Why T1 Becomes Stronger on the League of Legends World Stage

T1 at the World Championship is a force to be reckoned with. Despite having four Worlds titles under their belt, T1 has had some questionable performances in recent regular seasons. However, as seen in their remarkable 2023 Worlds victory, this team undergoes a complete transformation when it comes to the biggest stage in League of Legends.

With a last-minute entry into this year’s World Championship, T1 has once again proven that you can never count them out. The defending champions are determined to prove themselves on the international stage as they chase a second consecutive title in 2024.

The “Worlds Buff” Phenomenon

T1 seems to have an uncanny ability to become significantly stronger when playing at Worlds. Even after a shaky regular season, the South Korean team consistently rises to the occasion at LoL’s biggest event. Although they haven’t always lifted the Summoner’s Cup, they’ve built a reputation for dominating matches when it matters most. This phenomenon, often dubbed the “Worlds buff,” has become an inside joke among fans, referring to the dramatic performance boost T1 seems to experience on the Worlds stage.

The key to T1’s success lies in their ability to adapt quickly. While they may struggle with drafting or early-game decisions, they excel at coordinating teamfights and making rapid, game-changing calls. Each player on the team is among the best in their respective roles, and their ability to read the meta and make adjustments has been crucial to their success.

Staying together as a roster since 2022, led by mid-lane legend Faker, has also played a role in T1’s success. Their teamwork and communication have only improved, and while the meta shifts at Worlds may favor some of their signature champions, T1’s core skills and adaptability are what truly set them apart.

Clutch Performances When It Matters Most

Ever since the team rebranded from SK Telecom T1 to simply T1 in 2019, they’ve faced challenges with roster changes and inconsistent form. But in 2022, T1 found stability with their current lineup—Zeus, Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, and Keria—earning top finishes in both local and international tournaments. Though they lost to DRX in the 2022 Worlds final, they rebounded by delivering an unceremonious yet thrilling run at Worlds 2023.

After placing 3rd in the Mid-Season Invitational and finishing 5th in the LCK Summer Split, T1 came into Worlds 2023 as underdogs. However, they defied expectations, losing only once in the Swiss Bo1 stage and once more in a Bo5 series against JDG Gaming in the semifinals. In a shocking upset, they blocked JDG’s bid for a perfect “Golden Road” and went on to sweep Weibo Gaming in the final, securing a 3-0 victory.

This unexpected victory solidified the idea of a “T1 Worlds buff” among fans, with many believing that the worse T1 performs in the regular season, the higher they peak at Worlds. Alongside the buff, the term “T1 Clutch” has been coined to describe their ability to turn games around in critical moments, whether in the late stages of a match or at the final tournament of the year.

T1’s Journey to Worlds 2024

T1’s entry into Worlds 2024 was dramatic. As LCK’s 4th seed, they barely made it to the championship, winning a do-or-die match against KT Rolster in the Regional Finals. Many fans were worried about their form heading into the Swiss Stage, fearing that a few bad matchups could spell disaster. Others, however, held out hope that the Worlds buff would once again come into play.

After a surprising loss to Top Esports in their opening match, T1 bounced back with victories over paiN Gaming from CBLOL and LPL’s top seed, Bilibili Gaming, giving them a 2-1 record. Now, they are just one win away from advancing to the Knockout Stage.

Their next challenge on October 11 will be a tough one: a showdown with G2 Esports, one of the top teams from the LEC. This matchup is familiar territory for both teams, having faced each other many times before. If T1 isn’t at their peak, they risk being eliminated by G2. If they lose, they’ll have to fight tooth-and-nail in a final match to secure their spot in the Knockouts.

Legends Living Up to the Myth

Since forming their current roster in 2022, T1 has never failed to reach the quarterfinals at Worlds. Their triumph at Worlds 2023, where they won Faker’s fourth title despite being underdogs, added even more credence to the Worlds buff theory.

As they navigate Worlds 2024, T1 must continue to live up to this reputation. With two impressive wins already under their belt in the Swiss Stage, one more victory would send them to the Knockouts. Fans are hopeful that T1—who seems most comfortable on the grandest stage in LoL—can defend their title and prove that the Worlds buff is real.

Will T1 once again rise to the occasion and show the world why they’re the most decorated team in League of Legends esports, or will their run come to an unexpected end?