T1’s Oner believes he can achieve anything if they win MSI 2025 and describes the CFO as a high-ceiling team with a lot of potential.
T1 and CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) faced off for the first time at MSI 2025 in a fiercely contested best-of-five (Bo5) series. Contrary to expectations of an easy win, T1 narrowly secured the victory with a 3-2 score. CFO demonstrated they are ready to challenge the biggest teams in the world at this tournament.
Esports.gg had the opportunity to speak with T1’s Oner about this opening match, his first international Zed jungle pick, Canadian food, their opponents, and upcoming games.
The first international Zed jungle and the ongoing challenge of adapting to the demands of the global stage
Esports.gg: Coming into this series as clear favorites, what were your expectations heading into the matches? Were you ready for such disputed matches?
T1 Oner: We actually went into this match with the mindset that we would win, and it ended up being a very close and intense match, but I think we also needed a chance to adapt to our environment. That also overlaps with the fact that our opponents had really good players, who are also very skilled, so I think that's all that let us go up to match five. In the end, I'm just happy that we were able to win, and I think it is really important to understand that not everyone is good from the start. Us taking our time to get adjusted to the stage is a very important part.
How do you describe your games against JunJia?
Oner: I do believe he is a very good player, although we haven't played each other that many times. Given the lack of data, I think that out of today, the outcomes just tell us how good they are as a team and how good the players are.
You picked Zed in game three, a bold move since it was your first time playing him internationally. What led to that decision, and what was the goal behind it strategically?
Oner: The Zed pick was actually something that we had prepared for ever since the LCK Regular season, so as you go into a best-of-five and reach games four and five, there are a lot of limitations regardless of jungler options. So, we have been preparing this for a very long time, and I wanted to achieve a victory with that pick. That was my main goal, but unfortunately, it was a loss. I believe that I need to do even better next time I play him.
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T1 Oner: "I hope that we [Oner and BLG Beichuan] have a fun match together."
Looking at the two losses, what do you feel were the key issues or mistakes?
Oner: I think that all started from the draft and not being able to execute some things we wished in-game. That is a part of the loss. Just like I have mentioned earlier, adapting to the stage was a big part of it, especially because the enemy team has a high ceiling, they have very good potential, and they are a strong team as well, so I think that was what led us to not being able to show up as we should.
Your next match is against BLG, and Beichuan is making his international debut. Based on what you’ve seen so far, what are your thoughts on his performance, and how do you view BLG’s showing at MSI up to this point?
Oner: So, this would be the first time that I'm facing Beichuan. It's fair to say that I don't have a good understanding of playing against him yet. However, I hope that we have a fun match together. Instead of showing some expectations, I just really want to make sure that we get a win out of this one.
What team do you think will be the biggest threat at this MSI?
Oner: I am most cautious of the two LPL teams, as well as LCK Gen.G. But, as you have seen from what happened today, the CFO and other teams are doing really well. For them to be able to go this far at this MSI, I think it is fair to say that it is good to consider them all threats, all the teams.
Canadian food and promises for an MSI victory
Some T1 fans I talked to were wondering if you've gotten to try any Canadian food while you’ve been here?
Oner: I can't say from my other teammates, but since I needed time to adjust to the jet lag, I actually haven't been able to step outside of the hotel. Honestly, I’ve mostly just had room service, so I can’t really say I’ve tried any Canadian food yet. From my room service, I ate steak.
As far as I know, the T1 VALORANT team promised to go swimming if they won Stage 2. Did your team make any similar promises or set any fun goals in case you win MSI?
Oner: I actually didn't make any promises about winning the MSI this time. I have never mentioned it, but if we win the title, I feel like I can do anything, I can achieve pretty much anything. So, my first goal would be to win!
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