T1 Makes History with Three Consecutive World Championship Titles
T1 has etched its name into the annals of esports history by securing the first-ever three consecutive championships at the League of Legends World Championship, the most prestigious stage in competitive gaming. The South Korean team defeated KT Rolster 3-2 in the final of the 2025 League of Legends (LoL) World Championship, held at Chengdu Dong’an Lake Sports Park on the 9th. This victory marks T1’s third consecutive title and sixth overall, cementing its legacy as one of the most dominant teams in the sport.
The League of Legends World Championship is a global competition that determines the best 5v5 online battle arena team. It holds a level of popularity among young adults similar to the FIFA World Cup, often referred to as the “Roll Cup.” Since its inception in 2011, no team had previously managed to win three titles in a row. T1 had previously claimed victories in 2013, 2015, and 2016. After a period of decline, the team reestablished itself as a powerhouse, winning the World Championship for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. This achievement makes T1 the first team in tournament history to achieve a “three-peat.”
The Man Behind the Glory: Faker Lee Sang-hyeok
At the center of each of T1’s triumphs is Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as “Faker,” who is 29 years old. Lee secured his sixth personal World Championship title. He first made a name for himself in the professional gaming scene at the age of 17 in 2013 when he immediately claimed the World Championship. Over a decade later, he remains the world’s top player, demonstrating elite skills as the team’s cornerstone. Lee is celebrated in the gaming industry as a “living legend of esports,” the “greatest mid-laner of all time,” the “greatest League of Legends player ever,” and the “Lionel Messi (or Michael Jordan) of League of Legends.” His in-game nickname, “Faker,” symbolizes the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in gaming.
A Rivalry Rooted in Tradition
The World Championship final coincided with a matchup between two professional teams operated by South Korea’s major telecommunications companies: SK Telecom’s T1 and KT Rolster. This rivalry dates back to the StarCraft era, with both teams founded in 2012. Fans refer to this matchup as the “telecom derby.”
T1 initially trailed in Set 1 but managed to shift momentum with consecutive mid-game victories to secure the win. However, KT took Set 2 after dominating early skirmishes, marking the team’s first set victory in a World Championship final. T1 struggled in Set 3, trailing KT throughout.
Facing elimination, T1 turned the tide in Set 4, led by mid-laner Faker Lee Sang-hyeok and AD carry “GumaYushi” Lee Min-hyung, 23 years old. Lee’s decisive skills in critical engagements suppressed KT’s core damage dealers, propelling the team to victory.
In Set 5, T1 seized early control and secured consecutive objective wins, destroying KT’s nexus in 37 minutes to claim the trophy.
Post-Match Reactions and Significance
After the match, Lee Sang-hyeok said, “I’m more satisfied with how enjoyable today’s game was than with the record itself. I want to thank KT for giving us such a great match.” The final MVP went to Lee Min-hyung, who shone in key moments throughout the tournament. Lee stated, “This year has been tough. I wouldn’t have made it without the support of our fans. I want to thank everyone who cheered for us until the end—our fans, friends, family, and teammates.”
T1’s victory is also significant for its journey. As last year’s World Champion, T1 entered as the 4th seed, requiring a best-of-five playoff against Invictus Gaming (IG), the 4th seed from China, to advance to the upper rounds. T1 triumphed 3-1 in that pivotal matchup.
In the main event, T1 proved its trademark focus by defeating China’s Anyones Legend (AL) in the quarterfinals and Top Esports (TES) in the semifinals.
KT, making its first finals appearance in team history, showcased strong organization and teamfight focus. Though settling for runner-up, the team delivered one of its most impressive seasons. KT advanced through the Swiss Stage undefeated, then defeated CFO in the quarterfinals and LCK 1st seed Gen.G in the semifinals to reach the final. Mid-laner “Bdd” Kwak Bo-sung, 26 years old, played a central role, delivering his best performance to date.
South Korea’s Continued Dominance
With a Korean final, South Korea extended its winning streak to four consecutive years, following DRX in 2022, T1 in 2023, and T1 in 2024. The Chinese LPL league, hosting the event, failed to reach the final for the fourth year in a row since 2021. T1’s three-peat reaffirmed South Korea’s status as the “esports kingdom,” a title held since 2013.