The Esports World Cup 2024 kicked off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with an explosive debut as T1, the renowned South Korean esports organization, clinched the inaugural League of Legends title in a thrilling showdown against TOP Esports (TES). The finals concluded with T1 emerging victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, marking a significant milestone in the tournament's history.
Led by the legendary Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, often hailed as one of the greatest esports athletes of all time, T1's journey to glory was nothing short of spectacular. With their victory, T1 not only secured the coveted EWC trophy but also a handsome prize of $400,000, further solidifying their legacy in the esports realm.
The EWC 2024 witnessed intense competition from some of the world's top League of Legends teams. Gen.G, fresh off their historic Mid-Season Invitational triumph, entered as favorites but faced an unexpected setback in the hands of TES from China. TES's dominant performance saw them sweeping both Gen.G and Europe's G2 Esports in convincing 2-0 victories, establishing themselves as formidable contenders early in the tournament.
Meanwhile, T1 navigated a challenging path to the finals, encountering stiff opposition from teams like Billibi Gaming from China and North America's Team Liquid. Despite dropping games in close encounters, T1 showcased resilience and adaptability, ultimately securing their spot in the grand finale against TES.
The finals saw T1 facing TES in a high-stakes battle. TES started strong by claiming the first game with a standout performance from Lin "Creme" Jian on Tristana, showcasing his prowess in the mid-lane. However, T1, known for their strategic depth and individual skill, swiftly countered in the second game with Faker's iconic Ahri pick, turning the tide in their favor and leveling the series.
In subsequent games, T1 demonstrated their mastery with standout performances across the board. Mun "Oner" Hyeon-jun's stellar play on Nidalee and Sejuani in Games 3 and 4 respectively played a pivotal role in T1's victory. Their cohesive teamwork and decisive gameplay allowed them to secure crucial objectives and outmaneuver TES, culminating in a decisive 3-1 triumph.
Unsurprisingly, Faker was awarded the MVP title for his exceptional contributions throughout the tournament. His strategic acumen and mechanical prowess were instrumental in T1's success, reaffirming his status as a dominant force in professional League of Legends.
Additionally, Lee "Gumayusi" Min-hyeong, T1's ADC, received praise for his versatile gameplay, showcasing proficiency across 10 different champions throughout the tournament. His consistent performance under pressure highlighted T1's depth and adaptability in competitive play.
As the first-ever League of Legends champions of the Esports World Cup, T1's victory underscores their enduring legacy and dominance in global esports. Their journey at EWC 2024 showcased not only skill and strategy but also resilience in overcoming formidable opponents. With this triumph, T1 sets a high standard for future esports tournaments, reaffirming their place at the pinnacle of competitive gaming.
As the esports community reflects on this historic event, the legacy of T1 and Faker's impact on the game continue to inspire fans and aspiring players worldwide. With discussions of expanding champion diversity in future tournaments, T1's performance serves as a testament to the evolution and excitement of esports on the international stage.