The energy at Seoul’s iconic 롤파크 Arena was palpable on August 9, 2025, as T1 delivered a masterclass in League of Legends, sweeping NS RedForce 2:0 in a pivotal LCK fourth round, first-week match. With this emphatic victory, T1 not only notched their 16th win of the season but also officially booked their place in the LCK playoffs. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about T1’s relentless pace and strategic evolution, which have turned the late season into a showcase of dominance.
The evening’s matchup drew special attention, pitting a resurgent T1—hungry to reclaim the top spot—against NS RedForce, a team desperate to halt a painful losing streak. Both teams arrived with much at stake: for T1, playoff security and momentum; for NS, a shot at redemption and a lifeline in a challenging season. The air was thick with anticipation as the teams revealed their starting rosters. T1 fielded a powerhouse lineup: Doran (최현준) in the top lane, Oner (문현준) in the jungle, Faker (이상혁) at mid, Gumayusi (이민형) as ADC, and Keria (류민석) supporting. NS countered with Kingen (황성훈), GIDEON (김민성), Callix (선현빈), Jiwoo (정지우), and Lehends (손시우).
Right from the opening whistle, T1 set the tone. The first set saw NS take the blue side, opting for a composition of Ornn, Trundle, Ryze, Xayah, and Lulu—champions known for scaling and teamfight prowess. T1, on the red side, answered with Aurora, Nocturne, Orianna, Jhin, and Alistar, a lineup designed for explosive initiation and coordinated crowd control. The early game featured tense 2v2 action in the top lane, but it was T1’s bot duo that drew first blood. Gumayusi’s well-timed crowd control, paired with Oner’s Nocturne ultimate, secured an early kill on Lehends and swung the momentum firmly in T1’s favor.
Oner, living up to his reputation as one of the LCK’s most dynamic junglers, was everywhere at once. He quickly racked up kills on Callix and GIDEON, putting NS on the back foot. NS managed to claw back some ground, briefly disrupting T1’s rhythm by snatching the Rift Herald after a scrappy fight near mid-lane. Yet, just when it seemed NS might stabilize, T1 roared back, dominating a bot lane and dragon skirmish to rack up four more kills. Doran’s presence in the top lane was particularly disruptive, and Oner’s timely Baron steal cemented T1’s control. With both side lane towers down, T1 pressed their advantage, culminating in a decisive push that shattered NS’s Nexus and sealed the first set.
Set two brought fresh drafts but a familiar story. NS, again on blue, selected Gwen, Wukong, Ryze, Kalista, and Renata Glasc—hoping Gwen’s late-game power would finally tip the scales. T1’s response: Ambesa, Xin Zhao, Galio, Sivir, and Poppy, a blend of initiation and sustained damage. The early minutes were a slugfest, with both teams trading kills in a flurry of aggression. But it was T1 who seized the initiative after a critical bot lane skirmish, with Gumayusi and Keria outplaying their counterparts to secure the lead.
The turning point came at the Rift Herald fight. Doran’s teleport and Ambesa’s ultimate tore through NS’s formation, allowing T1 to take the Herald and dismantle the mid turret. Doran’s Ambesa was everywhere, dictating the flow of teamfights and consistently outmaneuvering NS’s attempts at a comeback. With every major objective—four dragons and Baron—falling into T1’s hands, the gold gap widened inexorably. The final teamfight, led by another brilliant engage from Doran, saw T1 storm NS’s base and close out the set, clinching the match 2:0.
“We focused on maintaining our tempo and making proactive plays, especially around objectives,” said Oner, the night’s standout jungler, in post-match comments reported by Xportsnews. “It’s satisfying to see our hard work pay off with another win and a spot in the playoffs.”
The statistics tell the story of T1’s dominance: 16 wins and just 6 losses in the regular season, with a flawless 2:0 sweep against NS RedForce. Their playoff berth is now secure, regardless of the outcomes in the remaining matches. For T1, this victory is more than just a number in the standings—it’s a statement to the rest of the league that they’re peaking at the perfect moment.
For NS RedForce, the loss is a bitter pill. It marks their sixth consecutive match defeat and a staggering 12-set losing streak, casting a long shadow over what began as a hopeful campaign. Despite flashes of individual brilliance—particularly from Kingen and Lehends—NS struggled to convert early advantages into lasting momentum. Their defensive play often left them reacting to T1’s relentless pressure rather than dictating the pace. “We need to regroup and find our confidence again,” said NS coach after the match, reflecting on the team’s current struggles.
T1’s late-season surge has been fueled by a shift toward faster, more tempo-driven strategies. Their ability to secure early leads, contest every objective, and transition advantages into map control has been a hallmark of their recent play. Faker’s leadership in the mid lane, combined with the mechanical prowess of Gumayusi and the unwavering support from Keria, has created a synergy that few teams can match. Doran’s emergence as a top lane threat adds a new dimension to T1’s arsenal, making them a formidable opponent as the postseason approaches.
The broader context of this win can’t be overstated. The LCK regular season is notorious for its grueling schedule and high-stakes matches, where a single misstep can derail months of preparation. For T1, every victory is a step closer to reclaiming the LCK crown and earning a coveted spot at the World Championship. Their fans, long accustomed to deep playoff runs, have every reason to believe this year’s squad could go the distance.
As the dust settles on 롤파크’s main stage, T1 stands tall—battle-tested, playoff-bound, and hungry for more. With their sights set on the LCK title, the rest of the league will need to bring their best if they hope to slow down this red-hot juggernaut. The countdown to the playoffs has begun, and T1 is right where they want to be: in control of their destiny, with momentum on their side.
