Famous South Korean esports team T1 has once again dominated the 2024 League of Legends World Championship after defeating Bilibili Gaming 3-2 in the grand finals. This is the fifth time the team has won the championship and the fifth time for famous T1 player Lee Sang-hook, better known as ‘Faker’.
At the recently closed At the 2024 World Championship event, held at the O2 Arena in London, the series was fiercely competitive, with BLG gaining an initial advantage and almost clinching the series. However, T1 adjusted their strategies, allowing other T1 players such as Zeus, Gumayusi and Oner to make impactful plays, particularly in Game 4 and Game 5. Faker’s decision-making in Game 4 and solid Galio performance in the final match ultimately sealed T1’s victory .
Fast facts about T1’s League of Legends wins
T1’s League of Legends unit gained the upper hand after winning the World Championship against China’s Royal Club in 2013 and then against another South Korean team, KOO Tigers, in 2015. After failing to win the title for several years, they finally managed to bounce back in 2023 after beating China’s Weibo Gaming.
In addition to their World Championship victories, T1 was one of the most successful teams in the League of Legends Pro League (LCK). T1 has claimed ten LCK titles, setting the record for the most championships in the region. These domestic successes have cemented T1’s dominance in Korean esports, with some particularly notable runs between 2015 and 2019 seeing them repeatedly top the leaderboards.
Faker: T1’s star player and esports icon
Thanks to his unparalleled skill, consistency and influence, Faker is considered the greatest League of Legends player. Since his T1 debut in 2013, Faker’s mid lane dominance and deep championship pool have been crucial to his success.
Known for his mechanical precision, exceptional decision-making and adaptability, Faker quickly became a global esports icon. His unique playing style combines aggressive, high-risk play with a meticulous understanding of his opponents’ tendencies, allowing him to excel in team fights and solo matchups.
In his matchups, he has popularized League of Legends champions like Zed and LeBlanc, executing plays that often left the crowd in awe and made him a legend in the mid lane role.
Beyond his gameplay, Faker’s influence extends across the esports industry, where he has set the bar for professionalism and competitive excellence. His lengthy tenure at T1 and consistent performances at LCK and international events, such as the Mid-Season Invitational and Worlds, have contributed to his mythical status.
Zeus: The best laner on T1’s team
Meanwhile, Choi “Zeus” Woo-je is T1’s top laner and has quickly built a reputation for dominance in competitive League of Legends, especially in high-stakes tournaments. Known for his confident playing style, Zeus thrives on aggression and calculated risk, regularly turning the tide of games through precise assignments and skillful positioning.
His adaptability against champions like Yone, Gwen and Aatrox has been crucial to T1’s victories, often overwhelming opponents with quick solo kills or taking advantage of small missteps. His standout performances, including a finals MVP award at the 2023 World Championship, underline his ability to secure his job and influence the game’s wider strategy through proactive play.
From joining T1’s Academy at just 16 years old, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning recognition with LCK titles and international awards, including Top Laner of the Year twice. His growth and dedication have contributed to the overall performance of T1 and the South Korea national team, where he took gold at the 2022 Asian Games.
Master T1’s Jungler Strategy with Oner
When it comes to the jungler strategy, which means you can clear jungle camps and ambush other champions in the game without too much effort, T1’s Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun is widely praised for his aggressive yet calculated style, especially in champions who allow him to control the pace of the game and initiate decisive team fights. Known for his high skill in characters such as Lee Sin,
This allows him to apply pressure at crucial moments and consistently disrupt the enemy’s plans with high-stakes plays, often teaming up with Faker for powerful ganks and objective control. For example, his ability to use Lee Sin’s mechanics to secure early kills has earned him recognition as one of the best Lee Sin players in competitive League of Legends, a reputation he backs up with standout performances in both the LCK as international events.
Gumayusi and Keria on Balanced Bone Support Plays
T1’s Gumayusi and Keria have established themselves as a standout bot lane duo in League of Legends esports, known for their versatility, coordination and game-changing play. Gumayusi plays as an Attack Damage Carry (ADC) player with an aggressive yet calculated style, excelling in both farming and team combat. His precision in positioning and timing allows him to take on late-game battles, especially when combined with his preference for high-damage champions like Aphelios and Jinx.
Keria, on the other hand, is widely recognized as one of the most innovative and skilled support players in the world. Known for his large champion pool, he regularly surprises opponents with unconventional choices, such as Camille and Yasuo in support, adapting his game to effectively counter the enemy team. His mechanical prowess and strategic insight allow him to set up winning plays, mainly through creative assignments and perfectly timed peels for Gumayusi.
Legacy in the world of esports
T1 has cemented its legacy in esports as one of the most dominant and influential organizations, especially in League of Legends. With an unprecedented five World Championships, T1 has set records and consistently set the competitive standard for excellence. The team’s achievements, led by legendary players like Faker, have made T1 a symbol of skill, resilience and innovation within the esports community.
In addition to their global championships, T1’s successes in the Korean LCK and international tournaments such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) have helped popularize competitive gaming worldwide, ushering in a new era for fans and players alike. T1’s focus on nurturing young talent, including stars like Zeus and Gumayusi, ensures their legacy continues to grow, inspire future generations and raise the bar for professional esports.