TES vs T1: It’s rematch time! – Worlds 2024 Swiss Stage Preview

After facing off during the Esports World Cup, T1 and TES will clash again in the first round of the 2024 Worlds Swiss stage. Here’s our breakdown.

Image Credit: Tom Chansiraphet/Riot Games

TES vs T1 – first LPL vs LCK match for Worlds

With the seed pooling changes for LPL and LCK on the Worlds Swiss stage, fans were bound to see a lot of action between the two strongest regions in the world. And without much surprise, fans will get a first taste of the TES vs T1 series.

This is not the first time the two battle one another, as the two competed in the final of the Esports World Cup. On that occasion, it was T1 who came out on top, taking the series 3-1. Considering this is a Bo1, there are probably going to be more question marks regarding the potential outcome, even though T1 might still be favored.

With that in mind, let’s see what the expectations are for these two teams.

Match Breakdown

T1 comes from an up-and-down summer split, where the team has often struggled to maintain consistency. In particular, it felt like there was always someone dragging the team but there was no clear culprit. Sometimes it happened to Oner while on other occasions it fell on Zeus, Keria, and even Faker.

Gumayusi was probably the most consistent player on the roster but he also struggled to carry the team given the current meta of utility ADCs. We’re bound for some explosive action in the bottom lane, as JackeyLove and Meiko are definitely up there with T1’s duo.

The focus of this series, however, will likely fall on the jungle matchup. Tian has proved over the entire year how vital he is to the entire team’s functioning so he must show up if TES wants a shot at the victory.

I’m also curious to see what kind of picks T1 will go for – they are known for not always sticking to the meta picks and it can be a hit-or-miss. Zeus should get the upper hand over 369, and I’m expecting Faker and Creme to handshake picks based on the two team’s compositions.

Overall, I feel like T1 is at a slight advantage due to how they are able to capitalize on the enemy’s bad macro calls. In case of a TES victory, it will probably be thanks to better teamfights. Whoever wins, though, will definitely get a good headstart for the rest of the Swiss stage.