The roar of the crowd, the blinding lights, the sheer pressure of the League of Legends World Championship – these are the familiar sights and sounds for T1, a team synonymous with competitive excellence. Yet, even legends stumble. Worlds 2025 Swiss Stage delivered an unexpected jolt as reigning champions T1 found themselves in the 1-1 bracket after an unforeseen defeat at the hands of LCP representatives, CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO).
This wasn`t just any loss; it was a testament to the unpredictable nature of esports, especially in the volatile Best-of-One format. After a strong start against FlyQuest, T1`s momentum seemed unshakeable. But CFO, a team that had previously pushed T1 to their limits at MSI 2025, proved they weren`t just a flash in the pan. They were a formidable force, capable of derailing even the most decorated teams.
A Champion`s Humility: Oner on Respecting the Opposition
In the aftermath, T1`s jungler, Mun `Oner` Hyeon-jun, offered a refreshingly candid perspective. Far from underestimating their opponents, Oner revealed a deep-seated respect for CFO`s prowess. “Since last year, I always felt like CFO was such a great team. They play so well, and I was just reminded that they’re such a strong team,” he stated. This isn`t the dismissive tone one might expect from a two-time world champion; it`s the pragmatism of a competitor who understands that on any given day, talent and preparation can prevail.
For Oner, a Best-of-One defeat, while painful, serves as a crucial learning experience. “Because it’s best of one, there is always a chance that you can run into variables, and of course, you can win or lose. And from this loss, I believe that we have more to learn and gain.” This perspective highlights the enduring mindset of T1: every setback is merely data, an opportunity to refine and return stronger.
The Human Element: Beyond Mechanics and Strategy
Esports often glamorizes peak performance, overlooking the immense personal toll on athletes. Oner`s reflection brought this reality into sharp focus. When asked about preparation and team condition, he revealed a vulnerability rarely seen from top players.
“Well, as we are all in a marathon going on to stage constantly, I feel like the number one priority should be maintaining your best condition… I have a sore throat, and of course, some people may think that it’s just a petty excuse, but I also think that it’s such a bummer that I didn’t take good care of myself, my own health.”
He continued, admitting to personal regret over poor sleep, which contributed to “team-wide mistakes.” This isn`t just about a missed skillshot; it`s about the intricate connection between physical well-being, mental acuity, and collective performance. In an environment where fractions of a second can decide a game, even a slight dip in a player`s condition can ripple through the entire team`s synergy. It’s a sobering reminder that even the digital titans of the Rift are, fundamentally, human.
The Burden of Greatness: Learning from All
As perennial frontrunners, T1 often sets the meta, defines the standard. The question then arises: how does a team at the pinnacle continue to improve when there are few left to look up to? Oner`s answer, surprisingly, is one of constant observation and humility. “In every meta, there are always certain teams that end up showing up better, and they end up performing better than us,” he explains.
This insight underscores the dynamic nature of competitive League of Legends. Metas shift, strategies evolve, and smaller teams, perhaps with less pressure, can innovate and find temporary edges. For T1, true greatness isn`t about being perpetually ahead, but about the agility to adapt and learn from anyone who displays mastery in a specific patch or strategy. The notion that “there are always teams to learn from” is a powerful counterpoint to the idea of an unchallenged reign, showcasing a deep respect for the broader competitive landscape.
The Unseen Costs: Sacrifices Beyond the Rift
This year`s Worlds Anthem, `Sacrifice,` touched upon the profound personal costs of reaching the highest echelons of professional gaming. Oner’s response painted a vivid, if somber, picture of this reality.
“As a pro gamer, I feel like you end up devoting your whole 20s, early 20s to mid-20s to your career… You also end up sacrificing your own health and your soul really. So I think if I looked deeper into it, I’m sure there’s a lot more that I have sacrificed, but I think those are the biggest things that I have sacrificed to be here.”
This statement peels back the glossy veneer of esports stardom, revealing the intense dedication, the missed experiences, and the sheer mental and physical drain required to stay at the top. It`s a career that demands youth, vitality, and an almost monastic focus, often at the expense of personal development outside the game. The “soul” he mentions speaks to the identity-shaping nature of such an all-consuming path.
Navigating the Jungle: Meta Shifts and Strategic Nuances
Riot Games often attempts to shake up the meta with specific patch changes, and Worlds 2025 was no exception, with efforts to promote AP junglers. However, Oner explained why this hasn`t translated into widespread competitive play, especially in Best-of-One scenarios.
The current landscape sees a strong preference for “higher-tier AD jungles.” These champions are often more reliable, offer consistent early-game impact, and present fewer risks in a single-game elimination format where missteps are heavily penalized. In Best-of-One, teams prioritize proven strategies and robust champions that are difficult to counter-pick or outright ban. Oner anticipates that the strategic depth of Best-of-Three and Best-of-Five series might finally open the door for AP junglers, allowing for more diverse team compositions and counter-play opportunities.
The Road Ahead: Best-of-Ones and Beyond
Finally, addressing the community`s curiosity about his personal form, Oner offered a grounded assessment, emphasizing the limitations of early-stage analysis. “Personally, to be honest, I feel like it’s just too early, maybe too soon to decide how my form is right now, because it’s just the nature of best of ones.”
He highlighted the inherent variability of single games—luck, an opponent`s exceptional play, or even those subtle, human factors like a sore throat or poor sleep. For Oner, the true test of a player`s, and indeed a team`s, form will come in the more rigorous Best-of-Five series, where consistency, adaptability, and mental fortitude are truly put to the test. These longer series remove much of the statistical noise, allowing raw skill and strategic depth to shine through.
T1`s journey through Worlds 2025 is far from over. The loss to CFO, while a momentary sting, has served as a valuable lesson and a stark reminder that even the most dominant teams are continually challenged. Oner`s reflections offer a window into the nuanced reality of professional esports: a world of relentless pressure, strategic evolution, profound personal sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to improvement. For T1, the path to a potential third consecutive world title is now even clearer, illuminated by the lessons learned in an unexpected defeat.
