T1 defeated IG 3-1 to advance to the Swiss stage! Theshy's Varus top lane was ineffective, and T1 dominated the team fights.

In the S15 World Championship qualifiers BO5 between T1 and IG, after four hard-fought matches, T1 eliminated IG 3-1 and advanced to the Swiss round! IG's run ended in the top 17.

In the first game, IG’s Excavator was top, Kiana in jungle, Ryze mid, and Aphelios with Neeko bot; T1 had Aphelios top, Troll jungle, Taliyah mid, and Sivir plus Alistar bot. During laning, Theshy’s Excavator dove under tower to solo kill Doran’s Aphelios, giving IG first blood, but Gumayusi’s Sivir quickly traded the kill back. At 15 minutes, IG caught Oner’s Troll and Faker’s Taliyah repeatedly in top lane, then used Rift Herald to take down the first tower, leading IG by 1k gold early on.

In mid-game, IG aggressively contested Rift Herald, with Oner’s Troll securing it. In team fights, IG’s mid and top carried, killing two T1 members. At 28 minutes, Keria’s Alistar was heavily damaged while IG secured the Infernal Soul. At 30 minutes, IG attempted to catch Gumayusi’s Sivir, but Theshy’s Excavator was killed diving under tower. Faker’s Taliyah then cleaned up two opponents, enabling T1 to turn a 0-for-3 exchange and secure the first Baron. Finally, at 34 minutes, T1 engaged in the base, wiped IG, and took the first game. The highest damage dealer was Gumayusi’s Sivir.

In the second game, IG picked Sion top, Wukong jungle, Orianna mid, and Caitlyn with Seraphine bot; T1 chose Quinntop, Jarvan jungle, Akali mid, and Miss Fortune with Rell bot. During laning, Doran’s Quinn solo killed Meiko’s Seraphine in the jungle, and GALA’s Caitlyn destroyed the first tower top. Both teams secured one dragon each, with IG leading by 1k gold early.

In mid-game, T1 executed a top lane double kill on Rookie’s Orianna, followed by Keria’s Rell ambushing and killing GALA’s Caitlyn, allowing T1 to secure Rift Herald. At 28 minutes, T1 caught Rookie’s Orianna top; Rookie dodged abilities and delayed until IG reinforcements arrived, quickly killing Gumayusi’s Miss Fortune. IG then counter-engaged, wiping T1 and securing the first Baron. Later, IG killed Oner’s Jarvan in the jungle and took the second Baron. At 37 minutes, IG initiated in the base, wiped T1, and won the second game. MVP was awarded to Wei’s Wukong.

In the third game, T1’s lineup was Galio top, Xin Zhao jungle, Annie mid, and Yuumi with Senna bot; IG selected Rumble top, Vi jungle, Sylas mid, and Sion with Braum bot. During laning, T1 focused heavily on catching Theshy’s Rumble, while IG targeted Faker’s Annie. Early on, T1 secured two dragons and Rift Herald, with both teams’ gold nearly even.

In mid-game, T1 again killed Theshy’s Rumble top and destroyed the first tower there. At 21 minutes, both teams contested Rift Herald; Gala’s Sion was instantly killed, and T1 eliminated IG’s two main damage dealers to secure Rift Herald. At 32 minutes, Wei’s Vi made a mistake and was caught, allowing T1 to claim the first Baron. At 35 minutes, during dragon fights, T1 secured the Electric Dragon Soul. Gumayusi’s Yuumi effectively protected the backline, and T1 wiped IG to win the third game.

In the fourth game, IG picked Varus top, Pantheon jungle, Sylas mid, and Ziggs with Nautilus bot; T1 chose Ornn top, Nocturne jungle, LeBlanc mid, and Ashe with Lulu bot. During laning, both supports met mid for a 2v2; Meiko’s Nautilus killed Faker’s LeBlanc, giving IG first blood. Theshy’s Varus solo killed Doran’s Ornn. At 15 minutes, a jungle skirmish saw IG kill Keria’s Lulu first, but Rookie’s Sylas was traded while tanking tower damage. T1 then systematically wiped IG in team fights. IG took the first tower top early, with gold nearly even between teams.

In mid-game, IG initiated a Rift Herald fight, but T1 responded and after chaotic fighting, won the team fight to claim Rift Herald. At 26 minutes, a mid-lane clash began with Doran’s Ornn initiating; T1 easily secured a 4-for-0 exchange, sealing the victory.

So, what are your thoughts on this match? Feel free to share and discuss in the comment section.