T1 Struggles to Qualify for Worlds 2024 After Winning Championship in 2023

T1 faced a tense situation, being just one loss away from missing the chance to compete at Worlds 2024. Despite having some opportunities to qualify, their route to the international stage has raised concerns about their ability to defend their title.

Finishing third in the LCK Summer Split, T1’s performance left much to be desired. They suffered consecutive one-sided defeats against Hanwha Life Esports, followed by a loss to DPlus KIA in the Regional Finals, barely securing their place after a nail-biting match against KT.

Nevertheless, T1 ultimately made it to Worlds 2024.

TICKET TO #WORLDS2024 LOCKED🔒@T1LoL win in game 5 to take the #LCK 4th seed! pic.twitter.com/FhFNw36mIk

— LCK (@LCK) September 14, 2024

There was a collective sigh of relief from the team members, their loyal fans, and likely Riot Games, who recognize the viewership that T1 generates.

According to Esports Charts, the viewership for T1 vs KT slightly exceeded the grand final, peaking at 1.69 million compared to Gen.G vs HLE’s 1.62 million.

This achievement marks Faker’s ninth Worlds qualification, with the player never finishing below fourth place. The expectations for T1 remain exceptionally high, and merely qualifying was seen as the minimum requirement.

Upon winning, the team expressed more relief than celebration. They were just relieved.

SIGHS OF RELIEF FROM #T1 pic.twitter.com/32dBsRSxbP

— jade jade🐰 (@jadetokky) September 14, 2024

With three other formidable LCK teams also entering the competition, and strong competitors from the LPL and Team Liquid, who previously took a match from T1 at the EWC, this marks just the beginning of a challenging journey for T1.

Having secured their spot, all 20 slots for Worlds are now filled, with T1 being the last team to qualify, cutting it extremely close.

As the event approaches in less than two weeks, T1 have limited time to enhance their strategy and performance, crucial for aiming to claim another championship title. However, given DRX’s win at Worlds in 2022, anything is possible.

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