T1 Survives a Thriller: How Faker and Crew Edged Out CFO 3-2 at MSI 2025

A Clash with Everything on the Line: T1 vs. CFO, MSI 2025

Did you catch the MSI 2025 Bracket Stage opener between T1 and CTBC Flying Oyster? If not, you missed one of the most dramatic series in recent League of Legends history. T1, the reigning world champions, entered as favorites, but CFO—the Pacific region’s rising stars—pushed them to the absolute limit. The match, held at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum, saw T1 scrape out a 3-2 victory, but not before fans experienced a rollercoaster of emotions.
From the outset, it was clear this wouldn’t be a walk in the park. CFO’s aggressive early-game strategies and creative picks kept T1 on the back foot, with both teams trading blows in high-stakes teamfights. The series quickly became a test of nerves, adaptability, and championship mentality.

Set-by-Set Breakdown: How the Series Unfolded

Let’s break down the action, set by set. In Game 1, T1’s calculated teamfight execution allowed them to secure a narrow win, but CFO’s JunJia on Pantheon made early plays that rattled the favorites. Game 2 and 3 saw CFO strike back with conviction—Doggo’s precision on Lucian and Caitlyn, combined with Driver’s sturdy Gragas and K’Sante, gave the Pacific squad a 2-1 lead. T1’s drafts appeared shaky, and their signature mid-game control faltered.
But just when it looked like an upset was brewing, T1’s resilience shone through. Game 4 saw Oner’s Jarvan IV and Faker’s Sylas lead a comeback, with Gumayusi’s Varus providing crucial damage in late-game fights. In the decider, Game 5, T1 returned to their roots: disciplined macro, Faker’s Orianna controlling the tempo, and Keria’s Tahm Kench saving teammates at critical moments. The final teamfight near Baron sealed the win for T1, sending them to the upper semifinals.

Key Plays and Turning Points

What were the moments that defined this epic? Game 1’s Baron fight, where Keria’s Neeko ultimate turned the tide, set the tone for a series of clutch plays. In Game 4, T1’s ability to regroup after losing momentum at the 27-minute mark—anchored by Oner’s decisive engages—was pivotal. Game 5’s mid-game skirmish around dragon pit, where Faker landed a multi-man Shockwave, broke CFO’s resistance and opened the map for T1.
For CFO, JunJia’s early jungle pressure and Driver’s tank play in the top lane were standout elements, keeping T1 honest and forcing them to adapt. Yet, it was T1’s experience and composure in late-game scenarios that ultimately made the difference.

Key Players: Faker’s Leadership, Oner’s Breakout, and CFO’s Rising Stars

Faker, as always, was the anchor for T1—his champion pool flexibility and shotcalling in tense moments kept the team focused. Oner, who debuted Zed jungle internationally for the first time, was a revelation: his aggressive pathing and clutch smites swung objectives in T1’s favor. Gumayusi’s consistent damage and Keria’s creative support picks (including Neeko and Tahm Kench) gave T1 the edge when it mattered most.
On the CFO side, JunJia’s bold Pantheon and Vi plays showcased the team’s willingness to innovate, while Doggo’s mechanical prowess in teamfights nearly tipped the series. HongQ, CFO’s midlaner, held his own against Faker—a feat in itself—demonstrating the Pacific region’s growth.

Fan Reactions: Nerves, Euphoria, and Community Buzz

Fans on Korean and international forums were on edge throughout the series. On DCInside and PGR21, reactions swung wildly: initial frustration with T1’s slow start gave way to relief and celebration after the comeback. A typical comment: 'T1 always gives us a heart attack, but that’s why we love them!' The positive-to-negative ratio was about 7:3, with most fans ultimately praising the team’s mental fortitude.
On Naver and AfreecaTV, streamers and bloggers dissected every draft and play, with some questioning T1’s early-game strategy but applauding their late-game discipline. Overseas, Reddit threads exploded with respect for CFO’s performance, with many calling it 'the best Bo5 of the year so far.'

Exclusive Interview Insights: Oner’s Confidence and T1’s Mindset

After the match, T1’s jungler Oner shared candid thoughts in interviews. He admitted the series was much tougher than expected, praising CFO as a 'high-ceiling team with a lot of potential.' Oner also revealed his personal motivation: 'If we win the title, I feel like I can do anything, I can achieve pretty much anything.' This glimpse into T1’s mindset—balancing humility with ambition—resonated with fans and analysts alike.
Faker, meanwhile, credited the team’s trust in each other for their ability to bounce back under pressure. The team acknowledged their slow starts but emphasized their focus on adapting and improving for the next round.

Cultural Context: Why This Series Matters to Global Fans

For international fans, this series was more than just a close match—it was a showcase of the evolving global landscape in League of Legends esports. T1’s ability to adapt under pressure is legendary, but CFO’s rise signals a new era where Pacific teams can challenge the world’s best. Understanding T1’s history of dramatic comebacks and Faker’s iconic status adds depth to the viewing experience.
In Korea, T1’s matches are almost a cultural event, with families and friends gathering to watch together. The team’s legacy, combined with their vulnerability in high-pressure moments, makes every victory feel earned. For overseas viewers, seeing a team like CFO push T1 to the brink is a reminder that the gap between regions is closing—and that every MSI now promises true international drama.

Looking Ahead: T1’s Next Challenge and What’s at Stake

With this victory, T1 advances to face BLG, another tournament favorite, in the upper semifinals. The stakes couldn’t be higher: another step toward an MSI title and a chance to cement their legacy. For CFO, the journey isn’t over—they drop to the lower bracket and will fight for survival against KOI.
As the MSI 2025 heats up, fans worldwide are already speculating about rematches, redemption arcs, and which team will rise to the occasion. If this series is any indication, no one is safe, and every match could become an instant classic.