T1 Stages Fierce Comeback Against KT In MSI Qualifiers

In a thrilling display of competitive League of Legends, T1 staged a fierce comeback against KT to clinch a 2-1 victory in the 4th round of the MSI Qualifiers. The match unfolded on the afternoon of June 14, 2025, at the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium in Busan, captivating fans with high-octane plays and strategic brilliance as part of the 2025 LOL Champions Korea (LCK) Road to MSI.

The decisive third set was a showcase of T1's resilience and star power, with Lee Sang-hyeok, famously known as "Faker," commanding the mid lane on his signature champion Azir. Alongside him, Lee Min-hyung, or "GumaYusi," unleashed explosive damage that overwhelmed KT's defenses. Their synergy ignited a relentless battle where kills came thick and fast, with the scoreboard reading 25-15 in T1's favor after 33 minutes and 35 seconds of intense gameplay.

Following their loss in the second set, KT opted for the blue side in the final game, hoping to leverage their side selection to turn the tide. In response, T1 crafted a formidable team composition featuring Renekton, Skarner, Azir, Lucian, and Bard. This lineup balanced frontline durability with potent damage output and utility, setting the stage for a strategic battle of wits and reflexes.

KT's own lineup featured standout performances from "Doran" (Choi Hyun-joon) on Renekton and "Perfect" (Lee Seung-min) on Yone. These two players ignited a snowball effect early in the lane phase, with Doran's aggressive Renekton play and Perfect's precise Yone mechanics pressuring T1's lanes. However, T1's top laner "Doran" (Choi Hyun-joon) also made a name for himself in this match, punishing Perfect's Yone from the very start and laying the groundwork for T1's eventual dominance.

Throughout the match, T1 maintained a slender but steady lead, deftly countering KT's flashes of brilliance and counterattacks. The team’s ability to control side lanes and objectives proved pivotal, as they refused to relinquish momentum despite KT's persistent efforts.

One of the defining features of the match was Faker's masterful use of Azir's unique abilities. Time and again, he executed perfect "special deliveries," catapulting enemy champions directly into the firing line of GumaYusi. This tactic not only disrupted KT's formations but also maximized GumaYusi's damage output, who responded with an indiscriminate barrage of attacks. His relentless assault earned him the distinction of the highest damage dealer on either team, underscoring his critical role in T1's victory.

Securing the Dragon's Soul was a key milestone for T1, providing them with powerful buffs that further tilted the scales in their favor. Recognizing the threat, KT attempted a high-risk Baron burst play to regain control. Yet, T1's defense was unyielding, decisively punishing KT's gamble and effectively sealing the match.

The atmosphere in the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium was electric, as T1 fans erupted with joy witnessing their team's comeback triumph. The match was a testament to T1’s status as a formidable rival—often dubbed "천적" or "natural enemy"—to KT, a nickname that seemed well-earned after this intense battle.

With this victory, T1 not only reversed the series score but also sent a strong message ahead of the forthcoming MSI. The combination of strategic depth, individual brilliance, and team cohesion displayed in this match highlights why T1 remains a powerhouse in the competitive League of Legends scene.

As the Road to MSI continues, all eyes will be on T1 to see if they can maintain this momentum and convert their potential into championship glory. Meanwhile, KT will undoubtedly be analyzing this loss to regroup and adapt for future encounters.

The 2025 LCK season continues to deliver thrilling narratives and high-stakes competition, with T1’s latest victory adding another exciting chapter to the storied rivalry with KT.