T1 was eliminated from the 2026 LoL Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) after a 1-3 loss to G2 Esports in the second round of the bracket stage lower bracket, held at the Daejeon Convention Center in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, on the 8th. T1 was overwhelmed by G2 Esports' unconventional pick-ban strategies and gameplay, spearheaded by 'Broken Blade's' diverse joker picks. Although 'Phase' Kim Su-hwan put up a valiant effort, he could not carry the series alone.

In an interview with INVEN after the match, Acting Head Coach Lim Jae-hyeon reflected on the day's performance: "Overall, we were out of sync, and our communication was poor. G2 often secures strong picks by saving 'Broken Blade' for the fifth slot. We tried to secure strong picks in the first slot and build a composition for the top lane that could maintain a 4-to-6 ratio. However, the Gnar-Yasuo matchup didn't go well, and we were less prepared for Kled."

Regarding the 'Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026' scheduled for next week, he added, "We need to go back, review our pick-ban phases and match footage, and address many areas that need improvement. We will prepare thoroughly to show a better performance at the EWC."

The following is the full interview with Acting Head Coach Lim Jae-hyeon.

Q. What do you think was the cause of today's loss.

Overall, there were many moments where we were out of sync. In the final set, in particular, we overextended, which caused the game to slip away. It seems our communication was generally lacking

Q. G2 frequently disrupted the lane phase by taking counter-champions as their final top-lane pick.

It is true that G2 likes to pick late. 'Broken Blade' often gets strong picks by being the fifth selection. When we had the first pick, we tried to secure strong options and build a composition where the top lane could at least hold a 4-to-6 disadvantage.

Q. In some games, the top lane balance collapsed even further than the expected 4-to-6.

In the first set, Renekton managed to recover on his own, but in the Yorick-Cho'Gath matchup, a mistake during a Voidgrub check caused things to collapse rapidly. I believe the Gnar-Yasuo matchup in the third set didn't go as planned.

Q. I'm curious about your thoughts on the joker picks 'Broken Blade' brought out. It seemed like you struggled to deal with them during the laning and operational phases.

Yasuo is a pick 'Broken Blade' often uses against Gnar, so we expected it to some extent. I think we were just less prepared for Kled

Q. Among the losses in sets 1, 2, and 4, which one was the most regrettable.

The fourth set was the most regrettable. There were moments where we could have secured the win but missed the chance, and when we reached a point where we could have made a comeback, I felt our momentum was suppressed. I think our inability to push forward when we needed to led to the defeat.

Q. On the other hand, this series also highlighted 'Phase's' potential.

'Phase' is a player who performs well on anything without being picky. That's why we focused on non-ADC champions in sets 1 and 2, and played standard ADCs in sets 3 and 4. He is a talented, smart, and skilled player.

Q. You've played many matches in a short period since the Play-In stage. Did this affect your performance.

Since preparing for the Play-In stage, the matches were packed so tightly that we had no time to breathe. If we had won against BLG after reaching the bracket stage, we would have had an easier path in terms of scheduling, so that loss to BLG is particularly painful

Q. The EWC 2026 is scheduled for next week. It seems urgent to stabilize the players' mental state and recover your form.

We will go back, review our pick-ban phases and match footage, and work on fixing many areas. We will focus on those aspects to prepare well for the EWC.

Q. Any final words.

We didn't expect to be eliminated this early by our own standards. I am only sorry. We will prepare well and strive to show a better performance at the EWC.