to expire before pushing into the top lane. They engaged the fight by collapsing on Qiyana, securing a decisive victory to close out Game 1.