The developments in the final rounds of the LCK Summer 2024 group stage are becoming increasingly unpredictable as, apart from the three teams that have qualified for the playoffs (Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, Dplus KIA), the others are still striving for self-determination. However, KT Rolster – from being a team at risk of “falling out of the top” – surprisingly achieved a stunning victory over the reigning LCK champion, Gen.G. This victory helped KT regain some control over their path to the next round, and moreover, “shut down” the long unbeaten streak of the MSI 2024 champions.
However, KT’s victory not only solidified their chances of advancing to the playoffs but also benefited another team. Specifically, KT’s “shut down” of Gen.G’s unbeaten streak in the LCK Summer 2024 group stage allowed T1 to maintain their record of “unbeaten in a domestic season in the LCK” set back in Spring 2022. At that time, T1 was crowned champion of the largest League of Legends tournament in Korea without losing a single match. Although they did not have as long an unbeaten streak as Gen.G, T1 remains the only team to achieve a perfect record in a domestic tournament in LCK history.
In reality, maintaining an unbeaten streak in a domestic tournament is no easy feat, as one has to scrim frequently against opponents, and the time between each match is quite short (about 1-2 days of rest). Opponents not only have time to study but the end of the group stage can also witness many unpredictable scenarios. Therefore, T1’s achievement remains a milestone that no team has yet surpassed, not even the current powerful Gen.G.
It can be said that KT’s victory is probably most significant for the team itself and their fans. But alongside that, T1 fans can also share in the joy that their team’s record remains intact, even though the lineup of their “arch-rival” Gen.G is arguably one of the best in the history of this team as well as the LCK.