The 2025 League of Legends World Championship is poised for an epic showdown as T1 takes on its fierce rival, KT Rolster. This highly anticipated event, set to take place in Chengdu, China, on November 9th, is a surprise matchup that has captivated fans worldwide. With T1 seeking a third consecutive Worlds trophy and KT Rolster reaching its first-ever Worlds final, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash.
The Telecom War Unveiled
T1 and KT Rolster’s rivalry, famously dubbed the ‘Telecom War’, has deep roots in their respective affiliations with major South Korean telecommunications giants. Both SK Telecom and KT Corporation have been key players in esports since its inception in South Korea. Although their rivalry now thrives in League of Legends, it originally sparked in the Starcraft scene. SK Telecom T1 and KTF MagicNs regularly clashed in top-tier events, highlighting the fierce competition between the two.
In 2014, the rivalry expanded into League of Legends, with T1 emerging as a dominant force, securing five world championships. KT Rolster, meanwhile, has achieved notable successes, including winning the LCK 2018 Summer and reaching the Worlds quarterfinals multiple times.
Tale of the Tape
Both teams have defied expectations at this year’s World Championship, surprising fans with their remarkable performances. KT Rolster stunned audiences by defeating the tournament favorites, Gen.G, in the semifinals, thanks to the exceptional play of their veteran mid laner, Gwak ‘Bdd’ Bo-sung. This marks Bdd’s first-ever Worlds finals appearance, adding to the excitement surrounding the match.
T1, despite a challenging start, showcased their resilience by advancing through the knockout stage and eliminating formidable Chinese opponents in electrifying series. With a formidable record against LPL teams, T1 aims to continue their winning streak.
As the two titans prepare to collide in the Worlds 2025 finals, the historical advantage favors KT Rolster. They recently won their last series against T1 during the LCK 2025 season. However, T1 has triumphed in four of their past five encounters. Both teams are eager to make history, with T1 striving for a historic third consecutive championship and KT aiming to secure its place as a world champion. This clash promises to be the most monumental Telecom War yet.