T1 eliminated Dplus KIA in the KeSPA Cup 2025 lower bracket final with a 3-2 reverse sweep, coming back from a 0-2 deficit to win three consecutive games. The deciding Game 5 saw T1 overturn an 8,000 to 10,000 gold disadvantage after DK misplayed a critical fight around the Atakhan objective.
DK opened the series strong, taking the first two games and appearing to control the match. T1 responded by winning Games 3 and 4 to force a winner-takes-all finale.
Game 5 looked lost for T1 through the early and mid-game. DK built a massive gold lead and won multiple early skirmishes around dragon control. But one positioning mistake from DK’s Leona during an Atakhan setup broke their entire game plan.
T1 capitalized immediately. After securing the Atakhan kill, they converted the objective buff into multiple turrets and shutdown gold. The lead evaporated in minutes as T1’s superior late-game execution took over.
The draft played a major role in the comeback window. Faker’s Galio provided frontline disruption and engage tools against DK’s double AP carry composition featuring ShowMaker’s Ahri. Meanwhile, Peyz’s Kalista was handling most of the damage output.
The Galio-Kalista synergy became the backbone of T1’s teamfighting. Kalista enabled aggressive positioning while Galio provided follow-up engage and protection for the backline. Doran’s Olaf added late-game dive pressure that DK couldn’t answer.
DK’s draft came under scrutiny for leaving Galio open while running two magic damage threats. The composition struggled to deal with T1’s engage tools once the gold lead disappeared.
The KeSPA Cup serves as Korea’s offseason tournament, giving teams their first competitive stage with new rosters ahead of the LCK season. Lower bracket finals carry elimination stakes, with the winner advancing to the championship match.
