T1 Faces a Major Challenge Right from the Start of MSI 2026
After securing their spot at MSI 2026 by defeating Gen.G, T1 is still expected to face a difficult journey. Because they arrive as the second seed, they must begin from the Playin stage. However, with this year’s format changes, T1’s path will be quite tough if they get past Playin. Their first opponent in the Main Event will almost certainly be BLG.
According to the new format, teams at MSI 2026 are divided into groups. Group 1 includes BLG and G2 – each a top seed from their region and with strong performances at First Stand. Group 2 consists of HLE and LYON – top seeds from the major regions LCK and LCS. Group 3 includes TSW and FUR – top seeds from regions ranked below the four Majors. Lastly, the Playin teams and TES, the LPL’s second seed, make up the final group.
If T1 makes it through Playin, they will almost certainly meet BLG due to the group 1 vs. group 4 and group 2 vs. group 3 matchups, plus the rule that teams from the same region cannot face each other. The only other possible scenario is BLG vs. T1 and TES vs. G2.
Clearly, BLG is one of the toughest opponents T1 will face at MSI this season. Moreover, this is MSI, not Worlds. Historically, SKT T1/T1 have often lost to LPL teams at the world’s second biggest international event. Faker and his teammates have even lost the MSI title twice to LPL representatives.
But This is a Challenge T1 Cannot Avoid
To become champions, every team must face truly strong opponents, and T1 is no exception. In fact, meeting BLG early could be an advantage. If T1 can overcome the LPL representatives, they will gain a significant edge on their way to the championship.