Few esports organizations have had as much influence on competitive gaming as T1. Known for its championship-winning teams, world-class players, and long-standing tradition of excellence, the South Korean organization has become one of the most respected brands in esports history.
Best known for its dominance in League of Legends and the legendary career of Lee «Faker» Sang-hyeok, T1 has also expanded into several other esports titles while maintaining its reputation as one of the industry’s premier organizations.
The Origins of T1
The organization’s roots date back to 2002, when Team Orion was established in South Korea. In 2004, telecommunications company SK Telecom acquired the team, leading to the creation of SK Telecom T1.
For many years, the organization primarily competed in StarCraft, where South Korea’s esports scene was flourishing. SK Telecom T1 quickly became one of the country’s most successful teams, producing several legendary professional players and helping shape the early history of esports.
In 2019, following a strategic partnership between SK Telecom and Comcast Spectacor, the organization rebranded as simply T1, reflecting its ambition to become a global esports brand.
The Rise of a League of Legends Dynasty
Although T1 had already achieved success in StarCraft, the organization reached global fame through League of Legends.
In 2013, T1 signed a young mid laner named Lee «Faker» Sang-hyeok, a player who would go on to become the greatest competitor in League of Legends history.
That same year, SK Telecom T1 won its first League of Legends World Championship. The victory marked the beginning of one of the most dominant dynasties esports has ever seen.
Over the following decade, T1 consistently remained among the world’s strongest League of Legends teams, combining elite coaching, exceptional player development, and a culture built around long-term excellence.
Faker: The Face of T1
No discussion of T1 is complete without Faker.
Since joining the organization in 2013, Faker has become synonymous with T1. Throughout his career, he has earned multiple World Championship titles, domestic championships in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), and numerous international accolades.
Widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, Faker has remained loyal to T1 despite receiving offers from organizations around the world.
His longevity, consistency, and leadership have made him one of the most recognizable figures in esports history.
Success Across Multiple Esports Titles
While League of Legends remains T1’s flagship discipline, the organization has expanded into several other competitive games.
Today, T1 has competed in titles including:
- League of Legends
- VALORANT
- Dota 2
- PUBG
- Super Smash Bros.
- Apex Legends
- Overwatch
- FIFA / EA SPORTS FC
By investing in multiple esports ecosystems, T1 has continued to grow its international presence while maintaining its identity as one of South Korea’s premier esports organizations.
Continued Dominance in League of Legends
Over the years, T1 has consistently competed at the highest level of professional League of Legends.
The organization has won multiple LCK championships and several League of Legends World Championships, making it the most successful team in Worlds history.
Even during periods of roster transition, T1 has remained a regular contender at international tournaments thanks to its strong infrastructure, coaching staff, and commitment to player development.
The club’s ability to remain competitive across multiple generations of professional players has become one of its defining characteristics.
Building a Global Esports Brand
Beyond competitive success, T1 has invested heavily in expanding its global brand.
The organization regularly collaborates with major international sponsors, produces high-quality digital content, launches merchandise collections, and engages millions of fans across social media platforms.
Its partnership with global companies and growing international fanbase have transformed T1 from a successful Korean esports club into one of the world’s most recognizable esports brands.
Developing Future Champions
Player development has always been a cornerstone of T1’s philosophy.
The organization operates one of the strongest academy systems in League of Legends, providing young players with the opportunity to develop within a professional environment before competing at the highest level.
This emphasis on nurturing talent has allowed T1 to remain competitive despite the constantly evolving nature of professional esports.
Looking Ahead
More than two decades after its founding, T1 continues to define excellence in competitive gaming.
With a legendary history in League of Legends, expanding operations across multiple esports titles, and one of the strongest brands in the industry, the organization remains a benchmark for success in global esports.
As competitive gaming continues to evolve, T1’s combination of championship tradition, player development, and international ambition positions the organization to remain among the world’s elite for many years to come.
