In a tournament defined by fierce rivalries, strategic brilliance, and individual excellence, Gen.G emerged victorious at the 2025 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), defeating T1 in a nail-biting 3–2 Grand Final. Held in Vancouver, Canada, this year’s MSI was not only a showcase of the world’s best teams but also a celebration of the evolving meta and the enduring legacy of Korean dominance in League of Legends esports.
A Clash of Titans: Gen.G vs T1
The Grand Final was a culmination of weeks of intense competition, and it couldn’t have been scripted better. Gen.G, the defending MSI champions, entered the final with a 22-series win streak and a reputation for methodical, macro-heavy play. T1, the reigning World Champions, had clawed their way back through the lower bracket after a narrow loss to Gen.G in the Upper Bracket Final.
This was the tenth time the two LCK giants faced off in 2025 alone, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Not only was the MSI trophy on the line, but also a direct qualification to Worlds 2025 and a $500,000 prize.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Game 1: T1 Strikes First
T1 opened the series with confidence, drafting comfort picks for their star players. Faker locked in Orianna—his fourth time playing the champion at MSI 2025, maintaining a perfect win rate. Protected by Oner’s jungle pathing and Keria’s support play, T1’s carries remained untouched. They secured early objectives and snowballed their lead into a clean victory, taking the first game in dominant fashion.
Game 2: Kiin’s Sion Turns the Tide
Gen.G responded with a blue-side draft that featured a blind Sion pick for Kiin. The top laner delivered a masterclass in tank play, securing solo kills and anchoring teamfights. Canyon’s jungle control and Chovy’s midlane pressure helped Gen.G even the series. The game showcased Gen.G’s ability to adapt and punish overextensions, ending with a decisive Baron fight that sealed the win.
Game 3: Keria’s Redemption Arc
T1 returned to blue side and left Azir open for Faker, who didn’t hesitate to lock it in. Keria picked Renata Glasc—a champion that had gone 0–8 at MSI before this match. But in Keria’s hands, Renata became a game-changer. His clutch ultimates turned teamfights in T1’s favor, and the team snowballed their early lead into a massive gold advantage. T1 closed out the game with a dominant fight around the Atakan, putting themselves on match point.
Game 4: Canyon and Ruler Keep Gen.G Alive
With their backs against the wall, Gen.G drafted Zeri for Ruler and Trundle for Canyon. The game was tightly contested, but Canyon’s jungle pathing and objective control proved pivotal. Ruler’s Zeri—played only once during MSI—ended the tournament with a 100% win rate. Gen.G won a crucial fight near Baron and pushed through T1’s defenses to force a fifth and final game.
Game 5: Gen.G’s Macro Masterclass
The final game was a showcase of Gen.G’s strategic depth. Canyon picked Nidalee, and Duro brought out Pyke, adding unpredictability to their draft. Ruler secured a double kill in an early dive, setting the tone. Although T1 gained control over the jungle mid-game, Gen.G’s superior teamfighting and objective control turned the tide. With better smites around Baron and drakes, Gen.G closed out the series and claimed their second consecutive MSI title.
Key Players and Performances
-
Ruler: The veteran ADC was instrumental throughout the series. His Jinx in Game 5 and Zeri in Game 4 were standout performances, earning him his second MSI title and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest bot laners in LoL history.
-
Canyon: Known for his cerebral jungle play, Canyon’s Trundle and Nidalee picks were pivotal in Gen.G’s victories. His ability to control tempo and objectives gave Gen.G the edge in crucial moments.
-
Kiin: The top laner’s Sion performance in Game 2 was a turning point. His solo kills and teamfight presence helped Gen.G regain momentum.
-
Faker: Despite the loss, Faker’s Orianna and Azir plays reminded fans why he’s still a force to be reckoned with. His leadership and consistency kept T1 competitive throughout the series.
-
Keria: T1’s support player turned heads with his Renata Glasc performance, rewriting the narrative around the champion and showcasing his versatility.
Historical Significance
Gen.G’s victory marks their second consecutive MSI title, having won the 2024 edition against Bilibili Gaming. With this win, they now stand equal with T1 in MSI titles, each holding two. It’s also a personal milestone for Ruler, who previously won MSI 2023 with JD Gaming.
This back-to-back championship cements Gen.G’s status as the most dominant LCK team in recent years. Their 23-series win streak is a record they’ll look to defend at the upcoming Esports World Cup and LCK Summer Split.
What’s Next?
With MSI behind them, Gen.G now turns its sights to the 2025 League of Legends World Championship. Their victory at MSI guarantees them a direct spot at Worlds, and their current form suggests they’ll be favorites heading into the tournament.
T1, meanwhile, will regroup and prepare for the LCK Summer Split. Despite the loss, their performance at MSI was commendable, and they remain one of the most formidable teams in the world.
Final Thoughts
MSI 2025 was a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the enduring rivalry between Gen.G and T1. In the end, Gen.G’s strategic depth, individual brilliance, and clutch performances earned them the crown. As the League of Legends competitive scene marches toward Worlds, fans can only hope for another epic chapter in this storied rivalry.