T1 Dominates DK With Strong 2-0 Victory

In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, T1 triumphed over DK with a decisive 2-0 victory on May 10, 2025, at the LCK Arena in Jongno, Seoul, during the second round of the 2025 LOL Champions Korea (LCK) regular season. This win marks T1's fourth consecutive victory, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the league.

Leading the charge for T1 was Oner Moon Hyeon-joon, who showcased his prowess with a commanding performance using Pantheon in the first set and Sejuani in the second. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was later named Player of the Match (POM). "We feel we have improved since the first round," said Choi Hyeon-joon, also known as Doran. "I think we have truly embraced the T1 spirit now."

Faker Lee Sang-hyeok, T1's legendary mid-laner, made history by achieving his 5,500th assist during the match, becoming the first player in LCK history to reach this milestone. Faker's performance was particularly notable as he played Azir, helping T1 break a six-game losing streak in the league. "I’m really happy to win 2-0 today," Doran added, reflecting on the team’s momentum. "I hope my teammate Hyun-joon recovers quickly from his illness so we can keep pushing forward together."

Before the match, Coach Kim Jeong-gyun expressed his confidence in Doran and the team's preparations. "I have faith in Doran; when he is under pressure, he performs well. I expect him to rise to the occasion," Kim stated. Doran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of lane battles in the current meta, especially after the 25.09 patch which has altered the dynamics of top lane play. "The biggest change is that there are fewer line swaps, making lane matchups more critical and increasing the importance of champions that excel in lane combat," he explained.

After the match, Doran reflected on the team's overall improvement. "I feel we are better in the second round than we were in the first. Our next opponent is Brion, and since we lost to them in the first round, we will prepare diligently to ensure a victory this time around," he vowed.

On May 8, 2025, T1 had previously secured a 2-0 victory against DRX, a win that brought additional joy to Coach Kim. "I’m particularly happy as this was our first victory after the patch. We need to adapt to the meta as we move forward," he remarked. Doran also expressed satisfaction with the team's preparation, stating, "The ban-pick phase went well as we had planned, and I feel our performance is on the rise."

Coach Kim highlighted the importance of focusing on practice and preparation, especially against teams they had previously lost to. "While we are on a winning streak, we have a strong desire to avenge our earlier losses. We are concentrating on our practice process to give our best in future matches," he noted.

Analyzing the recent patch changes, Doran mentioned that the reduction in external distractions during the laning phase has allowed players to concentrate better on their performances. "With fewer external aspects to worry about, it’s easier to focus on laning, which has become increasingly crucial in this meta," he said.

Coach Kim also took a moment to congratulate Faker on achieving his second pentakill of the season, expressing hopes for more such moments in the future. Doran joined in the celebration, saying, "Winning alongside Faker's pentakill was fantastic. I hope we can continue to perform well in the remaining games."

As T1 continues to build on their momentum, Coach Kim expressed confidence in the team's capabilities. "The players and staff are incredibly talented. In the past, I felt a sense of urgency as a coach, but now, with everyone working hard together, we are seeing great results on the field. We must keep researching the meta and our strategies moving forward," he emphasized.

Doran acknowledged that mistakes in previous games have been a learning experience. "When we lose, it often comes down to basic errors. We’ve focused on addressing those issues, and the feedback has positively impacted our performance," he explained.

Looking ahead to their next match against Dplus KIA, Coach Kim noted the importance of thorough preparation against a team he considers strong, regardless of their recent record. "I’ve always viewed them as a tough opponent, and we need to prepare meticulously for this matchup," he stated. Doran added, "With the new patch, there may be changes in the top meta, so we need to consider that and think deeply about our top lane strategy."

In closing, Coach Kim expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. "Thank you for always cheering us on. The players and staff are committed to showing our best performance, and we appreciate your continued support," he said. Doran echoed this sentiment, promising to maintain the winning streak. "We’re on a good run right now, and I’m determined to win the next game. Thank you all!"