The Shocking Upsets of LoL Worlds: T1 and Gen.G Clinch Semifinal Spots with Dominant Performances

The 2025 League of Legends World Championship has been an exciting ride so far, with several upsets and surprises along the way. The quarterfinals stage of the tournament saw some thrilling matches, with two teams in particular catching our attention: T1 and Gen.G. These Korean powerhouses dominated their opponents in the quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals with impressive performances.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the quarterfinals matches that saw T1 and Gen.G emerge victorious, as well as those who didn't quite make it through. We'll also examine the strategies employed by each team and what they might bring to the table in the semifinals.

T1 Takes Down KOI with Dominant Performances

The first match of the quarterfinals saw T1 face off against Movistar KOI, a team that had been making waves in the LEC with their aggressive playstyle. However, T1's dominance was evident from the start, as they took down KOI 2-1 in a best-of-three series.

In Game 1, both teams went for fairly standard drafts, but T1's ability to execute their strategy paid off. They locked in Pantheon and Azir early on, while KOI opted to go with Poppy jungle and Taliyah mid. Despite a tough lane phase, T1 maintained control throughout the match and secured a clean win.

KOI responded well in Game 2, however, with a strong draft around David "Supa" García's Jinx. Once the resets came in, they dominated teamfights and tied the series at 1-1. However, in the deciding game, T1's draft proved decisive, as they locked in comfort across the board.

Their picks like Jax, Skarner, and Viktor, along with a botlane of Varus and Tahm Kench, allowed them to outplay KOI in every phase of the game. The Korean team's execution matched their draft, and KOI couldn't keep up with the pace. T1 closed out the series and advanced to the EWC semifinals.

Gen.G Dominates FlyQuest with Aggressive Playstyle

The second match of the quarterfinals saw Gen.G face off against FlyQuest, a team that had been struggling in the LEC. However, Gen.G's dominant performance was evident from the start, as they took down FlyQuest 2-0 in a best-of-three series.

In Game 1, both teams went for fairly standard drafts, but Gen.G's ability to shake things up with a Sett, Lillia, and Cassiopeia composition gave them an edge. Despite a tough lane phase, FlyQuest couldn't keep up with the pace, and Gen.G took down their opponent in a dominant fashion.

FlyQuest tried to force Game 3 but ultimately couldn't do so. They now exit the tournament with disappointment, as head coach Alfonso "Mithy" Aguirre Rodríguez summed up: “Very disappointing showing this tournament. I know we can do way better than this."

KOI and FlyQuest exit the tournament with just over 5% of the prize pool each, taking home $110,000.

The Road to the Semifinals

Now that T1 and Gen.G have advanced to the semifinals, they'll face off against Anyone's Legend and G2 Esports, respectively. The day will kick off at 11 AM CET with a best-of-three between Anyone's Legend and T1—a rematch of the MSI Lower Bracket Final that ended 3-2 in favor of the Korean squad.

Later, Gen.G will face off against G2 Esports, another MSI rematch from the opening round, where the LCK champions secured a convincing 3-1 victory. This match promises to be an exciting one, as both teams have been on fire all tournament long.

The Strategy Behind T1's Success

T1's success can be attributed to their ability to execute their strategy flawlessly. They went for a more aggressive playstyle in the quarterfinals, opting for picks like Jax and Skarner that allowed them to take control of teamfights.

Their botlane of Varus and Tahm Kench was also a key factor in their success, as they provided a strong presence on both sides of the map. The Korean team's ability to adapt and adjust their strategy mid-game was also impressive, as they took down KOI with ease despite being on the receiving end of some aggressive plays.

The Road Ahead for T1

Now that T1 has advanced to the semifinals, they'll have to face off against Anyone's Legend in a rematch of the MSI Lower Bracket Final. This match promises to be an exciting one, as both teams have been on fire all tournament long.

However, T1's dominance was evident from the start, and it will be interesting to see if anyone can challenge their strategy and pickings. The Korean team's ability to execute their draft flawlessly will be key in this match, as they look to take down Anyone's Legend and advance to the finals.

The Road Ahead for Gen.G

Gen.G's dominant performance in the quarterfinals was impressive, but now they'll have to face off against G2 Esports in a rematch of the MSI opening round. This match promises to be an exciting one, as both teams have been on fire all tournament long.

However, Gen.G's aggressive playstyle has been a key factor in their success, and it will be interesting to see if anyone can challenge their strategy and picks. The Korean team's ability to adapt and adjust their strategy mid-game was also impressive, as they took down FlyQuest with ease despite being on the receiving end of some aggressive plays.

The Semifinals and Beyond

The semifinals stage of the tournament promises to be an exciting one, with several upsets and surprises along the way. T1 and Gen.G will face off against Anyone's Legend and G2 Esports, respectively, in a best-of-five series.

However, both teams have been on fire all tournament long, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. The Korean team's dominance was evident from the start, but anyone can challenge their strategy and picks at any time.

In conclusion, T1 and Gen.G have emerged as two of the strongest teams in the 2025 League of Legends World Championship quarterfinals. Their dominant performances have earned them a spot in the semifinals, where they'll face off against Anyone's Legend and G2 Esports, respectively.

It promises to be an exciting match, with several upsets and surprises along the way. Will T1 continue their dominance, or will anyone challenge their strategy and picks? The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: these teams are ready for the challenge.