South Korean President Lee Jae-myung issued a public congratulatory message to T1 and KT Rolster following their appearance in the League of Legends World Championship 2025 Grand Final. The message recognized both teams’ performances and celebrated their achievement of bringing an all-Korean final to the world stage.
The Grand Final featured two of Korea’s most storied esports organizations facing off in the Telecom War rivalry that stretches back to the StarCraft: Brood War era. Both T1 and KT Rolster are backed by major telecommunications companies and have defined competitive League of Legends in their region for over a decade.
The direct translation is:
“Congratulations on the first-ever Worlds three-peat.
Heartfelt congratulations to the T1 players and staff for achieving the first three consecutive championships at the 2025 League of Legends World Championship.
It is a feat that will be remembered in esports history. You have shone the name of the Republic of Korea on the world stage and once again proved the strength of our nation as an esports powerhouse. We are truly proud.
Your solid teamwork, mental fortitude beyond limits, and drive for victory moved fans not only in Korea but across the globe.
We will continue to actively support the development of esports and the cultural industry so that our players can freely pursue their dreams and continue their passion.
We salute T1’s great run and vigorously cheer you on as you write new history and legend.
Though KT Rolster unfortunately finished as runners-up, we also send warm applause for showing a wonderful fight all the way to the fifth and final set.”
This marks the continuation of a pattern. President Moon Jae-in congratulated DWG KIA after their 2020 Worlds victory. President Yoon Suk-yeol did the same for T1 following their 2023 championship run. Presidential recognition of major international esports achievements has become standard practice in South Korea.
The government backing runs deep. South Korea has treated esports as legitimate competitive sport since the early 2000s when the Korea e-Sports Association formalized the industry. Major broadcasters like OGN and MBCGame turned pro gaming into mainstream entertainment with televised leagues and prime-time coverage.
That infrastructure produced results. Korean teams have dominated League of Legends at the international level since the game’s competitive scene began. The LCK’s scouting systems and coaching infrastructure remain the gold standard globally.
An all-Korean Worlds final showcases that depth. When two teams from the same region meet on the biggest stage in esports, it sends a message about competitive dominance. China’s LPL has challenged Korea’s supremacy in recent years, but the 2025 final demonstrated the LCK’s continued strength.
When the president watches
Presidential messages carry weight beyond ceremonial gestures. They signal that esports achievements count as national sporting accomplishments. South Korean leaders have attended live matches during major tournaments and government support includes infrastructure investment and regulatory frameworks that protect player contracts and team operations.
Other countries have followed suit. France’s president has congratulated French esports teams on international victories. China’s state media regularly covers LPL achievements. But South Korea pioneered the model of treating esports as a legitimate path to national recognition.
