Summary
- T1 and Bilibili Gaming (BLG) face each other again at the MSI 2025 Upper Bracket Semifinals.
- T1 advanced to the semis after a 3-2 Round 1 match against LCP #1 CFO, while BLG defeated LEC #1 MKOI in the same round.
- The winner in this matchup will join and face Gen.G in the Upper Bracket Final, while the loser will descend to the Lower Bracket to face LTA #1 FLY.
Another classic rivalry unfolds in the Upper Bracket Semifinals of MSI 2025. A matchup that LCK and LPL fans now know too well, T1 and BLG meet once again on the Rift. One team gets to advance while the other falls to the Lower Bracket their semis best-of-five match is scheduled on July 5, 5PM PDT.
With a history of trading wins, this rematch could go either way—but who will claim victory this time?
T1 Outlasts CFO 3-2
T1, the defending world champions, came into the tournament with high expectations. They qualified after beating First Stand 2025 champions Hanwha Life Esports 3-0 in LCK Road to MSI. It was a surprising outcome not many had predicted, yet T1 proved themselves dominant with outstanding plays.
However, their MSI 2025 journey nearly ended early in their opening series against CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO). The Korean giants were pushed to the edge in a 3-2 series.
Game 1 was a close win for T1, with clean objective play and a decisive final teamfight. But things quickly spiraled in Game 2, where CFO completely dominated the Rift. Faker’s Ryze struggled to make an impact, ending with a rare 1-7-1 KDA. Game 3 got even worse—Doggo’s Caitlyn scored a pentakill, and CFO took a 2-1 lead.
However, T1 clawed back in games four and five. Doran’s Rumble and Oner’s Jarvan were instrumental in regaining map control. With better drafts and more disciplined execution, T1 completed the reverse sweep and punched their ticket to the Upper Bracket Semifinals.
In the games where they won, T1 played sharp, clean, and dominant. Yet, they also undeniably looked sluggish in their losing matches. Seeing this form, their fans nervously await their performance in the upcoming MSI 2025 T1 – BLG matchup.
BLG Takes Down KOI 3-1
On the other side of the bracket, BLG faced Movistar KOI (KOI), Europe’s top seed. The LPL second seed had a dominant Play-In run and carried that momentum into the Bracket Stage. While KOI managed to take one game off them, BLG came out on top 3-1.
BLG’s mid laner Knight and top laner Bin were the stars of the series. Knight’s 7/0/13 Aurora in game one cracked the map wide open, while Bin’s Sion became an unstoppable frontline presence later on. KOI showed signs of life with a surprise win in game two, but BLG quickly shut down the comeback effort with strong early-game vision and flawless macro play in games three and four.
So far, BLG is looking like the better team with more consistent plays and coordination. Should they win in their upcoming game, BLG gets to add another victory to their win streak against T1 in MSI.
T1 vs BLG: The Rematch
With both teams moving forward, the MSI 2025 T1 BLG Upper Bracket Semifinal is now locked in. The match is scheduled for July 5 at 5:00 PM PDT. This clash is more than just another series for both teams and their fans. It’s a rematch of previous international showdowns where they have traded wins. Victory here means another proof that they’re the better team.
These LPL and LCK titans last clashed in the Grand Final of Worlds 2024—a battle that went in T1’s favor. Now, BLG has the chance to get their revenge and give the reigning World champions a bitter defeat.
On the other hand, T1 has not won any series against BLG in MSI. All of their past matchups have resulted in a win for the LPL giant. For them, taking down BLG here in Vancouver means breaking a curse and defying the odds.
T1 has the history, experience, and a hungry Faker looking to prove himself again. But BLG has looked more consistent throughout the tournament so far. According to analysts, BLG’s slightly higher win rate and objective control give them a small edge
This MSI 2025 T1 BLG match will determine who advances to the Upper Bracket Final. They will then face Gen.G, who already secured their spot after a 3-2 win over AL. The loser won’t be out just yet. Instead, they’ll drop into the Lower Bracket and face a tougher path to the Grand Final.
Conclusion
The stakes are high for both T1 and BLG. Winning this match means one step closer to a guaranteed Worlds 2025 seed and regional dominance. So, when these two titans clash once again this July 5, fans around the world are in for a treat.
Are you betting on T1’s unpredictable plays yet overwhelming clutch factor? Or do you think BLG’s consistency and control will win them this match? Stay tuned for full coverage, match results, and more updates as the MSI 2025 T1 BLG story continues to unfold.
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