MSI 2025 Preview: T1 Defied World Expectations to Qualify
T1 managed to qualify for the Mid-Season Invitational as the LCK second seed. They are the only second seed in MSI to qualify directly for the Bracket Stage. They can thank Hanwha Life Esports for winning First Stand, granting the LCK an additional Bracket Stage seed. It has been eight years since they last won MSI, but that will not stop them from aiming for the throne.
T1 Roster
- Choi “Doran” Hyeon-jun – Korean Toplaner
- Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun – Korean Jungler
- Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok – Korean Mid Laner
- Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyung – Korean Bot Laner
- Ryu “Keria Min-seok – Korean Support
- Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun – Korean Coach
After three successful years with the ZOFGK roster, Choi “Zeus” Woo-je left the team for HLE. HLE’s former top laner Doran replaced him. Many question marks have circulated around Doran, and this is a chance for him to prove his doubters wrong. International Doran has always struggled, but maybe with Faker by his side, he can overcome his demons.
How They Got Here
T1 has been inconsistent in the LCK regular season, losing multiple series that they are expected to win. Right before the Road to MSI, they lost comfortably against HLE 2-0. This result had many expecting them to fall short in their rematch for the second seed. However, they shocked the world, not only beating HLE but also winning the series 3-0, with game three being a decisive victory.
Expectations
Coming into any international event, you can never guarantee where they will finish. They entered the World Championship as one of the weakest Eastern teams last year, but ended up the victors. A top-four finish is to be expected for this roster, even if International Doran rears his head once again. Winning will require Doran to exercise his demons.
T1’s Journey
T1 begins MSI as the lowest-seeded team in the Bracket Stage. They feature in the third tier for the Bracket Stage draw, along with FlyQuest. In the first round, they will face either Anyone’s Legend or CTBC Flying Oyster. Due to tournament rules, they will be on the opposite side of the bracket to GenG Esports, likely meaning their opponent in the next round, if they win, is the victor of Movistar Koi and their Play-Ins round opponent.
