TL;DR
- SKT executed a perfectly timed backdoor using split push pressure against RNG’s bottom lane focus
- Faker’s unconventional AP Twisted Fate build created unexpected lane pressure and map control
- The coordinated teleport play involving Khan and Teddy sealed the victory in seconds
- RNG’s inability to respond to multi-lane threats highlighted strategic vulnerabilities
- SKT’s undefeated Group C run established them as serious championship contenders
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok orchestrated one of the most memorable victories in League of Legends World Championship history, leading SK Telecom T1 to an astonishing backdoor triumph against Royal Never Give Up. This strategic masterpiece not only maintained SKT’s perfect record at the 2019 Worlds but also demonstrated championship-level game sense that would define their tournament run.
Returning to international competition with dominant LCK form, SKT immediately established themselves as tournament favorites through aggressive drafting and innovative playstyles. Their group stage performances showcased a team operating at peak strategic coordination, consistently outmaneuvering opponents through superior map awareness and objective control.
SKT plays the side lanes against RNG at LoL Worlds 2019
Royal Never Give Up executed their signature strategy of funneling resources through bottom lane superstar Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao, making him the primary carry threat in teamfight scenarios. This approach leveraged Uzi’s exceptional mechanical skill but created predictable patterns that SKT could exploit through map-wide pressure.
Meanwhile, SKT employed a more balanced tactical approach with Faker delivering an exceptional performance on Twisted Fate. His decision to utilize an AP-focused build path provided unexpected burst damage potential that diverged from conventional itemization choices for the champion.
Both squads maintained nearly identical gold totals and neutral objective control throughout the mid-game, creating a tense standoff where strategic execution would determine the outcome. As the match progressed, RNG adopted grouped pushing formations while SKT implemented defensive base protection with Faker or Kim “Khan” Dong-ha applying split push pressure across multiple lanes.
This calculated distribution of threats forced RNG into difficult decisions about resource allocation and map positioning. The strategic tension escalated as both teams recognized that a single misstep could decide the game.
Entering the late-game phase with complete item builds, both organizations proceeded cautiously, understanding the stakes. RNG committed to a bottom lane push attempt to force engagement or draw defensive reactions from their opponents.
During this critical window, Faker systematically advanced through the top lane, demolishing the inhibitor within seconds and immediately threatening the nexus towers. RNG found themselves unable to recall in time to protect their base structure. Khan and Park “Teddy” Jin-seong activated their teleport spells to reinforce Faker, creating a three-pronged assault that rapidly destroyed the nexus.
SKT secured sole possession of first place in Group C, validating their pre-tournament status as championship contenders while demonstrating a strategic level beyond their competition. This victory exemplified how superior map awareness and split-second decision-making can overcome numerical advantages in professional League of Legends.
The team returns to competitive action on October 15th facing Clutch Gaming, carrying momentum from this strategically significant triumph. For players looking to improve their own game sense, our Class Guide provides fundamental principles that translate across competitive gaming titles.
Action Checklist
- Identify opponent’s primary resource funnel strategy and predictable patterns
- Establish lane pressure across multiple fronts to create decision paralysis
- Coordinate teleport timings with split push advances for maximum pressure
- Execute backdoor plays during opponent’s committed objective attempts
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Faker backdoors SKT to victory over RNG at LoL Worlds 2019 Mastering side lane strategies and backdoor tactics from SKT's legendary Worlds victory over RNG