T1 exits the 2026 LoL World Championship after falling in the semifinals, bringing an end to their three-year reign.
On the 9th (KST), T1 was eliminated after losing to BLG in the semifinals of the '2026 LoL World Championship (Worlds),' held at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. Their streak of consecutive Worlds titles also came to an end, stopping short of a '3-peat'.
Making their 11th overall appearance at Worlds this year, T1 reached the semifinals once again, extending their unprecedented record of making the semifinals or better at every Worlds tournament they have attended. They advanced to the Knockout Stage after defeating LOS, CFO, and Movistar KOI in the Swiss Stage, and secured a 3-1 victory against Karmine Corp in the quarterfinals.
Standing in T1's way, however, was BLG.
Prior to meeting T1 in the semifinals, BLG had never defeated T1 at Worlds. Having lost all three of their previous meetings, they were all the more determined. In particular, 'knight', who had to watch 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok's carry performance in the 2024 Worlds Finals, repeatedly expressed his desire for revenge in various interviews.
In the end, BLG's story overcame T1's Worlds DNA. BLG's carry duo of 'knight' and 'Viper' Park Do-hyeon demonstrated undeniable carry power, while 'ON' supported 'Viper' perfectly. 'Xun' also actively looked after 'Bin', fleshing out their team's win condition.
Conversely, T1 failed to shake off the lingering sense of underlying instability that had persisted throughout the season. As their primary option bot lane duo was outplayed by the 'Viper-ON' duo throughout the series, T1 lost much of their strength. Although 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok put on a hero performance on Syndra to salvage one game, the burden of overcoming BLG was too heavy for him to carry alone.
For the first time in five years, a Worlds final will take place without T1. Gen.G, who has consistently shown top-tier performance, will clash with BLG, the team that defeated T1 at Worlds. T1's dynasty has come to an end. Which team will mark the first page of this newly beginning chapter of history?
