T1’s 2024 recaps: Fifth Worlds trophy, EWC 2024, end of ZOFGK era, and more

T1 has been honored as the Best Esports Team of 2024 by many awards programs. Their amazing performance this year earned them two big international titles: Worlds 2024 and the Esports World Championship (EWC) 2024. However, their journey to success wasn’t always smooth, as they faced some challenges along the way.

In this article, esports.gg looks back at T1’s 2024 journey. From their biggest wins to their toughest moments, here’s a recap of an unforgettable year.

T1’s 2024 journey began in the League of Legends Championship Korea (LCK) Spring Split, held from January 17 to April 14. They finished as runners-up in both the Regular Season and the Playoffs. In the Regular Season, T1 achieved a 15-3 record, second only to Gen.G Esports’ 17-1 performance.

As the second seed, T1 advanced directly to Round 2 of the Playoffs. However, they were swept 3-0 by Hanwha Life Esports and sent to the lower bracket. They bounced back with dominant wins, defeating Dplus KIA 3-0 and Hanwha Life Esports 3-1, earning a spot in the Finals. There, they faced long-time rivals Gen.G Esports in a thrilling series but fell short with a 3-2 loss.

Despite the loss, T1 earned KRW 100,000,000 (approximately USD 72,432) in prize money and secured a spot at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2024, alongside Gen.G Esports, as the top two teams from the LCK Spring Split.

The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2024 took place from May 1 to 19, featuring 12 teams from around the world. T1 was drawn into a group with Estral Esports, FlyQuest, and PSG Talon during the Play-In Stage, where they advanced to the Bracket Stage without losing a single match.

In the Bracket Stage, T1 faced G2 Esports in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals, narrowly winning 3-2. However, they were defeated 3-1 by Bilibili Gaming in the Upper Bracket Semifinals, dropping to the Lower Bracket. T1 eliminated Team Liquid 3-1 in the Lower Bracket Quarterfinals and swept G2 Esports 3-0 in the Lower Bracket Semifinals.

Unfortunately, their run ended in the Lower Bracket Final, where they once again lost to Bilibili Gaming, this time in a 3-2 series. T1’s MSI 2024 journey concluded as 2nd Runner-up, earning $30,000 in prize money.

In May 2024, LoL Esports, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, introduced the Hall of Legends. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok was honored as the inaugural inductee. An independent panel of esports experts from around the world selected Faker based on his achievements, including international appearances, championships, and his profound impact on the game.

To celebrate this milestone, Faker received a commemorative trophy, a documentary, an orchestral theme, and in-game content including three exclusive skins — Risen Legend LeBlanc, Risen Legend Ahri, and Immortalized Legend Ahri. Riot Games Korea and LCK also hosted the Faker Temple pop-up event in Seoul, featuring museum-like exhibits dedicated to his legacy. Mercedes-Benz presented him with a custom art piece and a personalized Mercedes-AMG SL 63.

The LCK Summer Split 2024 held critical importance for T1, as it determined qualification for Worlds 2024. T1 placed fourth in the Regular Season with an 11-7 record and finished third in the Playoffs.

In the Playoffs, T1 eliminated KT Rolster 3-1 in Round 1 but suffered a 3-0 loss to Hanwha Life Esports in Round 2. Sent to the Lower Bracket, they defeated Dplus KIA 3-1 before being eliminated by Hanwha Life Esports in a 3-1 Lower Bracket Final. This performance forced T1 to seek Worlds qualification through the LCK Regional Finals.

In the middle of LCK Summer 2024, T1 was participating in the first Esports World Cup (EWC) 2024 as one of the eight invited teams. The tournament format was considered fast-paced, lasting for only four days from July 4 to 7, with a Single Elimination Bracket in addition to Bo3 for the Quarterfinals to the Semifinals and Bo5 for the Grand Finals.

T1 had an MSI 2024 rematch against LPL's Bilibili Gaming during the Quarterfinals, which they successfully won by 2-1. Then, they went 2-1 against LCS's Team Liquid Honda in the Semifinals before winning the tournament after beating LPL's Top Esports 3-1 in the Grand Finals.

T1 earned the EWC 2024 title and $400,000 in prize money from the League of Legends category. Their performance, along with support from their TFT team, secured a fifth-place finish in the EWC 2024 club rankings, adding $1,250,000 to their earnings. Faker was named MVP of the tournament.

T1 still gets a chance to qualify for Worlds 2024 through LCK Regional Finals 2024, where two slots are being contested by four LCK teams: T1, Dplus KIA, KT Rolster, and FearX. This year, T1 hasn't lost to these teams during a Bo5, making the fans believe that it would be an easy win for the 2023 World Champion.

Despite concerns following a Round 1 loss to Dplus KIA, T1 narrowly secured their spot with a thrilling victory over KT Rolster in a match point series. Fans celebrated Faker’s return to the Worlds stage, though some expressed disappointment for KT’s Deft missing out.

Entering as defending champions, T1 was a crowd favorite at Worlds 2024 despite their inconsistent summer performance. In the Swiss Stage, T1 posted a 3-1 record with wins against paiN Gaming, Bilibili Gaming, and G2 Esports, advancing to the Knockout Stage.

T1's journey for their fifth Worlds trophy went smoothly during the Quarterfinals and Semifinals, recording 3-0 against Top Esports and 3-1 against Gen.G Esports. It was a huge mental boost for ZOFGK, especially after winning to Gen.G Esports, as they have been losing to Gen.G Esports for the past years.

In the Grand Finals, T1 had an MSI 2024 and EWC 2024 rematch against Bilibili Gaming in a nail-biting series that went to match point. T1 emerged victorious, securing their fifth Worlds title and their second consecutive championship. Faker was named Finals MVP for his outstanding leadership and gameplay.

T1's extraordinary achievement in 2024 was highlighted by many esports awards programs, with The Game Awards, Esports Awards, and KeSPA Esports Hall of Fame naming T1 as "Esports Team of the Year". Additionally, Faker was named "Best Esports Athlete" by Game Awards and "Esports PC Player of the Year" by Esports Awards.

T1 players are also highly honored for proudly representing South Korea internationally, with Faker, Oner, and Keria inducted into the KeSPA Esports Hall of Fame 2024 Stars. Recently, LCK Awards 2024 also honored ZOFGK with "Player of the Year" in their respective role, with Faker ultimately named "Player of the Year".

Despite their success, T1 announced significant roster changes in November 2024. Top laner Zeus departed for Hanwha Life Esports, and Roach left to fulfill his military service. Additionally, Rekkles returned to the LEC, joining Los Ratones.

To rebuild, T1 signed top laner Doran from Hanwha Life Esports and welcomed coach Mata from Gen.G Esports. The contracts of Oner, Keria, Gumayusi, and Tim were extended, solidifying the core roster.

T1’s 2025 journey will begin with the debut of the DOFGK roster at the LCK Cup 2025, where they aim to qualify for First Stand 2025, the year’s first cross-regional competition.

Stay tuned on esports.gg for updates regarding T1's journey.