The reigning World Champion of League of Legends, T1, faced a rough start to their season, suffering a 2-1 defeat against Dplus KIA (DK) in their debut match of the LCK Cup 2025.
This highly anticipated showdown took place on January 16, drawing in fans eager to see T1’s new roster in action. Meanwhile, KT Rolster secured a strong win against BNK FearX, rounding out an exciting day of competition.
A New Era of League of Legends Competitions
The 2025 competitive season has officially kicked off, featuring a revamped structure with five international leagues:
- LCP
- LCK
- LPL
- LTA North and South
- LEC
Each league will battle for supremacy during Split 1, aiming for a spot in the First Stand, the year’s first international event. The LCK Cup, a brand-new tournament, began on January 15, with T1’s debut against DK being the most awaited match of the group stage.
Image via LCK.
Match Breakdown: T1 vs. DK
The spotlight was on T1’s revamped lineup, with Doran replacing Zeus in the toplane. However, DK quickly set the tone with a dominant performance in Game 1, ending the match in just 23 minutes.
In Game 2, T1 demonstrated resilience, rallying behind Faker’s leadership to even the series. But the decider belonged to Showmaker and his incredible gameplay on Ahri, sealing the 2-1 victory for DK.
Key Highlights:
- Game 1: DK’s aggressive strategy overwhelmed T1, securing a swift win.
- Game 2: T1 adapted, leveraging strong team play to force a third game.
- Game 3: Showmaker’s Ahri dominated the midlane, leading DK to victory.
The win also contributed to the Baron Group’s lead over the Elder Group, with a current score of 3-1 in the tournament standings.
Image via LCK.
What’s Next for T1?
Despite the shaky start, T1 has the chance to bounce back in their next match against DRX on Saturday, January 18. Fans can catch all the LCK Cup 2025 action live on Twitch and see if Faker and his squad can reclaim their form.
Conclusion
The LCK Cup 2025 has already delivered intense competition, showcasing the skill and strategy of the region’s top teams. While T1’s journey begins with a stumble, the season holds plenty of opportunities for redemption. Don’t miss out on the battles to come!
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