I’ve been following the Pro League of Legends for years, and one thing that always catches my attention is how T1 competes against teams from China’s LPL.
Some of my best memories watching tournaments came from late nights when T1 faced squads like RNG, JDG, or BLG.
The tension, the plays, the swing of emotions, as it all feels different when Korea’s biggest team meets China’s best.
In this guide, I’ll break down T1’s background, what the LPL is all about, and their head-to-head history. I’ll walk through the wins, the losses, and the big stats that define this rivalry.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how T1 has stacked up against LPL teams over time, and why this matchup means so much.
T1 Overview: What is it?
T1 began in 2012 as SK Telecom T1 and rose to fame after Faker joined in 2013. With him at the center, they quickly became the most successful team in League of Legends history.
Their dominance has been marked by countless victories at home and abroad, cementing them as one of the greatest organizations in esports.
Highlights include:
- Five World Championships, the most of any team
- Multiple LCK titles across more than a decade
- Legends like Faker and coach kkOma are leading the way
Since rebranding to T1 in 2019, the team has continued its run at the top. They’ve played more than 600 matches with a 72% win rate, finished top three 38 times, and claimed 16 first-place trophies.
Understanding the LPL
When I discuss T1 vs LPL, it’s not just about one team, but the entire Chinese league. The LPL, or League of Legends Pro League, is China’s top competition and one of the strongest leagues in the world.
It has produced powerhouse squads like RNG, IG, EDG, JDG, Top Esports, and Bilibili Gaming.
The LPL is best known for its aggressive style. Teams fight early, push for kills, and often take risks. That makes it very different from Korea’s slower and more controlled approach.
When these two styles meet, the games are unpredictable and intense.
The league has also found success on the global stage. RNG and IG have lifted MSI and Worlds trophies, while EDG shocked the world by winning Worlds 2021.
T1 vs LPL Teams: International Showdowns
This is where the rivalry begins to take shape. Over the years, T1 has faced nearly every top LPL team on the biggest stages.
The two most recent series stand out the most. At the Esports World Cup 2024, T1 beat Top Esports 3–1 in the final.
Later that year at Worlds 2024, they defeated Bilibili Gaming 3–2 in a dramatic five-game match to claim their fifth Worlds title.
| Event | Opponent (LPL) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Esports World Cup 2024 | Top Esports | 3–1 (Final win) |
| Worlds 2024 | Bilibili Gaming | 3–2 (Worlds champions) |
Beyond these, T1 has clashed with RNG at MSI 2022, JDG at Worlds 2022, and EDG in several Worlds runs. Some ended in wins, others in losses, but nearly all were close and hard-fought.
T1 vs LPL: Aggregate Stats
Numbers don’t tell the full story, but they do show how strong T1 has been over time.
- Across more than 600 matches, T1 has held about a 72% win rate
- From mid-2024 to mid-2025, they recorded 49 wins and 30 losses in matches (about 62%)
- In terms of games, they were 120 wins to 81 losses (close to 60%)
Looking at international head-to-head against LPL:
- Wins: Top Esports (EWC 2024), Bilibili Gaming (Worlds 2024), multiple past victories over RNG, EDG, and IG
- Losses: RNG knocked them out at MSI 2022. JDG got the better of them at Worlds 2022. EDG also had series wins against them at past Worlds
What stands out is that even when T1 loses to LPL teams, the matches are rarely one-sided. The series are usually close, often going to four or five games. That’s a sign of two regions having very similar skills.
Key Players and Moments
I can’t talk about T1 without talking about Faker.
At Worlds 2024, he was once again the face of the team, pulling out clutch performances in the final against BLG. His calm play and leadership were huge in helping the younger players close out that fifth Worlds win.
Other key names like Gumayusi, Keria, and Oner also played major roles. Their synergy showed through in key fights, especially when it mattered most in late-game teamfights.
For me, one of the biggest moments was when T1 finally lifted the Worlds trophy again in 2024. It was the first time since 2016 that they went back-to-back in the World Finals and won.
It felt like watching history repeat itself, but also evolve.
Historical Evolution and Rivalries
The rivalry between T1 and LPL teams stretches back more than a decade. Whenever SKT or T1 reached the international stage, it was often Chinese teams standing in their way.
These clashes shaped the story of both regions.
| Year | Matchup | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | SKT vs Chinese teams at Worlds | SKT advanced and won their first Worlds title |
| 2017 | SKT vs RNG (Worlds) | SKT won 3–2 in a tough five-game series |
| 2018 | Invictus Gaming vs SKT (Worlds) | IG won Worlds, signaling LPL’s rise |
| 2021 | EDG vs T1 (Worlds Semifinal) | EDG won 3–2 and went on to win Worlds |
| 2022 | RNG vs T1 (MSI) | RNG won the final and took the trophy |
| 2022 | JDG vs T1 (Worlds) | JDG knocked T1 out of the tournament |
Each of these moments added fuel to the rivalry. By the time T1 beat BLG in 2024, it felt like a direct response to years of LPL dominance and a return to the top for Korea’s most storied team.
Conclusion
When I look back at all these series, it’s clear that T1 vs LPL isn’t just about a few matches. It’s a rivalry that has stretched across more than a decade.
From SKT’s early dominance to the rise of IG, RNG, and EDG, the balance of power has shifted many times. In 2024, T1’s victory over BLG felt like a return to glory and a new chapter in the story.
If you came here looking for T1’s record, their wins, losses, and stats, I hope this gave you the full picture. For more context on regional play, check out our guide on Is Gen.G in LCK or LPL? Team region, history guide.
With this, you now know the history, the numbers, and why these matchups will continue to define the game.
