T1 achieved a significant 3-1 victory over Gen.G in the semi-finals, breaking a 10-game losing streak against them. The match saw T1 capitalize on Gen.G’s mistakes, displaying strong performances in pivotal moments. Despite a quiet start, T1 managed to regain control and secure their spot in the Worlds 2024 final against LPL’s BLG at London’s O2 Arena. Additionally, the match set a new viewership record with nearly 5 million spectators, solidifying T1’s historic achievement.
T1 Dominates a Missing Gen.G in Semi-Final Showdown
Predicting the outcome of this semi-final was challenging for several reasons. T1 showcased an impressive performance against Top Esports in the quarter-finals, while Gen.G faced the ominous shadow of their past defeats against T1, struggling with a track record of 10 consecutive losses in various formats.
The initial moments of Match 1 unfolded quietly, with T1 securing a slight gold lead during the laning phase. However, things turned quickly as T1 made two critical errors while contesting the second grubs and herald against a stronger Gen.G lineup. This allowed Gen.G to regain control, but a significant mistake by Canyon, who was spotted while attempting the dragon, shifted the momentum back to T1. Seizing the opportunity, T1 executed a successful Baron call, ultimately regaining their foothold and finishing the game decisively.
In Match 2, Gen.G retaliated expertly against their opponents. T1’s unusual draft featuring Kindred for Oner backfired early, leading to a swift conclusion within just 10 minutes. A series of dives and catches eliminated T1’s chances of a comeback, resulting in a straightforward victory for Gen.G as they closed out the game efficiently.
1-1: The score is tied.
The third match replicated the intensity of the first, but this time T1 capitalized on its advantages. They maintained aggressive pressure after winning an early skirmish around the grubs, quickly amassing a gold lead of nearly 6,000 by midgame. Although Gen.G managed to stabilize their defenses, T1 forced a team fight near the enemy’s red side, widening the gap and securing two match points.
The following match began similarly, with T1, particularly Keria’s Pyke, setting a rapid pace. Gen.G found themselves struggling as T1 extended their gold lead to 4,000 by the 15-minute mark. In a desperate attempt to regain control, Gen.G made a critical dive on Faker, leading to their losses of two players and the Baron. However, displaying resilience, they managed to turn the tide by defending against T1’s Baron powerplay and winning a crucial team fight at the dragon, reclaiming control. Despite this comeback, a critical loss in the midlane ultimately sealed their fate.
T1 triumphed with a 3-1 victory, earning a spot in the Worlds 2024 final! The defending champions will face LPL’s top seed, BLG, at London’s O2 Arena.
A Historic Victory for T1
While the highly anticipated Bo5 didn’t fully meet expectations, T1’s win remains historically significant.
This victory marks the end of T1’s ten-match losing streak against Gen.G, a series that had seen Gen.G dominate their rivalry since MSI 2023.
Over recent seasons, Gen.G had outperformed T1 in various formats: two Bo3s during the Summer Split of 2023, two Bo5s in the playoffs, and a Bo1 at Worlds. T1’s 2024 journey included two Bo3 losses earlier in the Spring Split, followed by a final defeat in a thrilling Bo5 in the LCK. This latest victory breaks the chain of setbacks for Faker and his team.
Additionally, this semi-final has set a new record in viewership.
While last year’s final viewership record still stands, the 2023 semi-final previously attracted 4,308,901 viewers (excluding Chinese audience numbers). This year’s semi-final, however, shattered expectations with an astonishing 4,977,721 viewers!
This win also marks a remarkable chapter in the history of competitive League of Legends, as the current T1 roster prepares for its third consecutive final next Saturday. This achievement parallels the SKT T1 team from 2015 to 2017 but is noteworthy for maintaining the same lineup throughout the season—a rarity in professional esports. The enduring performance of this team sets a standard that may remain unmatched in the future.
No matter what unfolds next weekend, this roster has solidified its legacy in League of Legends history!
In a parallel storyline, Weibo and BLG found themselves in the semi-finals of the LoL Worlds 2024, but this time with a contrasting result, with the top seed securing a decisive win en route to the final.