LCK Cup 2025: T1 Falls to DK in an Intense Opening Match

The defending World Champions, T1, had a rocky start to their 2025 season, falling 2-1 to Dplus KIA (DK) in their opening match of the LCK Cup 2025 on January 16. Fans eagerly tuned in to see T1’s revamped roster in action, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated season. On the same day, KT Rolster claimed a decisive victory over BNK FearX, wrapping up a thrilling day of competition.

A New Era in Competitive League of Legends

The 2025 season introduces a fresh competitive structure featuring five international leagues:

• LCP
• LCK
• LPL
• LTA (North and South)
• LEC

These leagues will compete during Split 1 for a spot in the First Stand, the year’s inaugural international event. The LCK Cup, a brand-new tournament, kicked off on January 15, with T1’s showdown against DK standing out as the most anticipated match of the group stage.

T1 vs. DK: Match Recap

T1’s updated roster, featuring Doran in the toplane replacing Zeus, faced a tough challenge against DK.

• Game 1: DK set the pace early, overwhelming T1 with a 23-minute victory.
• Game 2: T1 bounced back under Faker’s leadership, showcasing their adaptability to force a deciding game.
• Game 3: Showmaker took control with a standout performance on Ahri, leading DK to a decisive victory and securing the series 2-1.
  
  
  (credit: Riot Games)
  
  

This win also boosted the Baron Group’s standing over the Elder Group, now holding a 3-1 lead in the tournament rankings.

What Lies Ahead for T1

Despite the early setback, T1 has an opportunity to recover in their next match against DRX on January 18. Fans can watch all the LCK Cup 2025 action live on Twitch to see if Faker and his team can regain their footing. The LCK Cup has already delivered high-stakes matchups and incredible performances, with much more excitement on the horizon. T1’s loss may only be the beginning of an unpredictable and thrilling season.