T1 defeated TLAW in the third set of their MSI 2026 Play-In Stage opening round, clinching the series 3-0 and securing their spot in the winners' bracket.

With T1 one step away from the winners' bracket and TLAW pushed to the brink, the third set began. T1 seized control early. A psychological battle between the junglers at the start of the game quickly escalated into a 2v2 skirmish involving the mid laners. With both TLAW's mid and jungle falling, T1 built a 1k-gold lead in less than two minutes. While both teams continued to trade blows, there were no decisive moments other than a 1-for-1 exchange in the bottom lane.

At 12 minutes, T1 secured their second Dragon, steadily accumulating advantages. 'CoreJJ' on Neeko and 'Josedeodo' on Nocturne both used their ultimate skills to attempt a turnaround, but to no avail. Regardless of the lack of results, both teams remained locked in a fierce struggle. T1 maintained a slight edge, but the game continued in a stalemate where neither side could secure a significant breakthrough.

The situation shifted around the 18-minute mark. In a teamfight for the third Dragon, T1 secured the objective to reach three stacks, but they suffered a crushing defeat in the ensuing fight, erasing the gold lead and bringing the game back to even. At 22 minutes, the game took a strange turn. As the fourth Dragon appeared, the teams engaged in a prolonged psychological battle and a series of respawn-fueled skirmishes. In the process, T1 traded kills but secured an additional Cloud Dragon stack, gaining a late-game advantage. On top of that, 'Phase' Kim Su-hwan's Zeri racked up multi-kills during the fights, ramping up her carry potential.

At 28 minutes, T1 baited TLAW with a Baron attempt. Leveraging Zeri's overwhelming firepower, T1 crushed TLAW, wiped them out, and marched straight into their base. TLAW attempted a desperate defense upon respawning, but they were overwhelmed by T1's firepower at the fountain. T1 took the third set, sealing their victory and advancing to the winners' bracket.