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T1, led by the legendary Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, secured their position as the reigning champions of League of Legends by triumphing over Weibo Gaming in the Worlds 2023 grand final with a resounding 3-0 victory, claiming the coveted Summoner’s Cup.
This victory marked T1’s fourth World Championship title and solidified their status as the best team in the world.
🏆 @T1LOL ARE THE 2023 WORLD CHAMPIONS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Ixovr818cs
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) November 19, 2023
The journey to this momentous achievement, however, was far from straightforward.
The Summer split saw Faker side lined due to injury, causing T1 to struggle in the regular season.
His return during the Playoffs revitalized the team, propelling them to a second-place finish in the LCK 2023 Summer Playoffs.
T1’s path in the Worlds 2023 was marked by challenges, but they showcased their trademark playoff prowess, ultimately emerging victorious.
In the Swiss Stage, T1 qualified for the playoffs with a 3-1 record, including a loss to their regional rivals, Gen.G.
The LCK faced tough competition from the dominant Chinese LPL teams, but T1 prevailed by defeating BLG in the Swiss round and LNG in the quarter-finals.
The showdown with the formidable JD Gaming in the semi-finals was another obstacle, but T1 triumphed in four games, earning their spot in the grand final against Weibo Gaming.
The grand final showcased T1’s dominance, with Choi “Zeus” Woo-je earning the MVP title for his top lane prowess.
The team’s cohesive performance, highlighted by the outstanding duo of Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeon and Ryu “Keria” Min-Seok in the Bottom Lane and the impactful play of Moon “Oner” Hyeon-joon, underscored their well-deserved victory.
However, it was Faker, in his 10th year of competition, who shone the brightest, breaking the record for the most Worlds titles and further demonstrating why he is known as the “Unkillable Demon King.”
In a surprising turn of events, Faker, during the Worlds 2023 media press conference, announced that he currently has no plans to retire.
Despite a decade-long career and four World Championship titles, Faker expressed his commitment to continue working with T1 as long as he is contracted with the team.
The esports community eagerly awaits Faker’s future plans, speculating whether he aims for further success or contemplates retirement.
The success of Worlds 2023 extended beyond the game itself, setting new records for viewership on Twitch.
With a peak concurrent viewership of 6.4 million, Worlds 2023 became the most-watched esports tournament in history, emphasizing League of Legends’ enduring popularity.
T1’s impressive run and the tournament’s record-breaking viewership reaffirmed League of Legends’ status as a dominant force in the esports landscape.
T1’s remarkable achievement in beating all four teams from China’s LPL during a single Worlds run further solidified Korea’s position as the most consistent region.
With three out of the first four World Championships in the 2020s secured by LCK teams, including three different champions, Korea’s international dominance remains unchallenged.
As the esports world reflects on Worlds 2023, it’s clear that League of Legends continues to set the standard for excellence and remains a global phenomenon.
