The four best teams still remain at the 2021 League of Legends World Championship, and the first two to hit Summoner’s Rift in the semifinals will be Korean rivals DWG KIA and T1.
So far, these two Korean powerhouses have arguably been looking the strongest out of all the teams throughout the tournament. This is essentially a matchup that many would have liked to have seen in the grand final, but instead the two will have to face off in the semifinals where only the best will move on to fight for the Summoner’s Cup.
A domestic matchup at an international event is always something special and this year it really shows the dominance of the LCK. It’s not the first time that top Korean teams clash in a Worlds semifinal, as most probably remember the epic match between T1 and Rox Tigers back in 2016. This match could potentially go down in history just like that one, as both DWG KIA and T1 have looked to be in phenomenal shape at this tournament.
In the quarterfinals, T1 started by demolishing Hanwha Life in a quick 3-0 victory and has since had plenty of time to look at DWG KIA and prepare for this matchup. DWG KIA also had a fairly easy time against MAD Lions in the quarters, where the defending world champion won 3-0. MAD Lions had some chances to make the series close, but DWG KIA was simply too clutch when it mattered most.
The previous results of this tournament have both teams enter this match full of confidence and it’s expected that we’ll see a very high level of League of Legends. The obvious favorite will be DWG KIA, but for the first time this year, it looks like T1 might be able to match them. T1 has only improved throughout the tournament and is finally looking like a team that could go all the way with legendary mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok leading the charge.
For that to happen, T1 has to perform at every position and beat DWG KIA at its own game. T1 will have a win condition in the bot lane where Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong and Ryu “Keria” Min-seok have been incredible. This has been the weakest point of DWG KIA so far, so T1 will need to snowball a lead through the bot lane.
If that doesn’t happen it could still be close, but it’s more likely that DWG KIA will come out victorious with its controlled and coordinated playstyle.
T1 Fandex stock has great potential against DWG KIA
The esports stock exchange Fandex will be ready to offer a bit of extra spice for this semifinal, as both teams have the potential to increase their stock price after this match is done.
DWG KIA has been a clear favorite since the start of the tournament, so its stock hasn’t climbed as quickly despite the dominance on Summoner’s Rift. This is due to expectations that the team would in fact reach the semifinal.
T1 on the other hand was considered a dark horse for this tournament which its stock also reflects. The T1 stock on Fandex has reached a higher price throughout the tournament and has thus given a better profit. A win over DWG KIA is required for it to keep climbing, but if that happens, players will be rewarded for it. The DWG KIA stock will be the safer option but should give lower profits as well.
DWG KIA vs. T1 rosters
DWG KIA roster:
- Top – Kim “Khan” Dong-ha
- Jungle – Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu
- Mid – Heo “ShowMaker” Su
- Bot – Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun
- Support – Cho “BeryL” Geon-hee
T1 roster:
- Top – Kim “Canna” Chang-dong
- Jungle – Moon “Oner” Hyeon-joon
- Mid – Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok
- Bot – Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong
- Support – Ryu “Keria” Min-seok
DWG KIA big odds favorites against T1 in Worlds semis
By looking at the odds, it’s clear that bookmakers are expecting DWG KIA to win this match and reach another Worlds final. This would also be the most logical outcome as DWG KIA has been dominant ever since it won the Summoner’s Cup one year ago. With that said, there’s real potential that T1 could pull off an upset and dethrone DWG KIA. T1 has been very consistent in its play this tournament and has showcased great improvements since the LCK season concluded.
Going into the match, a win for DWG KIA will give pretty low odds at 1.37, while a win for T1 will see the money return with odds of 2.85. With such a big difference in the odds, it’s hard to look away from a bet on T1 even though the team comes in as an underdog.
The brawl between DWG KIA and T1 will take place on Saturday, October 30.
