Gen.G upsets Griffin, ends winning streak with surprise Volibear pick

TL;DR

  • Gen.G’s surprise Volibear support pick marked the champion’s first LCK appearance since 2013
  • Han ‘Peanut’ Wang-ho’s Sejuani ultimates proved decisive in both games’ critical moments
  • Griffin suffered their first 0-2 loss of the split, creating a three-way tie at the top
  • The upset victory keeps Gen.G’s playoff hopes alive while ending Griffin’s 10-game streak
  • Strategic draft decisions and teamfight execution were the key differentiators

Griffin’s remarkable 10-game undefeated run has finally reached its conclusion in dramatic fashion.

During the LCK Summer Split’s first round robin finale, Gen.G orchestrated a stunning reversal by sweeping the league-leading Griffin squad 2-0. This unexpected outcome forged a three-team deadlock atop the standings, with Griffin experiencing their inaugural clean-sheet defeat this season.

This upset demonstrates how strategic innovation can overcome raw momentum in professional League of Legends. Teams often become predictable during winning streaks, making them vulnerable to unconventional counter-strategies.

Griffin appeared thoroughly disoriented by game one’s draft phase when Kim “Life” Jeong-min selected Volibear for the support position. This represented the champion’s initial LCK selection in nearly a decade, creating immediate psychological pressure.

Volibear’s selection exemplifies how professional teams can leverage rarely-used champions to gain draft advantages. When opponents lack recent matchup experience, they struggle to formulate effective counter-strategies during the game.

Common draft mistakes include over-reliance on meta picks and insufficient preparation for unconventional strategies. Successful teams maintain diverse champion pools and adapt quickly to unexpected selections.

The opening match initially favored Griffin until Gen.G capitalized on a crucial five-for-two exchange that secured them an Infernal Drake. Despite losing the initial objective contest, a perfectly placed Sejuani ultimate ability from Han “Peanut” Wang-ho struck Griffin’s ADC Park “Viper” Do-hyeon, eliminating their primary damage source instantly.

Following this pivotal engagement, Gen.G systematically constricted Griffin’s options at every turn, concluding the match efficiently within 32 minutes. This demonstrates how single teamfight executions can completely shift game momentum.

Advanced players should focus on target prioritization and ultimate ability timing. The 2-3 second window after major objective contests often presents the best engagement opportunities.

Griffin almost mounted a successful comeback in the second game after prohibiting Life from selecting Volibear.

Approaching the 39-minute mark, they had obtained two Baron enhancements and prevailed in a crucial teamfight near the Elder Drake, which they also secured. The series seemed destined for a deciding third game until Griffin overextended during their siege on Gen.G’s middle inhibitor turret.

Another exceptional Sejuani ultimate secured the decisive fight for Gen.G, enabling their mid-lane push to destroy the nexus. This highlights the dangers of over-aggression during late-game sieges.

Optimization tip: Always maintain vision control around key objectives before committing to extended pushes. Establish fallback positions and escape routes when attacking fortified positions.

This victory provides tremendous momentum for Gen.G, who currently occupy fifth position with a 5-4 record. The win sustains their aspirations for postseason qualification while demonstrating their capacity to compete with top-tier opponents.

Griffin will aim to recover from this setback in their upcoming series against Afreeca Freecs. Meanwhile, Gen.G seeks to build additional momentum against seventh-ranked Hanwha Life Esports.

For teams looking to replicate Gen.G’s success, focus on identifying opponent patterns during winning streaks. Study their draft tendencies and prepare unexpected counter-picks to disrupt their rhythm.

Understanding these strategic dynamics is crucial for mastering competitive play. Our Complete Guide offers additional insights into high-level gameplay strategies.

Action Checklist

  • Analyze opponent’s recent draft patterns and identify predictable tendencies
  • Practice teamfight execution with specific ultimate combinations
  • Develop late-game siege discipline with established fallback positions
  • Review vision control strategies around major objectives

No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Gen.G upsets Griffin, ends winning streak with surprise Volibear pick Gen.G's strategic Volibear pick ends Griffin's 10-game winning streak, reshaping LCK playoff landscape