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Eternal Legends: T1's Unrivaled Decade of Dominance in League of Legends Esports

As the 13th edition of League of Legends' annual Worlds Tournament reaches its climactic conclusion this year, a familiar contender emerges for the 6th time in the finals during their 8th Worlds qualification.

Once known as SK Telecom T1 and later rebranded as T1 in 2019, this organization stands as a global esports powerhouse within the League of Legends community. T1 boasts an unmatched consistency and longevity of success, making them one of the greatest esports organizations globally.

What distinguishes T1 from the rest? Not only do they hold the record for 3 Worlds Championships, but they also claim the most LCK titles (10) and have secured a spot in the Worlds finals an additional 3 times. The closest contender, Gen G (formerly Samsung Galaxy), trails behind with 2 Worlds titles and 1 runner-up position. In third place, a tie between Dplus KIA (formerly Damwon Gaming) and Fnatic, each with 1 title and 1 runner-up.

A decade has passed since T1 first made headlines, and their dominance shows no signs of waning. What lies behind their unparalleled success, transforming them into the enduring powerhouse they are today?

Eternal Legends: T1's Unrivaled Decade of Dominance in League of Legends Esports 1

Legends Never Die

In the annals of League of Legends, Faker transcends being a mere name; he is a living legend, an integral part of every play and the legacy of LoL esports. Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok's journey, from the iconic blind pick Zed v Zed outplay in the LCK Finals in 2013 to his recent playmaker Azir teamfight at the Dragon pit, solidifies him as the greatest of all time in League of Legends.

For a decade, Faker has been a constant presence at T1, serving as the veteran leader for all players who come and go. In interviews, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good mental state, citing his favorite book, "Internal Communication" by Dr. Kim Juhwan—a guide to exercising the mind and building mental strength. Faker is not just a prodigy; he's a secret weapon and a role model, having become a part-owner of T1 in 2020, showcasing his ability to bring out the best in both individuals and the team.

The Brand

Faker's pivotal role in driving jersey sales, increasing viewership, and boosting game attendance laid the foundation for T1's enduring popularity. While many esports organizations struggle to sustain themselves in the young industry, T1, with championship wins from their debut year, has held a high mantle and continues to do so.

Eternal Legends: T1's Unrivaled Decade of Dominance in League of Legends Esports 2

Despite rumors of other teams becoming the "next T1" and players the "next Faker," time has proven these speculations wrong, overshadowed by the enduring legacy of Faker and T1. Credit is due to their commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

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T1's success isn't solely attributed to Faker. The organization aspires to be a team of dedicated individuals working cohesively as one unit. Several key figures who once raised T1 to glory have retired as players, but some, like Bengi and Roach, transitioned into coaching roles, maintaining close ties with the team. Since November 2020, their roster has remained unchanged, fostering three years of players learning and growing together. By establishing this heritage, T1 ensures the next generation of players can be adequately taught to carry on the legacy.

Bogdan Lashchenko

Bogdan Lashchenko – content manager at EgamersWorld.Bogdan has been working at EGamersWorld since 2023. Joining the company, he began fillin the site with information, news and events.