Worlds 2025 Grand Final: T1 vs KT Rolster – Reigniting the Telecom War
Imagine the electric buzz of a packed arena, where two Korean powerhouses collide in a battle that could rewrite esports history. On November 9, 2025, T1 had faces KT Rolster in the League of Legends Worlds Grand Final at Chengdu’s Dong’an Lake Sports Park. This matchup isn’t just about the Summoner’s Cup—it’s the revival of the legendary Telecom War, a rivalry steeped in decades of competition.
The Roots of the Telecom War
The Telecom War traces back to the early 2000s in South Korea’s StarCraft scene, where SK Telecom (now T1) and KT Corporation’s teams first locked horns. These telecom giants poured resources into esports, turning their clashes into national spectacles. When League of Legends exploded, the rivalry followed suit, starting with their inaugural LoL match on April 24, 2013—a 2-0 T1 victory that set the tone for intense battles.
Over the years, they’ve met in pivotal moments, like the 2013 LCK Summer Final where T1 staged a comeback to claim their first domestic title and Worlds crown. KT struck back in 2014, but heartbreaks followed, including early exits despite strong rosters. This Worlds final marks KT’s debut on the biggest stage, while T1 chases a third straight title.
What makes it special? It’s more than wins—it’s pride. Fans see it as a clash between telecom titans, with T1 as the established dynasty and KT as the resilient underdog always nipping at their heels.
T1’s Relentless March to the Final
T1 entered Worlds as the LCK’s fourth seed after a playoff upset, but they’ve turned doubters into believers. They navigated the Play-In stage for the first time ever, then dominated their Swiss and bracket runs, culminating in a commanding 3-0 semifinal sweep over Top Esports on November 1.
Led by the “Unkillable Demon King” Faker, T1’s squad blends veteran savvy with explosive plays. Their path highlights resilience: after a rocky LCK season with mid-split drama, they peaked at MSI, reaching the grand final before falling to Gen.G. Now, with four straight Worlds finals under their belt, they’re one win from immortality.
This isn’t just another run—it’s redemption. T1’s dominance in semis showcased flawless macro and individual brilliance, setting up what could be their most storied chapter yet.
KT Rolster’s Surprising Breakthrough
For KT Rolster, Worlds 2025 is a fairy tale. As the LCK’s third seed, they stunned everyone by ousting Gen.G 3-1 in the semifinals on November 1, ending the favorites’ unbeaten streak. Earlier, they swept CTBC Flying Oyster 3-0 in quarters, proving their upset potential.reddit+2
KT’s journey this year was chaotic: mid-season roster tweaks brought in fresh faces, turning a struggling team into contenders. Midlaner Bdd, jungler Cuzz, and the revamped bot lane gelled just in time, with key wins over top teams propelling them forward. This final is their first since entering LoL in 2012—a massive milestone for an org long defined by near-misses.
Their semis heroics? A mix of aggressive dives and smart scaling that overwhelmed Gen.G’s stars. KT arrives as underdogs, but with nothing to lose, they’re primed for magic.
Stars to Watch in the Showdown
Faker (T1 mid) remains the face of the franchise, a five-time Worlds champ whose mechanics and leadership shine brightest under pressure. Teammate Oner (jungle) has been a revelation, topping jungler stats in kills and KDA during the LCK Summer Split. On the bot side, Gumayusi’s sharpshooting and Keria’s visionary supports form a lethal duo.
KT counters with Bdd (mid), whose synergy with Cuzz echoes their 2023 chemistry that nearly toppled giants. Toplaner PerfecT silenced critics by outdueling Kiin, while ADC deokdam edged Ruler in a masterclass of positioning. Support Peter, a mid-season call-up, adds unpredictability with clever engages.
Expect fireworks: T1’s experience versus KT’s hunger could spark epic teamfights.
The Stakes and Format Ahead
This best-of-five uses the innovative Fearless Draft, banning picks across games to force adaptability—no repeats allowed. The winner claims $1 million, the LCK’s fourth straight Worlds title, and bragging rights in the Telecom saga.
For T1, it’s dynasty extension; for KT, validation after years in the shadows. Broadcast live on LoL Esports’ YouTube and Twitch, tune in at 7:00 UTC on November 9.
As the curtain rises on this all-Korean epic, one thing’s clear: the Telecom War is far from over, and Worlds 2025 might just be its defining chapter.
