T1 Keep The Dream Alive Beating BLG in LOL Worlds 2024 Swiss Stage

T1 is not giving up the Worlds crown; at least not yet. The reigning champions faced off with LPL giants Bilibili Gaming (BLG) in Round 3 of the Worlds 2024 Swiss Stage, claiming a roaring victory that seemed to defy all odds. In the Bo1 match, it took T1 an improvement in their macros and several mindblowing teamfights to take down their rival region’s top team.

Closing the Gap: Standing Against Giants

In classic T1 fashion, the LCK’s unexpected “underdogs” have once again demonstrated some show-stopping clutch factor at the Worlds stage. The South Korean team faced heavy challenges in the LCK Summers, qualifying at the last minute for the biggest annual League of Legends tournament. Yet, even as they arrived as LCK’s 4th seed, T1 emerged victorious against BLG who came in as the 1st seed and champions of the LPL.

T1 entered Worlds 2024 with a shaky form and lost their first Swiss match to Top Esports. Their win against paIN Gaming in Round 2 was what set the team up for a reunion with BLG, who by then had a similar 1-1 match record. Meanwhile, BLG won over Mad Lions KOI and lost to LNG Esports in the first two rounds of the Swiss Stage.

The match-up of T1 and BLG continues the LCK and LPL rivalry, and as expected, their game was one of the most anticipated in the tournament. It even broke the viewership record for the Swiss Stage by bringing in T1’s massive fanbase and BLG’s avid supporters together.

T1’s Way to Winning: Bo1 Match Breakdown

The Round 3 Bo1 match saw a pretty close early game between the two powerhouses. The first blood went to BLG courtesy of knight’s Ahri, quickly leading to an exchange of kills. T1 had two drakes and a slight gold advantage within the first 16 minutes. Yet, at around 22 minutes, BLG has secured the midlane tower and has evened the match in terms of kills, gold, and objectives. 

T1’s Oner and Zeus both played crucial roles during teamfights, especially after BLG seemed to have grown too comfortable with a kill lead of 3 and a gold advantage by 25 minutes. In what seemed like a blink of an eye, T1 had once again caught up to BLG with the pivotal teamfight near the Baron Pit; the one that apparently set the stage early for their imminent triumph. 

Faker and Gumayusi were also showing great performances, with the star midlaner appearing to have fixed his form issues. However, Keria is just a tier above for this match, delivering stellar engages and providing the most watched match highlight with his surprise Neeko ultimate. It secured the success of the final teamfight that drove the nail on BLG’s coffin. The match was over after 39 minutes as T1 stormed BLG’s base and destroyed the nexus without relent.

Reigniting a Wildfire: The T1 “Worlds Buff”

As the common mantra by T1 fans goes, T1 at Worlds just seem to be on another level. While they went head-to-head with BLG in the first half, the team’s mid to late game plays are simply what distinguish them as a pro team that knows what they are doing. After messy performances in the MSI and LCK tournaments, T1 appear to be slowly shaping back into their top form, with Oner and Keria specifically showing massive promise.

Fans noticed a significant improvement in the team’s macro plays even when they had previously struggled with it. T1 are sharpening their decision-making  as well as their drafting strategies, learning from their past mistakes. The team is also capitalizing on their teamfighting prowess with improved coordination.

Such is the magic of the infamous “T1 clutch”. Their set-ups look cleaner and are still capable of turning matches around. In addition, the meta for Worlds 2024 provides Wider champion picks for Faker and Keria, which could imply that T1’s form may just get better and better throughout the tournament.

In The Aftermath of Battle: What’s Next for T1 and BLG?

Despite being heavy favorites in the competition, BLG faced challenges that ultimately led to their defeat. Their main problem that they have yet to address seem to be their inflexibility in the drafting phase. The LPL icons often revert to comfort picks instead of meta-favored champions, leading fans to question most of their choices. This became an obvious disadvantage as T1, who adapted to the Worlds meta comparatively quicker, were able to exploit their lineup. 

BLG will now compete against PSG Talons in the Swiss Stage Round 4 Middle Matches for another shot at the quarterfinals. The team needs to win this match and follow it up with another victory, else they are bound to face elimination. As for T1 who has managed to keep their Worlds dreams alive, just a win over G2 Esports in the same round’s High Matches will already punch their tickets to the Knockouts in Paris.

Heavy Is The Crown: Can T1 Defend Their Title?

Going from Worlds 2023 champions to the LCK’s underdogs, T1 has to fight with everything they have got to retain their championship title. This is the best form the team has had so far since the MSI, and their improvement at each game has raised the hopes of fans. Can they keep their newly gained momentum and make it straight to the quarterfinals?

The League of Legends World Championship 2024 still has more to offer. While LNG and Gen.G have already gone to the Knockouts, those with T1 in the Swiss Stage are just as hungry for gold and glory. Victory is still uncertain for the team, but one must not forget that this is T1 in the international stage. As the world’s best teams gun for their throne, it is proven in history that at Worlds, the reigning kings are never one to stand still.