In the third stage of the LCK group matches, with only five days and 10 BO3 games left, on the previous matchday, the Rising group’s DK swept BFX 2-0, achieving their 17th win of the season. A very happy ShowMaker blew a kiss directly to the camera. Recently, DK’s form has notably improved; except for some inconsistency from top laner Siwoo, the mid-jungle and bottom lane duos have been performing steadily.

If DK can maintain their current form and Siwoo improves his play, they seem strong enough to contend for a spot at Worlds. On the same day, another match featured the Legendary group’s T1 facing KT. Before the game, no one favored KT, as in recent seasons, KT has been T1’s most reliable opponent, with KT never winning against them. However, this time KT not only won but did so convincingly.

In the first game, “Old Lee” became the focal point early on. In early skirmishes, he was killed by BDD, then shortly after returning to lane, he was solo killed again. After swapping to top lane, he was caught by the support. By 11 minutes, Faker’s score was 1-3. Nevertheless, T1 won two consecutive teamfights afterward to regain the advantage. But in the decisive final teamfight, Doran was instantly eliminated without doing anything, allowing KT to secure the Dragon Soul and Baron, ending the game in one push.

The second game resembled a bot match. Early on, T1’s mid and bot lanes were pushed under their towers, and jungle-support gave some chances. The only player with an edge, Doran, called for teammates to dive the tower but was countered by the opposing top laner, resulting in a four-man collapse and conceding three kills. By 18 minutes, T1 was 0-2 across all players. With KT holding the advantage, they gave T1 no chances, taking dragons, controlling objectives, and pushing towers. At 26 minutes, KT led by 10,000 gold and, with Baron buff, pushed straight to destroy T1’s base.

BDD dominated Faker in both games, outplaying him in ganks, teamfights, and individual skill. He was awarded the series MVP. After defeating T1, KT’s record improved to 13-15. The fifth-ranked NS team, even if they win their next two games, can only reach 12 wins, unable to catch or surpass KT. Thus, KT becomes the fourth team from the Legendary group to directly qualify for the playoffs.

After T1’s loss, their record stands at 19-9, tied on match wins with second-place HLE but trailing HLE by 3 points in game score. Both teams have two games left, but HLE’s hold on second place in the regular season is certain, since T1’s upcoming opponents are GEN and HLE. Given T1’s current form, they are unlikely to beat GEN, effectively conceding one loss. Even if they defeat HLE afterward, they cannot claim second place.

HLE’s remaining opponents include T1 and NS. HLE is expected to beat NS easily, so even if they lose to T1, both teams will be tied in match wins. However, HLE leads in game score, securing second place in the regular season. That said, T1 is not completely out of contention; if they first defeat HLE and then upset GEN, two consecutive wins could push their game score ahead of HLE.

HLE probably didn’t expect T1 to lose to KT. Now, as long as HLE comfortably beats NS and GEN performs well, HLE can secure second place effortlessly. However, to guarantee second place, HLE must still defeat T1. If GEN underperforms, the race for second could remain open. With T1’s current poor form, their chances don’t look good, though Zeka’s recent performances have also been disappointing.

Conclusion:

BDD’s form this season has been remarkably impressive, making it seem like this team has a real shot at competing with DK for a Worlds spot. After T1’s loss, they have lost control of their fate. Their next two opponents are top-ranked teams, and given their current state, their chances of winning are slim, possibly leading to a three-game losing streak.

So, what do you think—can T1 beat HLE?

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