Summary:
- T1, the reigning champions of the annual League of Legends World Championship (Worlds), have once again qualified for the tournament in 2025.
- T1 secured at least the fourth LCK seed by winning 3-1 against Dplus KIA in a do-or-die lower bracket series.
- The LCK Playoffs continue on September 20 with Hanwha Life Esports vs KT Rolster in the Semifinal, followed by T1 vs Gen.G in the Lower Bracket Round 3 on September 21.
T1 have once again “clutched” their way into a Worlds qualification. The defending champions beat Dplus KIA (DK) 3-1 in the LCK Playoffs Lower Bracket Round 2 on Thursday, September 18. This win keeps them in the Playoffs as one of the last four teams standing, facing Gen.G next in the Lower Bracket Round 3. It also guarantees T1 at least the fourth LCK seed for Worlds 2025.
T1 Bounces Back in the Lower Bracket
T1’s earlier playoff series against Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) made fans question their form. In Upper Bracket Round 2, T1 was swept 3-0 by HLE and dropped to the lower bracket. Many worried this could be the first year T1 would miss Worlds, especially after how outplayed and outdrafted they looked in that series.
Meanwhile, DK came into the match with momentum after a 3-1 win over BFX in Lower Bracket Round 1. They used that energy to take Game 1 against T1, but when it mattered most, T1 eventually stepped up and fought their way back.
Series Breakdown
Despite doubts about their form, T1 still got most fans and analysts predicting their win. Many expected a close match, while others bet on a complete upset from DK. Here’s how T1 qualified for Worlds 2025 with three matches won out of the best-of-five (Bo5) series.
Game 1
T1’s draft started strong, as they blocked DK’s favorite Ziggs pick by letting Gumayusi play it instead. Still, this gamble cost them the game. DK’s composition worked better overall, with Aiming’s Corki dominating in the late game. ShowMaker’s Cassiopeia also kept Faker under control in the midlane, leaving T1 with few options. DK took the first game and looked like they might pull off an upset.
Game 2
Many fans thought T1 would bounce back in Game 2 with a stronger draft, and they did exactly that. Oner came alive on Jarvan IV, securing kills across the map and ending with 100% kill participation. T1 also found better teamfights and strong engages, which enabled them to secure important objectives. Oner’s late-game pentakill fired up T1 and tied the series 1-1.
Game 3
Game 3 was just one-sided in favor of T1, who racked up 23 kills over DK’s 6 as well as an 11k gold lead. Faker picking Orianna, one of his signature champions, already gave T1 a huge advantage. Yet, Oner made it even worse for DK with his Pantheon, putting out massive pressure in every fight and ending the game with an incredible 14/1/6 KDA. With DK unable to respond to T1’s composition, the game wrapped up in just 28 minutes, putting T1 at match point.
Game 4
The final game resembled Game 3 too closely during the early to mid game. Oner’s Sylas and Keria’s perfect Leona engages secured key fights and pickoffs, building a huge number of kills for Oner to get ahead. Despite DK drafting unconventional picks like the Rammus support for BeryL, they failed to make it work against T1’s aggression. T1 closed the game cleanly, winning the series 3-1 and booking their Worlds 2025 ticket.
Oner’s POM Performance
T1’s jungler, Oner, was voted Player of the Match with a perfect 13 out of 13 votes. His strong play in every game helped T1 take early leads and turn fights in their favor. He excelled not just in kills and assists, but also in objectives and map presence that heavily impacted how the games played out for T1.
Additionally, Oner made history by scoring the first-ever pentakill on Jarvan IV in Tier 1 play during Game 2. This was also only the third Jarvan IV pentakill ever recorded in all of professional League of Legends.
T1 Advances to Lower Bracket Round
This victory makes T1 the fourth and final LCK team to qualify for Worlds 2025. They now have a chance to defend their title and go for a third straight world championship. It also marks Faker’s tenth Worlds appearance — an incredible milestone for the legendary mid-laner.
T1 will still play Gen.G to decide seeding. The winner of that match goes straight to the Worlds Main Event Group Stage, while the loser will start in the Play-In Stage as Korea’s fourth seed.
Conclusion
Worlds 2025 will take place in China, and the LCK is sending a powerhouse lineup with KT Rolster, Hanwha Life Esports, Gen.G, and now T1. The road to a T1 Worlds 2025 qualification wasn’t easy, but their lower-bracket victory over Dplus KIA showed they thrive under pressure.
With Oner in top form and Faker aiming for another title, fans are eager to see if T1 can keep their momentum and prove once again why they are one of the strongest teams in League of Legends history.
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