Broken Hearts in Busan: Gen.G fails comeback, eliminated at Worlds 2023 Quarterfinals

Gen.G has fallen at Worlds 2023. The Korean goliath faltered against Bilibili Gaming (BLG). Despite managing to pull back a dire score of 0-2 to tie back and force Silver Scrapes, they were unable to complete the reverse sweep. Gen.G have now been eliminated in the quarterfinals of Worlds, ending in the top 8.

What Went Wrong for Gen.G?

To be honest, unlike previous times, Gen.G did manage to deliver some strong performances. There were few mechanical flaws in their plays especially towards the end of the series (as they warmed up) - BLG was just cleaner. However, the main issue with Gen.G, and the likeliest reason for them going home now, was the late start.

It took Gen.G 3 games into the series before heavy hitters Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon and Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon started delivering. For such veterans, this proved fatal, and directly resulted in a 2-0 lead for BLG before Gen.G finally returned fire.

Moreover, curious drafting issues continuously plagued Gen.G throughout the series. BLG were given comfort picks in Jarvan IV, Renata, Rumble, and Orianna, allowing their carries to really shine given how powerful these picks have performed at Worlds 2023.

BLG’s continued Underdog Story

Since their run at MSI, many still continue to underestimate BLG’s tenacity. Aside from JD Gaming, BLG has shown their capability to beat any team in the world. Domestically, other teams such as LNG and JDG may have their number. But, internationally, BLG is always a menace.

Having come into this series as the underdog, BLG proved themselves once more by taking down the team that many believed would take it all this year. What’s more, BLG nearly did it flawlessly. Having destroyed Gen.G in back-to-back games, it was only thanks to Gen.G’s individuals that they were not able to close it out earlier.

BLG’s jungler, Peng “XUN” Li-Xun was most certainly the star as well of this series, as he has been for a large part of their run thus far at Worlds. His consistency on Jarvan throughout the series both allowed BLG’s solo laners to get ahead, as well as secure numerous neutral objectives.

They Fail to FulFill Their Potential, Once Again

There is a dark prophecy surrounding the LCK’s best team. Despite having won the LCK Playoffs 3 times and multiple analysts and pundits claiming them as the best Korean team and one of the favorites to win at every international event (in the past few years), Gen.G has proven time and again that they are mentally unable to deliver on the biggest League of Legends’ stages.

Chovy’s Curse

Increasingly, criticism has been leveled at “Chovy” or ‘Chokevy’/‘Choky’ (as the critics have named him) in particular. This is due in part to his incredible drop in performance level at international events. However, the criticisms are also leveled at him because of the value attached to him.

As the supposed successor to Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, it is doubly disappointing for fans and pundits, to see a player this dominant domestically, struggle year after year internationally.

Most attribute it to a mental block. However, what is clear to see, is that nearly seven years into his career, despite constantly being touted as the absolute best to come out of Korea mechanically, he does not have the trophies to show for it internationally.

His current record as of this year, is 5 Worlds appearances, 4 Quarterfinals finishes, 1 Semifinals finish.

Conclusion

Despite winning everything there was to win domestically (both LCK titles), Gen.G ended their run with another frustrating top 8 finish. In 5 Worlds appearances, Gen.G has had 2 Semifinals finishes, 2 Quarterfinals finishes, and one 13th-16th place finish.

Worlds 2023 Knockout Stage can be watched on Twitch and YouTube. For the full list of streams in all available languages, check this link here. For any queries on the format or schedule, why not check out our handy all-in-one-guide?

Credit: Worlds 2023 // LoL Esports

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