T1, formerly known as SK Telecom T1 or SKT T1, is a legendary name in the world of esports. This South Korean powerhouse has dominated the League of Legends scene for years, but there’s more to this organization than meets the eye. Let’s dive into ten fascinating facts about T1 that might surprise even the most dedicated fans.
1. The Origin of the Name
Many people assume that T1 stands for “Tier 1” or is simply a cool-sounding name. However, the truth is much more interesting. The “T1” in the team’s name actually stands for “The One” or “Team 1st.” This name was chosen to reflect their ambition to be the best Starcraft team and to emphasize their commitment to putting the team first. It’s a philosophy that has clearly paid off, given their incredible success over the years.
2. From Starcraft to League of Legends
While T1 is now synonymous with League of Legends, the team’s roots actually lie in another game entirely. The organization was originally founded in 2002 as a Starcraft team by the legendary player Lim “BoxeR” Yo-hwan. It wasn’t until 2012 that SK Telecom expanded into League of Legends, creating the team that would go on to dominate the global scene.
3. A Record-Breaking Legacy
T1’s League of Legends team has achieved something truly remarkable: they’ve won the World Championship a staggering five times. This is more than any other team in history, with their victories coming in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024. This level of sustained success is unparalleled in esports and cements T1’s place as one of the greatest teams of all time.
4. The Faker Factor
No discussion of T1 would be complete without mentioning Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. Often called the “Unkillable Demon King,” Faker is widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time. He’s been with T1 since 2013 and has been instrumental in all of their World Championship victories. What’s even more impressive is that Faker became a part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports in February 2020, further solidifying his commitment to the organization.
5. More Than Just League of Legends
While T1 is best known for its League of Legends team, the organization has expanded into several other esports titles over the years. They’ve fielded teams in games like Hearthstone, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Fortnite, Dota 2, Super Smash Bros., Apex Legends, and Valorant. This diversification shows T1’s commitment to being a major player across the esports landscape.
6. A Perfect Season
In 2022, T1 achieved something unprecedented in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) league. During the Spring Split, they went undefeated in the regular season with an 18-0 record. This perfect run had never been achieved before in the LCK, widely considered the most competitive League of Legends region in the world. It’s a testament to the team’s skill, preparation, and ability to perform under pressure.
7. The Telecom Wars
One of the most exciting rivalries in esports history is the so-called “Telecom War” between T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1) and KT Rolster. These two teams, both sponsored by major South Korean telecommunications companies, have been battling it out for supremacy in both Starcraft and League of Legends for years. The rivalry has produced some of the most thrilling matches in esports history and continues to be a highlight of the LCK season.
8. A Global Partnership
In 2019, T1 underwent a significant change when SK Telecom partnered with Comcast Spectacor to create T1 Entertainment & Sports. This partnership brought together the esports expertise of SK Telecom with the sports and entertainment know-how of Comcast Spectacor, owners of the Philadelphia Flyers NHL team. This global partnership has helped T1 expand its reach and resources, setting the stage for continued success.
9. Nurturing Young Talent
T1 is known for its ability to develop young talent into world-class players. A prime example of this is Choi “Zeus” Woo-je, T1’s current top laner. Zeus joined T1’s Academy team at just 16 years old and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the best top laners in the world. He even won the finals MVP award at the 2023 World Championship, showcasing T1’s ability to scout and nurture exceptional talent.
10. Beyond the Game
T1’s influence extends beyond just competitive gaming. The organization has been at the forefront of esports content creation, with players like Faker drawing massive audiences to their streaming channels. T1 has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, using their platform to give back to the community and raise awareness for important causes.
The Secret to T1’s Success
What makes T1 such a dominant force in esports? It’s a combination of factors that have come together to create a truly exceptional organization.
First and foremost is their commitment to excellence. From the very beginning, T1 has aimed to be “The One” – the best of the best. This mindset permeates every aspect of the organization, from player recruitment and training to strategic planning and execution.
Another key factor is their ability to adapt and evolve. The esports landscape is constantly changing, with new games emerging and metas shifting within existing games. T1 has shown a remarkable ability to stay ahead of these changes, whether it’s by expanding into new titles or adapting their playstyle within League of Legends.
T1’s success is also built on a foundation of strong leadership and support staff. Behind the scenes, there’s a dedicated team of coaches, analysts, and support personnel working tirelessly to give T1’s players every possible advantage. This infrastructure allows players to focus on what they do best – winning games.
The organization’s commitment to developing young talent is another crucial element of their success. By identifying promising players early and providing them with the resources and guidance they need to improve, T1 ensures a constant pipeline of skilled players ready to step up to the main roster.
Finally, there’s the intangible factor of the T1 legacy. When players join T1, they’re not just joining a team – they’re becoming part of a storied organization with a history of success. This can be a powerful motivator, pushing players to live up to the high standards set by their predecessors.