In their initial match of the Worlds 2025 Play-in Knockouts, T1 faced off against the fourth seed from the LPL, putting on a stellar performance that marked the beginning of their campaign on a positive note. The team, which has won the championship back-to-back, has officially secured their entry into the Swiss Stage.

Despite not exhibiting their full potential during the LCK playoffs, T1 once again demonstrated their prowess on the international stage. Competing against China’s Invictus Gaming, the defending champions rose to the occasion in a match of high stakes; as it opened the Worlds 2025 tournament, a loss could have resulted in immediate elimination.

Invictus Gaming initially appeared to dominate the first game while playing on the blue side, showcasing impressive macro strategy early on. However, following an early Dragon soul acquisition, an overly aggressive move by TheShy turned disastrous, leading to a Baron loss for IG. T1 quickly capitalized on this mistake to secure victory without a significant lead.

With established stars like Rookie and TheShy leading the charge, Invictus Gaming managed to bounce back, winning the second game and leveling the series. However, T1’s determination proved effective as they regrouped and claimed victories in the third and fourth games, thus securing their position in the Swiss Stage. TheShy’s unconventional top-lane picks, including Rek’Sai and Varus, kept audiences intrigued, but T1’s strategic discipline and adaptability ensured they maintained control.

Oner was outstanding in T1’s victory, receiving the MVP title for his exceptional gameplay. He played a crucial role in securing key objectives and neutralizing the enemy carries, paving the way for T1’s success. With this loss, Invictus Gaming has been eliminated from the Worlds 2025.

T1 is now set to prepare for their next challenge against FlyQuest, the top seed from North America, as they approach their Swiss Stage journey.