Hanwha Life Esports mid laner Zeka (Kim Geon-woo) delivered a masterclass performance at the 2026 League of Legends World Championship, securing an astonishing 17 kills on the champion Rogue to crush Top Esports (TES) in just 23 minutes.
Speaking after the match, Zeka explained the strategic reasoning behind his unexpected pick. While Orianna is traditionally favored to win the laning phase matchup, Zeka recognized that Rogue possesses immense kill potential and unparalleled skirmish pressure if played aggressively from the start. His intuition proved correct as he bounced back from an early gank to dictate the pace of the entire series.
The Secret Behind the 17-Kill Rogue Masterclass
Facing a dangerous three-man dive attempt in the mid lane early in the game, Zeka kept his composure. With brilliant movement and precise dodging, he baited key enemy abilities, secured the first blood with jungler Kanavi, and completely seized control of the map. His stellar mechanics and mental fortitude were heavily reinforced by his recent experiences representing South Korea at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where he earned a gold medal under intense national pressure.
Operating strictly between the hotel and practice facilities in the United States, Zeka remains entirely focused on the tournament ahead. Acknowledging that tougher opponents await in the Swiss stage 2nd round, he emphasized that his team will maintain maximum concentration rather than resting on their early success.
A Promise to Fans Watching Late at Night
Concluding his interview, Zeka shared a heartfelt message for the fans in Korea tuning in during the early morning hours. Expressing deep gratitude for their unwavering support, he jokingly promised to keep finishing games as quickly as possible so that his supporters could get a good night’s sleep without staying up too late.
