The 2025 EWC LoL tournament features defending champions T1 against undefeated Gen.G. Analysis covers five key factors determining T1's championship prospects in the semifinals.
As of July 19, 2025, the Esports World Cup in Riyadh is reaching its climax. In the League of Legends division, defending champions T1 face off against the seemingly unstoppable Gen.G, who have maintained an undefeated streak throughout the year. With four teams advancing to the semifinals, can T1 reclaim their throne? Let's analyze five critical factors that will determine their championship prospects.
1. Defending Champions' Experience vs This Year's Struggles
T1 enters as both the 2024 EWC champions and Worlds 2024 winners, but their 2025 performance has been less dominant. They finished as runners-up at MSI 2025 and struggled to maintain their previous LCK dominance. However, T1's greatest weapon remains their ability to peak at crucial moments. Led by Faker, this team has consistently demonstrated the capacity to overcome mid-season struggles and deliver when it matters most, as evidenced by their perfect Worlds 2024 run.
The pressure of defending their title could work both ways. While the weight of expectations might burden some teams, T1's experience in high-stakes situations often transforms pressure into motivation. Their track record suggests they thrive under such circumstances.
2. Gen.G's Unstoppable 23-Game Winning Streak
Gen.G has been virtually untouchable in 2025, posting an incredible 23-game winning streak that includes their MSI 2025 victory over T1. This dominance establishes them as the clear tournament favorites, with their roster showing exceptional coordination and individual skill across all positions.
However, such an impressive streak can become a psychological burden. The mounting pressure to maintain perfection and the inevitable fear of when the streak will end could potentially affect their performance in crucial moments. Against experienced teams like T1, these mental factors might prove decisive in determining the outcome.
3. New Patch and Fearless Draft Variables
The tournament presents unique challenges with a new patch being implemented on July 16, the very day the competition began. This creates an even playing field where adaptation speed becomes crucial. More intriguingly, the Fearless Draft system prohibits teams from using the same champion multiple times within a series.
This format demands exceptional strategic depth and champion pool diversity. While T1's versatility could provide advantages, it also risks losing access to their signature picks. Teams must balance between comfort picks and strategic diversity, making draft phases even more critical to success.
4. Individual Player Form and Roster Management
T1's current lineup features Doran (top), Oner (jungle), Faker (mid), Gumayusi (ADC), and Keria (support). Faker's condition and leadership remain the cornerstone of team performance, with his presence often determining the squad's overall mental state and strategic direction.
Interestingly, T1 recently showcased their depth by fielding rookie ADC Smash during LCK Cup matches with impressive results. While this demonstrates their tactical flexibility, the high-stakes EWC environment likely favors their experienced core roster. The team's ability to maintain peak individual performance while executing complex team strategies will be crucial.
5. Semifinal Matchups and Psychological Advantages
The current semifinal bracket sees T1 facing AG.AL while Gen.G takes on G2 Esports. From T1's perspective, this represents a relatively favorable draw. Although AG.AL is undeniably strong, T1's previous 3-0 victory over them at MSI provides significant psychological leverage.
Should T1 advance to the finals, a rematch with Gen.G becomes highly probable. Despite losing twice to Gen.G this year, T1's Worlds 2024 semifinal victory over their rivals demonstrates their capacity for crucial victories when elimination is on the line.
Current Situation and Future Outlook
With semifinals underway on July 19 and finals scheduled for July 20, the tournament maintains its unpredictable nature. T1's championship prospects remain strong despite their recent setbacks against Gen.G. Their experience on big stages, adaptability under pressure, and Faker's unparalleled presence continue to serve as formidable weapons.
The single-elimination format amplifies the importance of each individual game, a scenario where T1's clutch performance ability has been repeatedly proven. However, Gen.G's overwhelming 2025 dominance cannot be dismissed, making this an genuinely unpredictable and exciting showdown.
The bracket's development suggests either an all-Korean final or a classic Korea vs China confrontation, reminiscent of MSI 2025. The critical question remains whether Gen.G can maintain their dominance through year's end or if T1 will defend their EWC title while breaking Gen.G's winning streak.
Conclusion: An Unpredictable Thriller Awaits
Ultimately, this EWC represents a collision between T1's experience and resilience against Gen.G's current peak form, with dark horses AG.AL and G2 Esports adding unpredictability to the mix. T1's championship potential certainly exists, but the path forward will be anything but easy.
Whether Faker and T1 can script another legendary comeback or Gen.G will complete their perfect season remains to be determined through the remaining matches. The heated atmosphere in Riyadh promises to deliver what could become one of esports history's most memorable battles, with the still-evolving legend of T1 and Faker at its center.
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