Related: T1 Wins Third Straight League of Legends World Championship, Cementing Its Legacy in Esports History
SEOUL, Nov. 10 (Korea Bizwire) — When T1 hoisted the Summoner’s Cup in Chengdu on November 9, it wasn’t just another victory — it was the completion of an unprecedented League of Legends “three-peat,” a feat no team in the world had achieved before. With six world titles now to its name, T1 stands at the pinnacle of global esports, embodying South Korea’s enduring dominance in digital competition.
World champion T1 made history by becoming the first team ever to achieve a “three-peat” — three consecutive victories — at the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds). On November 9, T1 defeated KT Rolster 3–2 in the finals held at the Dong’an Lake Sports Park Arena in Chengdu, China. The photo shows T1’s Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok (right). (Photo courtesy of Riot Games)
The Birth of a Dynasty
Founded in 2012 under telecom giant SK Telecom, T1 began as an experiment in the emerging world of competitive gaming. Within a year, the team shocked the esports community by winning the 2013 World Championship. That triumph coincided with League of Legends’ rapid rise in Korea, turning T1 into a cultural touchstone that helped shape professional gaming into a mainstream national spectacle.
From there, T1 became the face of a new Korean export — not a product or pop act, but an ecosystem of training, discipline, and performance that mirrored the nation’s approach to technology and industry.
The Core of Immortality: Faker
At the center of it all is Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, often described as esports’ Michael Jordan. Since debuting in 2013, he has never left the team — a rarity in a field marked by short careers and frequent transfers. Faker’s longevity and consistency have transformed him from player to symbol: the living embodiment of focus, loyalty, and intellect in an industry still defining its heroes.
With six world titles, two Mid-Season Invitational wins, and ten LCK championships, Faker’s career is a study in sustained excellence. His decision to re-sign with T1 through 2029 ensures that his legend — and the team’s brand value — will continue to define esports for years.
The scene from the 2025 League of Legends World Championship Grand Final. (Photo courtesy of Riot Games)
Beyond the Arena: The Economics of Esports
T1’s global following extends far beyond fans of the game. Its sponsors include some of Korea’s largest conglomerates, from SK Telecom to Samsung and Nike Korea, reflecting how esports has evolved into a full-fledged business platform.
According to the Korea Creative Content Agency, the country’s esports market is projected to exceed 1.5 trillion won by 2026, driven largely by international media rights, merchandising, and global franchise partnerships. T1’s brand power alone has drawn international sponsors and crossovers with entertainment and fashion brands, cementing Korea’s position as the global hub for professional gaming culture.
Why This Matters
T1’s victory resonates beyond the esports community. It signals how Korea’s soft power — once built on K-pop and cinema — is expanding through gaming and digital innovation. The team’s ability to sustain excellence in a hyper-competitive field mirrors the broader ambitions of Korean industry: global leadership through precision, creativity, and relentless reinvention.
As the esports economy matures, T1’s model of talent cultivation, analytics-driven strategy, and cross-sector branding could become the blueprint for the next generation of teams.
In a decade, the T1 story may be remembered not just as a sports success, but as the moment when Korea’s digital culture fully arrived on the world stage.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
