TL;DR
- DWG KIA overcame Gen.G 2-1 in a crucial LCK Week 3 matchup
- Khan’s game-changing 4-man Gnar stun defined the series momentum shift
- Ghost’s Kai’Sa performance in Game 3 demonstrated championship-level carry potential
- The team now shares first place with Hanwha Life Esports at 4-1 record
- Strategic roster changes maintained championship-caliber team composition
The reigning world champions from DWG KIA demonstrated their championship resilience by defeating their primary LCK rival Gen.G in a hard-fought three-game series.
Week 3 of the 2021 LCK season featured one of the most anticipated matches to date. Gen.G had established themselves as the most formidable challenger to DWG KIA’s throne, creating immense pressure and expectations for both squads. While Gen.G showcased competitive gameplay against the world champions, they ultimately fell short as DWG KIA secured the 2-1 victory, propelling them to a tied first-place position with Hanwha Life Esports, both holding 4-1 records.
DK is able to chase down each member of GenG (except Rascal????) and finish the series! #LCK pic.twitter.com/6nTh3wm1Ez
— LCK Global (@LCK_Global) January 27, 2021
Game 1: Gen.G’s Early Lead and Upset
The series opened strongly for Gen.G, who established an early advantage through their well-executed early-game composition. However, DWG KIA maintained strategic discipline, preventing Gen.G from snowballing their lead out of control and staying within striking distance for a potential comeback.
Utilizing powerful team-fighting champions, DWG KIA methodically worked their way back into contention, reaching a position where victory seemed imminent. Unfortunately for the defending champions, a critical positioning error allowed Gen.G to secure Baron Nashor, leading to an unexpected team fight victory. Within moments, Gen.G destroyed the first Nexus of the series.
the end of the 50+ minute battle starts with a scrap between ADCs, and GenG take the first game! #GENG 1-0 #dk pic.twitter.com/eLbuRH9pQW
— LCK Global (@LCK_Global) January 27, 2021
Game 2: Khan’s Dominant Performance
Trailing 0-1 presented an unfamiliar challenge for DWG KIA, but performing under pressure has consistently been one of their core strengths.
Game two left no doubt about DWG KIA’s superiority. Gen.G found no opportunities to gain traction as every DWG KIA member delivered exceptional performances. The match was effectively decided early when top laner Kim “Khan” Dong-ha landed a spectacular four-man stun with Gnar, initiating a team fight that resulted in a commanding 30-minute victory for the world champions.
Khan hits an insane 4-man stun onto GenG to collect first blood in this second game! #LCK pic.twitter.com/o0G6VnpTOW
— LCK Global (@LCK_Global) January 27, 2021
Game 3: Ghost’s Kai’Sa Masterclass
Following their dominant second-game performance, DWG KIA entered the decisive match with overwhelming momentum. With bot laner Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun dominating on Kai’Sa, Gen.G found themselves completely outmatched. Once Ghost secured several early eliminations, the snowball effect became unstoppable, and DWG KIA reaffirmed their status as South Korea’s premier League of Legends organization.
This crucial victory positioned DWG KIA tied for first place with Hanwha Life Esports in the LCK standings. Both teams maintain 4-1 records and are scheduled to face each other on January 29 in what promises to be another championship-caliber showdown.
Who is DWG KIA?
DWG KIA, previously operating as DAMWON Gaming, currently holds the defending world champion title. After an extraordinary 2020 competitive season, DWG KIA ascended to LCK supremacy by dominating the 2020 LCK Summer Split and subsequently capturing the 2020 World Championship. For the 2021 season, DWG KIA aims to defend their championship titles, beginning with reclaiming the LCK crown.
2020 Championship Season
The organization’s rise represents one of esports’ most impressive developmental stories, evolving from Challengers Korea participants in 2018 to world champions within two years. Their systematic approach to player development and strategic gameplay has established new standards for professional League of Legends teams worldwide.
Rebranding and Sponsorship
The transition to DWG KIA followed a landmark sponsorship agreement with Korean automotive manufacturer KIA Motors, signaling the organization’s commercial success matching their competitive achievements.
What is the DWG KIA 2021 roster?
During the most recent offseason, DWG KIA executed a strategic single-player roster adjustment. The organization acquired former FunPlus Phoenix top laner Kim “Khan” Dong-ha to succeed Jang “Nuguri” Ha-gwon, maintaining their championship-caliber lineup while introducing veteran leadership.
The 2021 DWG KIA roster is:
- Top – Kim “Khan” Dong-ha / Kim “Chasy” Dong-hyeon
- Jungle – Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu
- Mid – Heo “ShowMaker” Su
- Bot – Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun
- Support – Cho “BeryL” Geon-hee
Top Lane Transition
The acquisition of Khan represents a strategic masterstroke, bringing extensive international experience and leadership to complement the team’s existing strengths. His flexibility across multiple champion types provides DWG KIA with enhanced draft versatility compared to previous seasons.
Core Roster Stability
Maintaining the core of Canyon, ShowMaker, Ghost, and BeryL ensures continuity in team coordination and strategic execution. This core foursome has demonstrated exceptional synergy through multiple competitive splits, making them one of the most cohesive units in professional League of Legends history.
Action Checklist
- Review Game 2 team fight sequences to understand Khan’s impact mechanics
- Analyze draft phase strategies from all three games to identify compositional strengths
- Study Ghost’s Kai’Sa positioning and engagement timing in Game 3
- Compare early-game strategies between winning and losing performances
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » DWG KIA tops the LCK standings with win over Gen.G DWG KIA reclaims LCK dominance with strategic victory over Gen.G in 2021 season