T1 Esports Academy capture inaugural WSCI over Solary

This year, Riot Games launched the World Star Challengers International, widely regarded as the Tier 2 Worlds. And, as is customary at any self-respecting League of Legends Worlds, T1 were crowned champions. On Friday, the LCK CL team, lifted the first WSCI trophy after a fiercely contested 3-2 victory over Solary.

Following its triumph at the Asia Masters 2025 against Asian competition, the team has now etched their name further into the organization's historic legacy by conquering the world’s finest Tier 2 representatives on a global stage.

, who enjoyed a peak year dominating both the LFL and EMEA Masters, proved their mettle in their first international showing but fell just short at the final hurdle. Although the European powerhouse reached match point first behind disciplined macro play, they were ultimately unable to withstand T1 Esports Academy’s relentless aggression down the stretch.

The defining factor of the series was that the team securing early leads consistently snowballed their advantages across the finish line. Tier 2 squads, particularly younger lineups, have often carried the reputation of pairing elite individual mechanics with erratic macro and lapses in focus. None of those shortcomings surfaced today.

Reflecting two final rosters accustomed to winning throughout the year, neither team stumbled over their own feet. Instead, both showed decisive execution toward the Nexus. Whenever an opponent overextended, punishment was swift and decisive. Even when turnovers occurred with an advantage, both sides swiftly reset their focus, preventing mistakes from derailing their broader game plans.

With an average starting roster age of just 19.2 years old, T1 Esports Academy entered the WSCI Bracket Stage as the tournament's youngest contender. Kim “” Eun-hoo only made his professional debut this year, while Kim “” Min-jun, who joined the roster in the summer, was the youngest player in the entire competition. Keystones such as Shim “” Soo-hyun, Moon “” Hyeon-ho, and Moon “” Jeong-hwan are barely reaching the two-year mark in their Tier 2 careers.

Yet, proving that experience is merely a number, the youngsters turned impending defeat into opportunity after falling behind 1-2. Channeling the trademark poise of their legendary senior counterparts, they dictated the game’s tempo on their signature picks. Once they seized control, they never let go.

The players also expressed their heartbreak over a victory that slipped away right before their eyes. The stellar performances from Berat “” Tıknazoğlu, who showcased world-class form, and Kim “” Jeong-hoon were ultimately overshadowed by the defeat.

Despite finishing as runners-up after a hard-fought battle, Solary will not have to wait long for another chance to showcase their strong form. The three EMEA representatives at the WSCI, Solary, , and , will depart South Korea immediately to enter the EMEA Masters Knockout Matches, which will determine the final qualifiers for the tournament's main stage.

Following the conclusion of the final round EMEA Masters Swiss Stage starting on October 2, the three teams finishing in 14th to 16th place will each face one of the three WSCI contenders in a Bo5 series. The winners of these matchups will secure the final spots in the Round of 16. The Knockout Matches are scheduled to take place on October 4.