T1 have begun their ascension at Worlds 2025, securing a victory over Invictus Gaming in the Play-In stage. Icons of the League of Legends Champions Korea and back-to-back reigning champions, the squad now braces itself for its first match of the Swiss Stage against American representatives of FlyQuest. In an exclusive interview, support Ryu "Keria" Min-seok sat down with Sheep Esports to celebrate his victory and birthday, talk about his next challenge, and talk about his goals.

Happy birthday, and congratulations! How does it feel to finally make it back to the Worlds stage after such a long year?

Ryu "Keria" Min-seok: “This was a really high-pressure situation and environment for us, but I'm glad that we were able to push through and make it to the Swiss Stage.

Did you still get a chance to celebrate your birthday with your teammates? And now that you’ve won, do you plan to celebrate?

Keria: Because we had such a high-stakes match ahead of us, I asked the people around me to celebrate after the match. Now that we won, I guess I can enjoy the rest of my birthday. A couple of hours left, and I hope I can enjoy it.

You’ll be facing FlyQuest next, and you previously mentioned during media day that they’re the best Western team. What are your thoughts on this matchup, and what are you watching out for?

Keria: As we’re the fourth seed, I knew we were going to end up with some of the stronger opponents in the draw. It is what it is. FlyQuest are very strong, and their teamwork is really good. I’ve always thought they’re one of the strong teams. Especially, the player to watch out for the most is Inspired (Kacper Słoma) for me. So we’re keeping our eyes on him.

Many fans are wondering how close T1 is to reaching their peak form again. You were one game away from winning MSI—do you think now is the time T1 is back at its strongest, or not yet?

Keria: We still have a long way to go and a lot of things to improve, but I personally think my individual performance is really good right now. We can reach our peak level soon. I’m pretty confident that we’ll be able to get a lot of wins.

Inspired mentioned he’s a bit scared to face T1 because of your ability to solo carry games on Pyke and Bard. Today, Bard was banned in every game—what’s your response to that?

Keria: My Bard is the best in the world. Compared to other players, it’s so ahead on so many levels. It’s a one-of-a-kind Bard. If FlyQuest let Bard through, Inspired won’t be able to step anywhere on the Rift.

You’ve played alongside Lee "Gumayusi" Min-hyeong for a long time. How do you feel about his growth this year as a player? Do you think this year feels different from before?

Keria: We’ve always been looking for ways to improve and grow together as a team, and I think we’re right in the middle of that process this Worlds. We’re focusing on the things we still need to improve and also trying to find our strengths. This Worlds will be a great opportunity for us to grow as a team.

Many people felt it was unfortunate that Invictus Gaming had to face you this early. If the format were different and they started in the Swiss stage, do you think they could have made it to the bracket stage?

Keria: IG for sure has a lot of talented players—they’re a strong team. If they had started from the Swiss Stage, I believe they could have made it further. But the LCK teams are all very strong, so whoever ended up as the fourth seed, I don’t think the fourth-seed matchup would have been easy for IG.

You mentioned fighting to win your third trophy in a row after the match. What would it mean to you personally to win that third Worlds title, and what did the first two mean to you?

Keria: If I actually manage to win the third Worlds trophy, the Summoner’s Cup, it would mean that I’m nearing the goal I set before I started playing professionally. And the two wins I already have are the fundamentals—the stepping stones—for me to reach that goal I set when I first went pro.

What exactly is that goal?

Keria: I don’t want to spill the tea—I don’t want to jinx it because some people say you’re not supposed to say your wish, right? If I actually make it happen, maybe when I’m almost retiring, I’ll be able to spill the tea for you all.”