For the first time since 2016, a North American team has defeated Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and T1 at the 2022 Mid-Season Invitational. Following PSG Talon’s second upset of G2 Esports, Evil Geniuses decided to take down the undefeated League of Legends Champions Korea champions, T1.
The match was a banger even from the champion select. T1 looked toward Taric support for Ryu “Keria” Min-seok, which had only been picked 17 times across all regions of play this season, according to Gol.gg. The champion has not been relevant in the meta since Season 10. For Keria, this was only his fifth ever Taric game in pro play and his first time playing the champion since the 2021 LCK summer season. Despite being 3-1 on the champion heading into this match, his latest match obviously didn’t work out.
On the side of EG, the team locked in a composition built to hit the go button. The team was so committed to this playstyle they locked in Galio for Joseph “Jojopyun” Pyun — a first for Jojopyun in pro play. For the other young carry on EG, Kyle “Danny” Sakamaki picked up one of his signature champs: Jinx.
T1 were actually up big in the game at the 21-minute mark. The team had complete control of the map and a 5k gold lead. However, just like how many comebacks start, T1 looked toward Baron and forced EG to finally go all in. Despite getting punished very early, Jeong “Impact” Eon-young on Gangplank came up monstrous in the baron teamfight, dealing unreal damage to get the ball rolling and allowing the other members of EG to clean up their opponents.
With the game swung into EG’s favor, the team showed no fear of the tournament favorites. They even pushed their lead against T1, something Evil Geniuses had been criticized for not doing enough during MSI 2022. But after many trials, EG finally saw the fruits of their labor as they took down the T1’s nexus in front of a silent Busan, South Korea crowd.
The win allowed EG to keep control of the fourth and final spot in the knockout stage. Despite PSG’s upset win against G2, EG with their win against T1 still find themselves a game ahead following both teams’ first games of the day.
T1 have fallen short of expectations at MSI 2022 so far. They lost games to G2, Royal Never Give Up and now EG. Many pegged T1 to be the clear MSI 2022 favorites after pulling off the first perfect season in LCK history.
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