by Reigning world champions T1 continued their impressive run at the 2024 League of Legends World Championship with a dominant 3-0 sweep over China’s Top Esports (TES) in the quarter-finals.
Despite a challenging season in 2024, which saw T1 narrowly secure a spot at Worlds by defeating KT Rolster in the LCK Regional Finals, the South Korean squad reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse on the global stage.
With this victory, T1 advanced to the semi-finals for the ninth time in Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok’s storied career, maintaining his perfect record of reaching the semis in all his Worlds appearances.
WELCOME TO THE #WORLDS2024 SEMIFINALS, @T1LOL! pic.twitter.com/i4JJ7hTsWM
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 19, 2024
Entering Worlds 2024 as South Korea’s fourth seed, T1 had a rocky start, including a loss to TES in their opening match of the Swiss Stage.
However, they bounced back with wins over paiN Gaming, Bilibili Gaming, and a decisive sweep of G2 Esports, securing their knockout stage berth.
TES, on the other hand, earned their place as the second seed from the LPL and were seen as strong contenders for the Summoner’s Cup, featuring a lineup with three former world champions.
Their road to the quarter-finals included victories over Fnatic and DPlus KIA, despite falling to Gen.G earlier in the Swiss Stage.
The series began with a slow-paced game one, with only four kills by the 25-minute mark.
TES initially held a narrow lead, but T1’s superior map control allowed them to secure a pivotal teamfight near Baron, leading to a decisive victory with a 13-5 kill score.
Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyung’s flawless Caitlyn performance, alongside Faker’s strong showing on Sylas, set the tone for the rest of the series.
In game two, T1 unleashed a near-perfect display, completely shutting out TES in a 15-0 rout.
Faker’s Ahri was pivotal, racking up six kills, while Gumayusi continued his dominance on Xayah, helping T1 secure match point.
TES struggled to find any openings, as T1 systematically dismantled them across the map.
Game 3 saw TES put up more resistance, but T1 had already figured out their strategy.
Despite TES’s attempts to rally, T1 outmanoeuvred them in crucial fights, culminating in a 37-minute victory to complete the sweep.
Gumayusi finished the series with a perfect KDA, while Ryu “Keria” Min-seok’s Pyke made his debut at Worlds 2024 with an impactful performance.
17/0/14
What a series by Gumayusi. pic.twitter.com/FR28cKUC40
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 19, 2024
The series not only marked T1’s advance to the semi-finals but also set a new peak viewership record for Worlds 2024, drawing over 3.6 million viewers.
T1 will face either Gen.G, their long-standing LCK rivals, or North America’s FlyQuest in the semi-finals as they continue their quest to defend their title.
TES’s elimination means they finish fifth-eighth, earning $100,125 in prize money, while T1 have secured at least a third-fourth place finish and a guaranteed $178,000.
The victory reaffirms T1’s resurgence at Worlds, reminding everyone why they should never be counted out, especially with Faker leading the charge.
#Worlds2024 has come to an end for @TOP_Esports_. pic.twitter.com/XiRuZv331m
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 19, 2024
