After an average showing in the 2025 LCK Spring Split, T1 are delivering another stellar performance at MSI 2025—and they’re now just one match away from the finals.
Many League fans have dubbed this the “international buff. Even if T1 aren’t performing to their capabilities in the domestic split, they always show a strong form when it matters the most: international tournaments. We asked T1’s top laner, Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon, how they always seem to show up when the stakes are high.
“So when we think about international tournaments, they tend to be held in a very short duration of time. So, it’s important to really have a good read on the meta,” Doran said in an interview with Dot Esports. “And I think our team has the ability to make a really good tier list that focuses on our strengths.”
Understanding League’s ever-changing meta is critical to outdraft the opponents, and it seems T1’s coaching staff understands that well. Adding to those troubles are Fearless Drafts, which also test players’ champion pool depth on the big stage. T1’s mechanically gifted players shine brightest when they can play their preferred champions in crucial matches.
Despite recent domestic troubles, T1 are undoubtedly one of the most decorated League teams in the world. In international outings, they have won five Worlds and two MSI and frequently qualify for the playoffs to stake their claim to glory.
In MSI 2025, T1 fell short in the 3-2 decider against Gen.G, who just came off a flawless 18-0 record in the LCK Spring Split. T1 will face Anybody’s Legends next in the tournament to get another Korean rematch and maybe even stop Gen.G from claiming consecutive MSI titles.
