The excitement of Worlds 2024 intensifies as Round 3 of the Swiss Stage gets underway. Only one of the 16 teams will claim the title of
League of Legends Season 14 World Champion, and Sheep Esports is here every day with insights on the day's key matchups. Today, we focus on the clash between
BiliBili Gaming, one of the tournament's top contenders, and
T1, the reigning kings of the scene.
A 2024 international classic
This is far from the first time these organizations have crossed paths. In fact, for two consecutive years, they've clashed at both MSI and Worlds. Including the
Esports World Cup earlier this year, this marks their sixth meeting: BLG won twice (3-2 and 3-1) at MSI 2024, while T1 triumphed 2-1 at the EWC 2024. At Worlds 2023, T1 secured a 2-0 victory over BLG in the Swiss Stage to secure their spot in the quarterfinals, and in MSI 2023, BLG took the series 3-1. Even if BiliBili Gaming has not had the same roster these past two years, it is interesting to notice both organizations have been able to beat each other up pretty consistently. However, the advantage is given to BLG which has a better track record this year.
However, the context this time is quite different, as both teams have undergone significant changes. While T1 has retained the same roster, their performance hasn’t quite matched last year’s level. On the other hand, BLG is coming off a year of dominant play in the LPL, thanks in large part to the addition of Zhuo "knight" Ding in the midlane and Yan "Wei" Yang-Wei in the jungle.
T1 does not enter this match as a favourite, and a loss would put them in a difficult situation to keep their crown. Credit: Adela Sznajder/Riot Games
BLG recently suffered a loss to LNG, despite being the favorites after a dominant 2024 season in the LPL. In the Spring Split, their only loss was a best-of-three against IG. During the Summer Split, they dropped just two best-of-threes, one to LGD and another to LNG in the group and seeding stages. But once they hit the playoffs, BLG turned into an unstoppable force. However, their recent defeat suggests that even this powerhouse has weaknesses, especially when caught off guard by their opponents.
T1 isn't in its best form either. As reigning champions and a powerhouse in esports for as long as anyone can remember, their ability to step up when it matters most has always been impressive. However, after a rough Summer split in LCK and an almost non-qualification in the Regional Finals, they suffered an early loss in the tournament to Top Esports, which capitalized on moments of poor coordination within T1's lineup. Fortunately, the world champions had a smoother match in Round 2 against paiN Gaming, which may have restored some of their confidence. We'll have to wait and see how they perform today. One thing is certain: by the end of the night, one of these teams will be facing a 1-2 record and be on the brink of elimination.
MSI for BLG, Worlds for T1?
Today marks the 23rd showdown between Knight and Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok. Knight holds a slight edge with 12 victories, achieved with teams like TES, JDG, and BLG this year. Both players are crucial clutch factors for their respective teams, but Faker takes on the additional role of a leader, both in-game and out. Time and again, history has shown that Faker, the greatest player of all time, can turn a game around in an instant with a flash of brilliance. With mages returning to the midlane meta, Knight also poses a significant carry threat that could trouble T1. He already gave us a glimpse of his deadly Ahri in Round 1 against MAD Lions KOI.
This is the 26th encounter between Choi "Zeus" Woo-je and Chen "Bin" Ze-Bin in the toplane. Both are considered among the best in their role over the past two years, with champion pools that delight fans of flashy, carry-oriented playstyles. At 20 and 21 years old, respectively, they represent the next generation of toplane stars, and we’ll likely witness many more of their battles in the years to come. While today's match is not an elimination game, it could be a pivotal moment in their already legendary rivalry. Bin has knocked Zeus out of MSI in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Now, it’s time for the Korean toplaner to prove that Worlds still is his stage.
Zeus claimed victory 11 times, while Bin leads with 14 wins. With pride on the line, there's a strong chance we'll see picks like Jax or Camille in this matchup.
Today's matches start at 2 PM CET, with T1 vs BLG scheduled for around 3 PM, right after TES vs Fnatic.
