Photograph by Colin Younger-Wolff through Riot Video games
Wouldn’t it actually be Worlds with out T1?
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Dealing with the LPL’s fourth seed, T1 delivered a convincing efficiency within the Worlds 2025 Play-in Knockouts to start their marketing campaign on a robust observe. The back-to-back World Champions have formally secured their spot within the Swiss Stage.
Though the Korean powerhouse didn’t present their finest within the LCK playoffs, T1 as soon as once more proved why they shine brightest on the worldwide stage. Towards China’s Invictus Gaming, the defending champions delivered when it mattered most. The stakes couldn’t have been increased—it was the opening match of Worlds 2025, and a loss would have meant fast elimination from the worldwide occasion.
Invictus Gaming had been within the driver’s seat for the primary match on the blue facet, and their early sport macro seemed unimaginable in comparison with the Korean squad. However after securing the Dragon soul that match, an over-eager play by TheShy became a nightmare for IG as they misplaced the Baron off that teamfight, and T1 had been fast to punish the play and win the match with out a appreciable lead.
With seasoned stars Rookie and TheShy on the helm, Invictus Gaming managed to equalize the collection in sport two. Nonetheless, T1’s resilience shone by way of as they bounced again to win video games three and 4, securing their qualification for the Swiss Stage. TheShy’s unconventional top-lane decisions, together with Rek’Sai and Varus, saved followers on edge, however T1’s self-discipline and flexibility ensured they by no means misplaced their footing.
Oner placed on a present in T1’s victory, incomes the MVP award with a commanding efficiency. From stealing main goals like Atakhan to shutting down the enemy carries, he was the driving pressure behind T1’s win. With this defeat, Invictus Gaming have been eradicated from Worlds 2025.
T1 now flip their focus to FlyQuest, North America’s prime seed, because the squad begin their Swiss Stage run.
