Gen.G vs HLE LoL Worlds 2025 knockout stage: Best odds and picks
The first match of the 2025 LoL Worlds knockout stage is set between Gen.G and HLE, with the losing team between these two LCK rivals getting eliminated from the tournament and the winner moving on with great hopes of lifting the trophy.
| Match | Gen.G vs HLE – Worlds 2025 |
|---|---|
| Start time | October 28, 2025, at 3:00 am ET |
| Our pick | Gen.G to win, over 4.5 maps |
| Betting favorite | Gen.G |
Teams across multiple regions qualified for Worlds this year and gave it their all in the Swiss Stage in an effort o progress to the knockout stage. While at least one team from most every region saw elimination, that doesn’t apply to the LCK, which has all four teams present in the playoffs. The first and second seeds of the LCK will now be the first to battle in the Worlds knockout stage to determine which can move forward.
Gen.G vs HLE match overview
- Tournament: Worlds 2025
- Stage: Knockout stage
- Game: League of Legends
- Format: Best-of-five
Betting tip: Hanwha Life is typically strong in best-of series play, so the match may go to a fifth game.
Our Gen.G vs HLE pick: Total maps to be over 4.5 @ 3.10.
Gen.G vs HLE match analysis
HLE hasn’t managed to beat Gen.G in months, despite facing the team multiple times in domestic matches. Gen.G’s mid and bottom lanes are extremely strong, and the team focuses more on securing objectives through synchronized play than does Hanwha Life Esports. Because of this playing style, bettors may want to side with Gen.G getting the first Baron and Atakhan. Gen.G doesn’t usually go for the first dragon and instead opts to play around Void Grubs, so HLE may at least pick up the first drake.
HLE’s 2025 Worlds roster – Image credit: HLE
Not all is lost for HLE, as the team’s top lane and jungler are reliable in most situations. If Hanwha Life plays around Zeus up top to help him get an early advantage before funneling more gold toward Viper in the bot lane, then the team will likely have a better chance of success. HLE’s support player Delight will likely play more engage-centered champions, potentially helping his team win at least some games. The match seeing over 4.5 map played is a high-return pick, and it may be a good idea to bank on it here.
HLE typically plays extremely passively at the start of its games, which contrasts with Gen.G’s more aggressive tendencies. Gen.G may secure an early first kill before the minions even spawn.
Ultimately, HLE is unlikely to be able to climb the wall that is Gen.G, likely giving Gen.G the victory in this quarterfinal match even if the series does go a full five games.
Key stats
| Stats | Gen.G | HLE | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Map win rate | 68% | 67% | Gen.G |
| First blood | 55% | 40% | Gen.G |
| First Tower | 50% | 53% | HLE |
Gen.G vs HLE betting odds snapshot
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Gen.G to win | 1.22 |
| HLE to win | 4.40 |
| Total maps under 4.5 | 1.32 |
LoL betting odds via Stake, 1:05 pm ET October 26, 2025.
Gen.G vs HLE betting picks & predictions
Gen.G is the favorite to win Worlds for good reason. The team hasn’t been much contested throughout the year, while HLE’s performance in its two recent international appearances just hasn’t been consistent. Hanwha Life’s Swiss Stage looked stronger than Gen.G’s however, and while the team is unlikely to beat Gen.G, taking the match to the fifth game may prove doable.
Best picks
- Gen.G to get first blood @ 1.72: Gen.G is much more aggressive than the more passive Hanwha Life, which could help it to secure first blood.
- Total maps to be over 4.5 @ 3.10: HLE and Gen.G have been close to each other throughout the year, with Gen.G constantly being just one step ahead.
Gen.G vs HLE prediction
Our Gen.G vs HLE prediction: Gen.G to win the match 3-2 @ 1.22 odds at Stake.
Featured image credit: Gen.G
Hannan Mundia is a lifelong gamer. Don’t believe us? Just ask him. But don’t ask how many hours he’s spent playing. He’s been gaming since the age of three, and much of his live revolves around video games and the video game industry. Whether it’s a classic Legend of Zelda game from Nintendo, the newest Bethesda RPG, or something else entirely, you can bet that Hannan is ready and willing to play it.
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