LoL Worlds 2025: T1 Beats KT Rolster in 3–2 Thriller to Claim Sixth Global Title
- Sagar Mankar
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 minutes ago
T1 has made history once again, defeating long-time rival KT Rolster 3–2 to win the 2025 League of Legends World Championship Grand Final in Chengdu, China.
The intense “Telecom War” lived up to every bit of its hype, with both teams pushing the best-of-five series to the edge before T1 claimed their record-breaking sixth Worlds title and an unprecedented three-peat, winning three consecutive World Championships (2023, 2024, and now 2025).
This victory marks another monumental chapter for Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, who led T1 alongside Doran, Oner, Gumayusi, and Keria through a rollercoaster series filled with clutch plays and high-stakes moments.
A Rivalry That Defined the Stage
T1 and KT Rolster have been rivals for over a decade, both backed by major South Korean telecom companies (SK Telecom and KT Corporation). Their rivalry, famously known as the Telecom War, has been ongoing since the early days of the LCK, and this year’s Worlds final took it to a whole new level.
KT entered Worlds 2025 with a dream run, undefeated in the Group Stage and dominant in playoffs, eliminating giants like CTBC Flying Oyster and Gen.G Esports. T1, meanwhile, had a rough start with a 3–2 group record but bounced back with crucial victories over Anyone’s Legend and Top Esports, setting up the ultimate rematch for the Summoner’s Cup.
The Final Showdown
Game one saw KT come out swinging, but T1 turned things around with decisive mid-game fights. KT bounced back in game two, powered by bdd’s standout performance, before dominating game three behind Cuzz’s unstoppable Mundo. Down 1–2, T1 responded with an incredible game-four performance; Faker’s Anivia and Oner’s critical smites ensured every major objective went their way.
By game five, the tension was sky-high. T1 drafted a bold Galio–Camille combo, and after several close fights, they closed the series 3–2.
As per reports from Esports Charts, the Grand Final smashed viewership records with over 6.7 million peak concurrent viewers, making it one of the most-watched esports events in history. Clearly, when Faker and T1 play on the Worlds stage, the whole world tunes in.
Faker and Gumayusi Shine Bright
This title pushes Faker’s record to six World Championships, more than any other professional player in League history.
And while the spotlight always seems to find him, this time, Gumayusi rightfully earned his share of the glory. The T1 ADC was crowned Worlds 2025 MVP, presented by Uzi, the Hall of Legends inductee.
In a heartfelt post-match speech, Gumayusi said, “Every year was full of challenges, but this year I finally proved myself to myself. I can say for sure — I am the best AD Carry in the world” (via ESI).
Prize Pool and Achievements
The $5 million prize pool was distributed among top performers, with T1 taking home $1 million for first place and KT Rolster earning $800,000 as runners-up. Here’ how others make it (via Liquipedia):
3rd Place: Top Esports – $400,000 USD (8%)
4th Place: Gen.G Esports – $400,000 USD (8%)
5th Place: Anyone’s Legend – $300,000 USD (6%)
6th Place: G2 Esports – $300,000 USD (6%)
7th Place: Hanwha Life Esports – $300,000 USD (6%)
8th Place: CTBC Flying Oyster – $300,000 USD (6%)
Beyond the money, though, this win means something far more significant.
Historic Three-Peat: T1 became the first team to win three consecutive Worlds titles.
Six Championships Overall: No other organization in LoL history even comes close (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024, and 2025).
Telecom War Dominance: Out of 70 matches across the rivalry, T1 has won a staggering 53.
Record Viewership: 6.7 million peak concurrent viewers, third-highest in esports history.
Korean President Lee Jae Myung congratulates T1 and KT on their impressive performances:
“Congratulations on the first-ever Worlds three-peat. Heartfelt congratulations to the T1 players and staff for achieving the first three consecutive championships at the 2025 League of Legends World Championship. It is a feat that will be remembered in esports history. You have shone the name of the Republic of Korea on the world stage and once again proved the strength of our nation as an esports powerhouse. We are truly proud. Your solid teamwork, mental fortitude beyond limits, and drive for victory moved fans not only in Korea but across the globe. We will continue to actively support the development of esports and the cultural industry so that our players can freely pursue their dreams and continue their passion. We salute T1’s great run and vigorously cheer you on as you write new history and legend. Though KT Rolster unfortunately finished as runners-up, we also send warm applause for showing a wonderful fight all the way to the fifth and final set."
Whether you’ve followed Faker since his debut or just tuned in this year, one thing’s certain: we’re witnessing a dynasty unlike anything esports has ever seen.
UPDATE: The statement of the Korean President added.