In the '2026 LoL Champions Korea (LCK)' Road to MSI Round 3 match held at the Wonju DB Promy Arena in Wonju, Gangwon-do on the 12nd, Hanwha Life Esports defeated T1 3-1 to secure the 1st seed for the MSI. Hanwha Life Esports advances directly to the 2026 MSI Bracket Stage. T1 will face the winner of the Round 4 match between Gen.G and kt Rolster on the 14th to determine the 2nd seed.

Hanwha Life Esports took the first set. By focusing on 'Doran' Choi Hyun-joon's Sion, they allowed 'Zeus' Choi Woo-je's Jayce to grow, but Hanwha Life Esports used side-lane management to snowball their lead. Although they were caught and aced during T1's Ocean Soul teamfight while holding a 8k-gold lead, they ended the game decisively in front of the mid-lane inhibitor tower by picking off T1's champions one by one, starting with 'Oner' Moon Hyeon-joon's Jarvan IV.

T1 struck back in the second set. Hanwha Life Esports initially held the initiative, with 'Kanavi' Seo Jin-hyeok's Vi showing strong lane pressure and 'Zeka' Kim Geon-woo's Ahri utilizing her skills with precision. However, around the 27-minute mark, a struggling T1 pulled off a miraculous teamfight. By dodging key enemy skills, they created a free-hitting window for 'Phase' Kim Su-hwan's Sivir, who secured a quadra kill and an ace. 'Phase,' having grown immensely in an instant, showcased destructive damage in every subsequent teamfight to complete an ADC carry game.

In the third set, Hanwha Life Esports pulled ahead again. 'Kanavi' shone on Lee Sin, starting strong by securing three kills in the top side through excellent movement. When 'Gumayusi' Lee Min-hyeong's Kog'Maw was caught in a crisis, 'Kanavi' stole the third dragon to maintain their momentum, and later successfully stole the Infernal Soul as well, completely crushing T1's will to chase. With an over-leveled Lee Sin and a team that swept up four kills in the final teamfight, Hanwha Life Esports won the third set to reach match point.

The fourth set also flowed in favor of Hanwha Life Esports. 'Delight' Yoo Hwan-joong's Blitzcrank, who displayed sharp skill usage from the laning phase, created variables across the map with his hooks, acting as a lubricant for Hanwha Life Esports' operations. In the process, 'Zeka's' Yone grew rapidly, exerting his presence in teamfights and side lanes, while 'Gumayusi' Lee Min-hyeong's Senna showcased her long range. With this, Hanwha Life Esports won the fourth set and secured their spot in the MSI as the 1st seed.