Gen.G Easily Defeats KT, But T1 Is the Name on Everyone’s Lips

Gen.G “destroys” KT but T1 is still mentioned

Just like the losers’ bracket final match between KT and Gen.G on September 27 (Vietnam time), it would seem that, similar to their encounter a few weeks ago, most would favor Gen.G. Simply put, they had just defeated the powerful T1, and the reigning MSI 2025 champions likely no longer want to “play around”. The results proved this, as Gen.G had little trouble becoming the second team to secure a spot in the LCK 2025 finals.

However, with Gen.G winning so overwhelmingly, many LCK fans recalled the team’s loss to KT in Round 2 about two weeks ago. In fact, that loss not only impacted the dynamics in the LCK but also affected the LPL.

Gen.G’s defeat pushed the T1 – HLE match into a “do or die” situation, forcing the losing team to “climb the tower” with a very difficult journey ahead. T1 convincingly lost to HLE, but clearly, if Gen.G could have secured a victory over KT, the reigning World Championship champions might not have had to start their title defense as the fourth seed.

Moreover, T1 has always been dubbed the “LPL’s slayer.” When facing T1 in the Playins, many League of Legends fans from China speculated that they might have to participate in this year’s World Championship in the group stage with only three representatives. Seeing Gen.G perform a complete 180-degree turn against KT compared to their previous match, it’s likely that many T1 fans, as well as fans from LPL and DK, are also grimacing.

But T1 Cannot Be Complacent

In the decisive match for a spot at the World Championship, IG showcased the characteristics of a team with great resilience. In fact, they continued to improve and showed no sign of being an easy opponent for T1. At the 2025 World Championship, both teams only have one chance to enter the group stage, and T1 cannot afford to be complacent, especially since they haven’t been in their best form in recent matches.