On November 9, 2025, in Chengdu, China, the grand final of the World Championship 2025 will take place, featuring a clash between two legendary teams: T1 and KT Rolster. This is more than just a battle for the title—it's the culmination of a rivalry that has spanned over two decades. Known as the Telecom War, this face-off symbolizes not only the struggle between two esports organizations but also the competition between two South Korean telecommunications giants—SK Telecom and KT Corporation.
From StarCraft to League of Legends
The term Telecom War originates from the connection of both teams to major telecommunications corporations. However, the history of this rivalry dates back to the StarCraft era in the early 2000s.
T1 (then SK Telecom T1) formed a team around the legendary player Lim "BoxeR" Yo-Hwan, who became the first esports superstar. His main rival was Hong "YellOw" Jin-Ho from KT, known for his aggressive Zerg playstyle. Their rivalry laid the foundation for an entire era.
When SK Telecom signed BoxeR in 2004 for a record $1.7 million, it was a turning point for the entire esports scene. Since then, the Telecom War has become a symbol of corporate influence in the gaming industry, setting the stage for the future competition between SKT and KT.
In the StarCraft Pro League, matches between SKT and KT filled stadiums, and the rivalry became a central event for fans. Over the years, the advantage shifted from one side to the other.
Everything changed with the arrival of Lee "Flash" Young-Ho—a phenomenal Terran from KT who, from a young age, became the most successful player in StarCraft history. His dominance effectively broke SKT's monopoly, and the matches achieved cult status. It's also worth noting that the bonuses for winning the telecom derby were unique—KT players received double or even triple rewards if they defeated SKT.
League of Legends — The New Battlefield
In the early 2010s, with the decline of the StarCraft scene, both corporations shifted their focus to League of Legends. In 2012, KT Rolster A and B emerged, while SK Telecom T1 formed a roster that quickly became the strongest in the world.
The first LoL face-off took place on April 24, 2013, when SKT defeated KT 2-0. This match marked the beginning of a new era—the old rivalry simply changed arenas but retained all its historical context.
Faker and the T1 Dynasty
Since then, T1 has transformed into a global dynasty, winning 5 world championships (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024) and 10 LCK titles. Unlike the StarCraft era, where KT often put up a good fight, T1's dominance in LoL appeared almost absolute.
The statistics speak for themselves: 26-6 in favor of T1 since 2020, 110-56 since 2015. For KT fans, these years have been a true era of heartbreak—constant struggle without success.
KT Rolster's Long Road to the Final
Despite the challenges, KT Rolster remained among the strongest teams in South Korea. They won the LCK Summer 2018, made multiple Worlds appearances, but only reached the grand final for the first time in 2025.
In 2025, KT started the tournament as the third LCK seed but sensationally advanced through the Swiss Stage with a 3-0 record and then crushed CTBC Flying Oyster (3:0) and Gen.G Esports (3:1) in the playoffs, who were considered the tournament favorites. KT's mid-laner, Bdd, said after defeating Gen.G:
Even now, it feels like a dream
T1's Incredible Run
Despite issues in the domestic season, T1 once again proved they could win, even as the fourth LCK seed. After advancing through the Play-In, they overcame one Chinese team after another, notably crushing Top Esports 3-0 in the semifinals.
Now T1 stands on the brink of history—they could become the first team to win three Worlds in a row, and Faker could earn his sixth world champion title, an achievement unmatched in LoL history.
The Significance of the Telecom War
The Telecom War is not just a series of matches. It is a symbol of the evolution of esports in Korea, where corporate pride, national identity, and athletic skill have intertwined into a cohesive whole.
SK Telecom and KT Corporation not only funded teams—they essentially created the modern esports ecosystem, laying the foundation for the entire world. The rivalry between these brands has transcended the game, becoming part of Korea's cultural heritage.
Regardless of the outcome of the final in Chengdu, history has already been written. If T1 wins, they will create an unprecedented legacy of triumph. If KT Rolster wins, it will symbolize a resurgence after decades of defeats.
But one thing is certain—the Telecom War will remain the most famous rivalry in esports history, starting with BoxeR and YellOw and continuing today with Faker and Bdd. November 9, 2025, is not just a Worlds final; it's another chapter in a legend that has been ongoing for over twenty years.
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