T1 and DAMWON GAMING faced off in an intense semi-final. Who would come out on top to make it to the 2021 World Championship final?
In a re-match of the 2021 LCK Summer Split finals, T1 took on DAMWON KIA in the first semi-final of the 2021 World Championship. While T1 fought hard, they couldn’t overcome the reigning world champions, falling in game 5.
As we predicted, the series was a banger. Most games were decided by insanely unique drafts and smart plays, but in the end the mechanical outplays and the skills of ShowMaker and Canyon could not be matched.
DWG KIA vs. T1: Jhin a Key Pick
Throughout the first four games, it seemed like Jhin was the pick to get your hands on. The ADC went 4-for-4, making him the most sought-after champion on the rift throughout the series. The zoning and engage power Jhin holds was key for both teams.
Jhin also has some of the highest DPS in the late game. Both Ghost and Gumayushi looked incredibly competent and comfortable on the pick, getting the upper hand in the match-up whenever they got to play Jhin.
- He might not be at the 2021 World Championship finals, but T1 Keria is our player of the month.
In the third game of the series, Gumayushi managed incredibly aggressive plays on Jhin, moving forward to get the final kills which would ensure T1 go up 2-1 in the series.
First Pick was Crucial
Being able to choose blue side and have the first pick also seemed to hold quite high priority for both T1 and DAMWON KIA. In game 4, with their backs to the wall, DAMWON picked the all-important Jhin first and built their team composition around it with ShowMaker’s LeBlanc and Canyon’s Qiyana.
- Check out our Lee Sin Guide so you can master the blind monk. Maybe one day you'll be on Canyon's level.
T1 left Lee Sin open in the first game of the series, which meant that DAMWON, who were on blue side, obviously picked Canyon’s best champion. T1 learned from their mistakes and chose to first pick him in game 2, which they won.
20132015201620172021Worlds Final number 5 for Kkoma! #Worlds2021 pic.twitter.com/B7AWfckeOW
— LoL Esports (@lolesports) October 30, 2021
The Final Game
The series was a nail-biter, going all the way to five games. T1 picked comfort with Azir for Faker and Aphelios for Gumayushi, but weren’t ready for the poke damage Ghost on Ziggs and ShowMaker on his famous Zoe would dish out.
A bad Baron call caused the downfall of T1 as they got the neutral objective, but had to pay for it with their own lives. DAMWON KIA pushed forward into the base, making it to the first nexus tower before backing off.
One fight later at Elder meant the end for T1 who couldn’t find the right engage, falling just short of returning to Worlds Finals. DAMWON KIA showed great resilience and just why they’re the reigning World Champions. They'll be meeting the winner of the upcoming semi-final on November 6, 2021.
The next semi-final will take place on October 31, 2021 between the sole LPL representative left, EDward Gaming and the second LCK seed Gen.G. The action is set to start at 13:00 CET. You can watch either on YouTube, Twitch or lolesports.com.
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