TL;DR
- T1 holds the record as the only three-time League of Legends World Champion
- The organization established unprecedented success standards that continue to define LCK expectations
- 2021 marked a strategic shift toward developing rookie talent with mixed early results
- English-speaking fans can watch LCK matches through official Twitch channels
- Faker became one of only two active players to receive partial team ownership
Originally competing as SK Telecom T1, this South Korean esports organization stands as the most celebrated team in competitive League of Legends history. Their unparalleled achievements include being the sole organization to capture three World Championship titles. The team serves as the professional home for Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, widely regarded as the most iconic figure in League of Legends esports, known by his legendary moniker ‘the unkillable demon king.’
Since securing their third Worlds victory in 2016, T1 has experienced significant performance fluctuations. Each competitive season brings renewed speculation about whether the organization can reclaim its former dominance, with the 2021 season continuing this pattern of heightened expectations.
The Unmatched T1 Legacy
T1 established the definitive benchmark for competitive success in professional League of Legends. Through their achievements, they created performance expectations that remain unmatched by any organization, including their own subsequent rosters.
The 2016 competitive year represented T1’s peak performance period. The squad captured the LCK spring split championship, triumphed at the Mid-Season Invitational, and claimed the World Championship title. Their only missing trophy that season was the LCK summer split, which was claimed by the formidable ROX Tigers. While 2016 wasn’t their first dominant season, it remains the most memorable for the global fanbase.
During this era, LCK teams were universally considered the world’s elite competitors, with international tournament victories representing the minimum acceptable standard. This winning mentality, pioneered by T1 and strengthened by Samsung Galaxy’s multiple championship runs, created an environment where any season without a title was viewed as organizational failure.
For T1, victory represents the only acceptable outcome—a performance standard no other global organization must consistently meet. North American squads face limited expectations, often predicted to struggle in group stages. European teams frequently secure respectable second-place finishes. Chinese organizations from the LPL region demonstrate championship capability, though not all observers acknowledge them as the premier competitive region. Only LCK representatives face demands for flawless execution, with community criticism emerging whenever performances fall short of perfection.
The 2018 season presented continuous obstacles for T1. The team’s performance gradually deteriorated, dropping from fourth position in spring to seventh place by summer’s conclusion. Following their most challenging competitive year, the organization retained Faker while recruiting new talent across remaining positions. The situation improved significantly for T1, culminating in a Worlds semifinal appearance during the 2019 season.
T1 secured their ninth LCK championship during spring 2020, then came within one match series of qualifying for Worlds later that year. The organization again implemented strategic changes, including acquiring the world-class coaching partnership of Lee “Zefa” Jae-min and Yang “Daeny” Dae-in.
2021 Rookie-Focused Roster Strategy
The T1 lineup that appeared in the 2021 LCK Spring Split defied fan expectations. The organization fielded three substitute competitors instead of their established star players. This reconfigured roster demonstrated promise during initial matches, though the positive impressions proved short-lived. Following two competitive weeks, T1 occupies seventh position with just a single match victory.
This lineup’s primary weakness involves closing out games effectively. The team generally performs competently, maintains map control through most phases, yet single errors frequently disrupt their momentum. Supporters already demand roster adjustments, with coaching staff likely testing alternative configurations in forthcoming matches.
After the opening week, predicting T1 as a top-tier LCK contender seemed reasonable. Currently, the squad demonstrates concerning consistency issues. Does this season represent T1’s return to Worlds championship form? Current indicators suggest otherwise.
Where can I watch LCK 2021?
English-speaking enthusiasts can view LCK 2021 matches through the league’s official Twitch broadcasting channel. For comprehensive competitive insights, explore our Complete Guide to professional strategies and team dynamics.
Does Faker own T1?
During early 2020, T1 awarded Faker partial organizational ownership. Together with Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg from Team SoloMid, they represent the exclusive players granted ownership stakes while maintaining active competitive roles.
What is T1 Academy?
T1 Academy functions as the organization’s secondary competitive team. The Academy roster participates in the LCK Challengers League. The 2020 LCK CL Spring Split commences on January 18. For advanced tactical understanding, consult our Class Guide covering professional gameplay fundamentals.
Action Checklist
- Monitor LCK 2021 matches through official Twitch streams
- Analyze rookie player development throughout spring split
- Track T1’s game-closing efficiency metrics
- Compare current roster performance against championship era standards
- Review T1 Academy performances for emerging talent identification
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Can T1 return to greatness in 2021? Exploring T1's championship legacy, 2021 roster challenges, and how to watch LCK matches