Image: Riot Games
If it were up to Oner, he'd rather not face Gen.G or FlyQuest on their way to the finals.
T1 edge ever closer to potentially their fifth League of Legends World Championship title, their journey to the semifinals at Worlds 2024 has been anything but straightforward.
After a turbulent LCK Summer Split where the team nearly missed out on the tournament entirely, few would have predicted the level of form they are now demonstrating on the global stage.
Yet here they are, showcasing their strength by qualifying for the Knockout Stage with a 3-1 record and securing a semifinal spot after sweeping Top Esports 3-0 in the quarterfinals. Now, only two more matchups stand between them and the ultimate glory
In a post-match press interview following the quarterfinals, T1's jungler, Mun "Oner" Hyeon-jun, opened up about the team's turnaround, their performance at Worlds 2024, and the hurdles that still lie ahead.
Overcoming the Summer Split struggles
The contrast between T1's difficult LCK Summer Split and their current resurgence at Worlds is stark. "We gave it our all during the summer split. But there were many tough moments," said Oner.
“However, there were a lot of bad things that happened during the summer split, he admitted. ”Everything was overlapping, so I don't think our performance was that good."
Though they secured third place in the LCK, the team’s qualification for Worlds ultimately hinged on a nail-biting 3-2 victory over KT Rolster.
However, at Worlds, it’s been a different story. Oner attributes their turnaround to a clearer focus on the game. "At Worlds, we were able to focus solely on the game," he explained. "That’s how we improved. We seem to perform well every time we compete here."
With the team now performing up to their potential on the international stage, Oner believes this renewed form is due to a combination of factors. "We tend to perform a bit better each time we reach Worlds," he said. "I think that had a positive impact on our results."
Xin Zhao and the current meta
With the current meta favouring aggression and dive-heavy compositions, and veering away from AD-carry heavy compositions, T1’s members found themselves in comfortable picks.
Game 2 also featured a throwback champion for Oner—Xin Zhao, one of his favourite champs who had been somewhat sidelined in recent metas. "I got to play Xin Zhao after such a long time, finally," he said with a smile.
"So I’m pretty happy that the current meta allows me to play Xin Zhao again. That was definitely my favourite comp."
Other notable picks throughout the series featured Keria’s signature Bard, and another throwback champion: Pyke, who’s been picked for the first time at Worlds this year.
Despite this, T1 played in a more cautious, disciplined way this time around, making sure they covered all the bases before making crucial playmaking decisions.
The last few hurdles: Gen.G, FlyQuest and the semifinals
Looking ahead, the prospect of facing Gen.G looms large for T1 in the semifinals. Gen.G, who have dominated the LCK this year, are a team that T1 have had difficulties against recently.
When asked about the potential semifinal matchup, Oner was clear. "I don’t want to face them, but if we do, it’ll be a familiar match-up," he said. "This is an opportunity for us to get revenge for our recent losses."
While the chance for redemption is clear, Oner’s mindset is focused more on how the team approaches the series rather than the outcome. “Whether we win or lose, our goal is to play without regrets,” he said. “I really, really want to take down Gen.G, especially if we face them.”
When asked if he had a preference between facing Gen.G or FlyQuest in the semifinals, Oner responded with a candid answer.
“Honestly, I just wish no one made it to the semifinals and we automatically won,” he joked. “But since that’s impossible, I’ll say that I don’t really want to face either team.”
Despite his reluctance, he acknowledged that Gen.G was the more likely opponent, adding, “But it’s likely that Gen.G will advance, so we’ll prepare the best we can for them.”
Oner understands that the journey to the finals won’t be easy. T1 are not just aiming to win; they want to prove they can overcome the challenges that have plagued them this year.
T1 have lost to Gen.G multiple times recently, and Oner acknowledged this. “We lost to Gen.G a lot recently…people already know that,” he said. “If Gen.G is our opponent at the semifinals, [many] will expect us to lose to them one more time,” Oner continued.
“But I think, just my personal thought, we will play our hearts out to beat them this time around.”
Oner asks for love and support from fans
T1’s fans have been a major source of motivation, and Oner expressed his gratitude for their support. “We know our fans support us a lot,” Oner said.
“We’ll do our best to put on a great match.” He also acknowledged the significance of the upcoming semifinal, not just for T1 but for their fanbase.
“So please, if you guys can send us even ‘bigger love’ and even stronger energy on that day, we will be able to play even better thanks to your support.”
As T1 prepare to face either Gen.G or FlyQuest, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But not knowing what lies ahead, Oner is clear about what he wants. "In the end, we just want to give our fans a match to remember.”
With Gen.G likely awaiting them in the next round, Oner’s focus remains on playing with no regrets, aiming to turn the page on their previous defeats.
While the challenge ahead is formidable, his resolve and the unwavering support of T1’s fans fuel his desire to put on a show that no one will forget.
