T1 (esports)

Foundation

T1 was founded in 2002 by professional StarCraft player Lim 'BoxeR' Yo-hwan under the name Team Orion. The organization underwent a rebranding in December 2003, becoming 4 Union. On April 13, 2004, SK Telecom, a leading South Korean wireless carrier, began sponsoring the team with an investment of $2 million, officially establishing SK Telecom T1. This sponsorship marked a significant turning point, as it provided the necessary resources for the team to grow and compete at higher levels. The partnership with SK Telecom laid the groundwork for T1's future successes in various esports titles, particularly in League of Legends.

History

Following its establishment, T1 quickly gained recognition within the esports community. The team transitioned to focus on League of Legends in 2013, which led to unprecedented success. T1 won its first League of Legends World Championship in 2013, followed by additional titles in 2015 and 2016. The roster saw significant changes over the years, with notable players such as Faker joining the team. Under Faker's leadership, T1 became a dominant force in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), winning ten championships, the most in the league's history. T1's growth continued with their victory at the Mid-Season Invitational in both 2016 and 2017, further solidifying their status as a top-tier esports organization. In 2023, T1 reclaimed the World Championship title, followed by additional victories in 2024 and 2025, showcasing their sustained excellence in the competitive scene.

Achievements

T1 holds the record for the most League of Legends World Championship titles, having won six times in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The organization has also secured ten League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) championships, making them the most successful team in the league's history. T1's accolades extend to two Mid-Season Invitational titles, won in 2016 and 2017. In 2024, they triumphed at the Esports World Cup, further enhancing their reputation in the esports arena. Additionally, T1 claimed the KeSPA Cup in 2025, demonstrating their continued dominance in various competitions.

Legacy

T1 has had a profound impact on the esports industry, particularly in South Korea. The organization's success has inspired a new generation of players and fans, contributing to the growth of esports as a legitimate career path. T1's branding and marketing strategies have set benchmarks for other organizations, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and fan interaction. The team's consistent performance has made them a household name in esports, drawing millions of viewers during tournaments. T1's influence extends beyond the game, as they have created a strong content ecosystem that includes streaming, merchandise, and social media engagement, further solidifying their status as a leading esports organization.

Notable Quotes

Did You Know?

• T1's logo features a stylized letter 'T' that represents both the team's name and its commitment to excellence.
• Faker, one of the most famous esports players globally, has been a key member of T1 since 2013.
• T1 was the first esports team to have a dedicated training facility in South Korea.

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