Zeka finally won for the first time against Chovy in a best-of-three series. He even earned the MVP for his performance. Hanwha Life Esports ended up winning against Gen.G, and went 2-0 in the LCK Spring split. This ends their extensive losing streak. This marked Zeka’s first series win after 18 prior defeats and signaling a major shift in momentum for both teams.
Zeka breaks the streak in dominant fashion
The breakthrough that fans had been waiting for was delivered in style. HLE asserted their dominance over Gen.G. The first game of the series saw HLE win 24-8, which is a decisive win.
Zeka performed well throughout the series by applying pressure against Gen.G through his mid lane lane as well as performing well in teamfights.
In game one, Zeka played Aurora well and in game two he was able to play Yone very well. He was able to engage aggressively and get into the backline. Because of this, he was able to break up Gen.G's formation multiple times.
The moment was even bigger, because of the history between the two players. Entering the match with an 0-18 record against Chovy in best-of-three series, Zeka finally overturned the narrative. As caster Aux joked during the broadcast, “No one beats Zeka 19 times in a row.”
Key match details
| Match detail | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Series result | HLE 2-0 Gen.G |
| Date | April 18, 2026 |
| Zeka vs Chovy record | 1-18 (first Bo3 win) |
| MVP votes | 11/13 for Zeka |
| Signature picks | Aurora (Game 1), Yone (Game 2) |
Standout moments and reactions
Zeka’s performance drew praise across the broadcast. Wadid highlighted his consistency, noting that his focus in teamfights remained sharp from start to finish. That control translated into decisive late-game fights, particularly in game two where HLE repeatedly found winning engages around objectives.
The series also featured lighter moments. In the voice com, Gumayusi called for help while being chased, but no assistance came. Zeka later joked that the team intentionally let the moment play out for humor, saying they are usually not that coldhearted but wanted to create a memorable clip.
Zeka went on to say after the victory that he felt very confident about the match prior to playing it. This was a confidence that translated into one of his most important victories to date.
Watch highlights from game 2
The second game showcased Zeka’s Yone impact and HLE’s teamfight coordination in key moments.
The late-game fights, especially around Baron and dragon, highlighted HLE’s improved decisiveness and Zeka’s ability to find priority targets.
Gen.G struggling to find form
While HLE continue to rise, Gen.G are facing a difficult period. The team currently sits at a 3-3 standing and are outside top three in LCK. It is a big drop, when comparing to their earlier dominance in the LCK.
Coordination issues and inconsistent team fighting are ongoing and recurring issues for them. They have previously had strong starts to games but were unable to convert those into a unblemished winning result. Against HLE, they were able to show glimpses of controlling through objectives, but then lost momentum in a number of important fights.
With teams like Nongshim, KT, and HLE now leading the pack, Gen.G needs to stabilize and become a true contender this split.
HLE’s turnaround from LCK Cup disappointment
This result also underscores HLE’s impressive recovery. Expectations were low both from fans and from Zeka himself, after HLE finished 10th in the LCK Cup. The team successfully recaptured their momentum and established themselves near the top of the team rankings.
They are demonstrating improvement in coordination, drafting, and confidence during team versus team matches as evidenced by the victory against Gen.G.
Frequently asked questions about Zeka winning against Gen.G
When did Zeka beat Chovy for the first time in a best-of-three?
Zeka secured his first best-of-three victory over Chovy on April 18, 2026.
What was Zeka’s record against Chovy before this match?
He had lost all 18 previous best-of-three series, making this his first win and bringing the record to 1-18.
What was the series result between HLE and Gen.G?
Hanwha Life Esports won the series 2-0.
Which champions did Zeka play?
Zeka played Aurora in game one and Yone in game two.
How did Zeka perform individually?
He earned MVP honors with 11 out of 13 votes, reflecting his strong impact across both games.
What is Gen.G’s current form?
Gen.G are currently 3-3 in the standings and struggling to match their earlier level of play.
How has HLE improved recently?
After finishing 10th in the LCK Cup, HLE have significantly improved and are now among the top teams in the league.
What this win means moving forward
This win stands out for both Zeka and HLE. Ending an 18-series losing streak against Chovy so convincingly shows just how much the team has improved. Both in confidence and in how they execute in key moments.
HLE now look like a real contender in the LCK as their momentum continues to build. Gen.G are on the other side still struggling to find consistency. Their upcoming matches will determine if this result reveals a permanent shift in the LCK landscape.
