(Updated: January 2025)
Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) is a professional South Korean esports organization widely recognized for its achievements and history in the competitive League of Legends (LoL) scene. Established in 2018, the team serves as a successor to the storied ROX Tigers, inheriting a legacy steeped in competitive excellence. Under the ownership of Hanwha Life Insurance, Hanwha Life Esports has developed into one of the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK)’s standout organizations, showcasing elite talent and participating in high-pressure international tournaments. This article explores the team’s history, roster evolution, accomplishments, and its continued efforts to establish itself as a powerhouse in the world of League of Legends.
History and Formation – The Origins of Hanwha Life Esports
Hanwha Life Esports was born in 2018 when Hanwha Life Insurance acquired the esports team and LCK league spot previously held by the renowned ROX Tigers. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new chapter for the organization, but the roots of the team reach much deeper, tracing back to iconic moments in competitive League of Legends history.
ROX Tigers and KOO Tigers – The Legacy Foundation
Before its rebranding as Hanwha Life Esports, the team competed under the names KOO Tigers and ROX Tigers. As KOO Tigers, the organization first rose to prominence at the 2015 League of Legends World Championship, where they shocked the esports community with a phenomenal performance. The team advanced to the finals after securing second place in their group but ultimately fell to the dominant SK Telecom T1. Despite the loss, this runner-up finish firmly established KOO Tigers as a global contender.
In 2016, the team transitioned to the ROX Tigers banner and continued to impress. They claimed victory in the 2016 Spring and Summer LCK seasons, securing their status as one of the best teams in Korea. However, heartbreak struck once more during the 2016 League of Legends World Championship, where ROX Tigers reached the semifinals but were eliminated by their perennial rivals, SK Telecom T1. This third-place finish marked the end of the ROX Tigers era, but the team’s reputation as a formidable competitor endured.
The Hanwha Life Esports Era – 2018 to Present
The establishment of Hanwha Life Esports in 2018 represented not just a rebranding but also a commitment to growing the legacy inherited from the Tigers. HLE entered the LCK with hopes of replicating the successes of its predecessors while fostering new talent to build a strong competitive future.
The Early Years – 2018 to 2019
Hanwha Life Esports made its LCK debut during the 2018 Summer Split. The inaugural roster included players like SoHwan, Bono, Tempt, Lava, Sangyoon, and Key. Despite finishing the split with a respectable 10-8 record, the team narrowly missed the playoffs, hinting at the challenges that lay ahead.
In 2019, Hanwha Life Esports saw several roster changes, including the addition of Thal in the Spring Split and Moojin in the Summer Split. Unfortunately, inconsistent performances plagued the team, resulting in a 6th-place finish in Spring and a disappointing 9th-place finish in Summer. The team was required to fight in the relegation tournament and managed to secure its spot in the 2020 LCK Spring Season.
Recent Years – Strategy and Growth
Committed to building a championship-caliber squad, Hanwha Life Esports has increasingly focused on developing a young, promising roster. By 2022, their roster’s average age was just 20 years, reflecting an emphasis on long-term growth rather than short-lived success. Their steady efforts culminated in their most significant achievement to date: winning the 2024 LCK Summer Split, a victory that showcased not only their growth but also their potential to dominate both domestic and international stages going forward.
Notable Achievements – Domestic and International Success
LCK Success
- 2024 LCK Summer Split: Hanwha Life Esports secured their first LCK championship by defeating Gen.G in a thrilling 3-2 series. This win ended Gen.G’s attempt at an unprecedented Golden Road in LCK history.
- 2023 LCK Spring and Summer Splits: HLE finished 5th and 3rd, respectively, with consistent playoff performances, advancing their reputation as a top-tier team.
- 2021 LCK Spring Split: Placed 3rd, demonstrating strong form and adaptability.
International Tournaments
- 2021 League of Legends World Championship: Reached the Quarterfinals (5th-8th finish), marking one of their best international performances under the HLE banner.
- 2019 KeSPA Cup: Qualified for the playoffs, but their journey was cut short by the Afreeca Freecs in the quarterfinals.
- 2018 KeSPA Cup: An early exit placed them 13th-19th, highlighting the challenges of a rebuilding phase.
Current and Former Rosters – The Players that Define HLE
2024 Main Team Roster
- Zeus (Choi Woo-je): Top laner, joined November 2024.
- Peanut (Han Wang-ho): Jungler, joined November 2023.
- Zeka (Kim Geon-woo): Mid laner, joined November 2022.
- Viper (Park Do-hyeon): Bot laner, joined November 2022.
- Delight (Yu Hwan-jung): Support, joined November 2023.
Challengers Team Roster
- Rooster (Shin Yun-hwan): Top laner, joined February 2022.
- Grizzly (Jo Seung-hoon): Jungler, joined November 2023.
- Jackal (Lee Su-min): Jungler, joined January 2025.
- Tempester (Oh Yeong-woong): Mid laner, joined November 2023.
- Pyeonsik (Pyun Min-gi): Bot laner, joined January 2025.
- Bluffing: Support, joined January 2025.
Coaches and Staff – The Minds Behind the Team
Main Team Staff
- DanDy (Choi In-kyu): Head Coach, joined November 2022.
- Mowgli (Lee Jae-ha): Coach, joined November 2022.
- Shine (Shin Dong-wook): Coach, joined December 2024.
- Bibra (Kim Hyeon-sik): Analyst, joined December 2020.
Challengers Staff
- Sensation (Kim Dong-hyun): Head Coach, joined January 2025.
Fans and those curious can learn more about the team through the officially Hanwha Life Esports page.
FAQs About Hanwha Life Esports
What year was Hanwha Life Esports formed?
The organization was formed in 2018 after Hanwha Life Insurance acquired the ROX Tigers roster and LCK spot.
What is Hanwha Life Esports’ biggest achievement?
HLE’s most notable accomplishment is their LCK Summer 2024 championship, where they defeated Gen.G in a dramatic series.
Who owns Hanwha Life Esports?
Hanwha Life Insurance, a major South Korean insurance company, owns the team.
What was the team called before Hanwha Life Esports?
The team was previously known as ROX Tigers and before that, as KOO Tigers.
Who are the key players on the current HLE roster?
The current roster includes Zeus, Peanut, Zeka, Viper, and Delight as part of their main team lineup.
Did Hanwha Life Esports ever compete in the League of Legends World Championship?
Yes, HLE competed in the 2021 World Championship and finished in the 5th-8th bracket.
What is Hanwha Life Esports’ coaching staff like?
The team is led by Head Coach DanDy, along with coaches Mowgli and Shine, and analyst Bibra.
How can fans follow the team?
Fans can follow updates through their officially Hanwha Life Esports page and through LCK broadcasts.
What distinguishes HLE in the LCK?
HLE is distinguished by its young, talented roster and their long-term commitment to competitive excellence.
Does Hanwha Life Esports have an academy team?
Yes, HLE has a Challengers team that continues to nurture fresh talent for future competitions.
