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Worlds 2025 kicks off as T1 revives its legacy with a historic victory over IG

T1 made it clear in their Worlds 2025 debut that their reign is far from over. With a 3-1 over IG and record-breaking viewership numbers, the defending champions begin their road to glory.

🌍 Worlds 2025: T1 reignites the hype with an unforgettable win over IG

If you’ve been watching Worlds for years like I have, you know there are matches that stick with you. Not necessarily because of a crazy play or a wild draft, but because of that perfect mix of history, rivalry, and pure competitive emotion.
And that’s exactly what we witnessed in T1 vs IG, right in the Swiss Stage of Worlds 2025.

We didn’t need to wait for the quarterfinals or finals to get a series that shook the entire community. Two massive names, two completely different styles, and millions of fans tuned in to see who would keep their tournament dreams alive.

More than 2.5 million viewers watched simultaneously, making this the most viewed opening day in Worlds history. That’s no small feat. The hype was sky-high… and T1 delivered like true champions.


A regional classic that never disappoints

LCK vs LPL. Korea vs China. T1 vs IG.
This matchup has a special flavor. Every time these two teams clash, it doesn’t matter the patch or meta — they always put on a show.

From Game 1, IG made their intentions clear: they came to strike early. They invaded the jungle, pressured lanes, and looked for any opening to destabilize. For a moment, it seemed to work, but T1 did what they do best: keep their cool.
They punished positional errors, rotated with pinpoint accuracy, and closed out the first game with the calmness of a team that’s been here countless times.

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The equalizer that set everything on fire

Game 2 was a whole different story. IG shook off the pressure and started playing at their own pace: aggressive macro, tight teamfights, and clean objective control. They tied the series 1-1, and you could feel the tension even through the screen.

Both teams knew Game 3 would be decisive — and that’s when T1 reminded everyone why they’re still the team to beat. Their calls were flawless, every rotation had purpose, and little by little they choked out China’s attempt to seize control.


A masterclass to close it out

The last two games were, without exaggeration, a textbook display of teamplay at its finest. T1 controlled the tempo, forced fights on their terms, and dominated every skirmish like it was scripted.

Game 4 was the most intense: close fights, contested objectives, and plays that could’ve flipped everything in seconds. IG tried to catch T1 off guard with aggressive picks, but T1 read every move like they had the future mapped out.
In the end, 3-1 for T1, and a clear statement: if anyone wants the trophy this year, they’ll have to take it from the champion on their own turf.


What’s next: FlyQuest on the horizon

With this win, T1 secures its spot in the next round of the Swiss Stage. Their upcoming opponent will be FlyQuest, North America’s number one seed.

Many may see them as the “underdogs,” but FlyQuest has shown they’re not here on vacation. If they manage to disrupt Korea’s rhythm, we might be in for another explosive series.
The match is scheduled for October 15 at 2:00 a.m. (local time), so if you’re one of those who never misses a match… better get your coffee ready and set that alarm ☕⏰


How this year’s Worlds format works

To avoid getting lost, here’s a quick refresher on the Worlds 2025 structure:

  • Reduced Play-In: Two teams battle in a Bo5 for the final spot.

  • Swiss Stage: 16 teams, dynamic pairings, advance with 3 wins. Three losses and you’re out.

  • Knockouts: Single elimination bracket, Bo5 series, and for the first time ever — Fearless Draft. This means no champion can be picked more than once in a series, forcing teams to dig deeper than their comfort picks.

This format has produced unpredictable games and matchups that feel like finals from the very start. There’s basically no room for error.


Next round’s fixture

All matches will take place on Wednesday, October 15, starting at 2:00 a.m.


The message is clear: the king is still here

T1 began their title defense with a performance that blends experience, composure, and raw talent. They’re not just advancing — they’re sending a message to everyone else: they’re not giving anything away easily.

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