The Worlds 2024 Finals are shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and historic matchups League of Legends fans have ever witnessed. Regardless of who claims victory, this match is already set to go down in history as one of the all-time great finals. Two of the most powerful teams in LoL, the Korean titan T1 and China’s rising force Bilibili Gaming (BLG), will clash in a showdown of epic proportions. T1, with its legendary legacy, faces a fearsome challenger in BLG, who are out to prove that they can take the Summoner’s Cup back to China.

Match Background

Both T1 and BLG have dominated Worlds 2024, showcasing skill, innovation, and sheer determination. T1’s path to the final has been nothing short of exemplary. They stormed through the group stage and playoffs, relying on incredible macro-control, mechanical precision, and unbreakable team cohesion. Their semifinal victory against Gen.G, a 3-1 masterclass, reaffirmed their position as a team with championship-level resilience and talent.

BLG, meanwhile, has established themselves as one of the most dangerous opponents in the tournament, especially after their confident 3-0 win over Weibo Gaming in the semifinals. Their aggressive playstyle and exceptional map control have been critical to their success. Even though they faced challenges in the group stage, they adapted, evolved, and have now positioned themselves as strong contenders to upset the Korean powerhouse.

Key Analysis

1. Player Form and Lane Matchups

• T1: The living legend, Faker, continues to be a pillar of stability and experience for T1. Known for his extensive champion pool and peerless game knowledge, he can quickly adapt to counter BLG’s aggressive plays. The T1 bot lane duo of Gumayusi and Keria has been pivotal, showing consistent pressure on their lane and dominating team fights. Oner in the jungle has also played a crucial role, setting up T1’s lanes for success through precise early-game control and well-timed initiations.
• BLG: Bin in the top lane has emerged as a game-changer for BLG, capable of flipping games in his team’s favor through calculated risks and powerful initiations. The bot lane pairing of Elk and ON has been the backbone of BLG’s success, especially with Elk delivering impressive damage output in late-game scenarios. XUN in the jungle has also proven essential, combining smart jungle pathing and aggressive ganking to create opportunities across the map.

2. Champion Pools and Draft Strategy

• T1’s Flexibility: T1 has a remarkably adaptable draft strategy that leverages a deep champion pool to create strategic advantages. They favor compositions that prioritize map control and scaling into the late game, with champions like Ahri and Ashe delivering consistent damage and safety in extended fights. Faker’s ability to play both control mages and assassins adds another layer of unpredictability to their drafts.
• BLG’s Aggressive Approach: BLG’s draft philosophy emphasizes early to mid-game power, frequently selecting champions that can snowball leads and capitalize on high-damage spikes. Bin’s Rumble and XUN’s aggressive picks, such as Skarner and Wukong, enable them to secure rapid objectives and take control of the map from the start. This fast-paced approach could be a double-edged sword against T1, as it requires flawless execution and risks becoming susceptible to counter-strategies.

3. Teamfighting and Macro Play

• T1’s Disciplined Coordination: T1’s teamfighting stands out as one of the best in the world. Led by Faker’s experience and guided by Oner’s sharp game sense, they execute fights with precision, demonstrating excellent positioning and timing. Their synergy and communication make them incredibly hard to dislodge in structured team fights.
• BLG’s Explosive and Risk-Taking Style: BLG thrives in chaotic and high-tempo engagements, often taking unexpected risks that throw their opponents off balance. Their dynamic approach to teamfights allows them to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, turning minor advantages into game-changing victories. However, this style could be dangerous against a disciplined team like T1, which excels in punishing missteps.

Expert Predictions

Given T1’s experience and composure, they come in as slight favorites in this matchup. However, BLG’s raw power and aggressive gameplay mean they have a real shot at pulling off an upset. With both teams bringing world-class talent and innovative strategies, this final could easily go to five games.

Prediction: T1 to win 3-2 – T1’s experience, disciplined coordination, and balanced champion pool give them an edge. Still, BLG’s explosive playstyle means they could easily take a game or two, making this a potentially close series.

Notable Analyst Opinions

• LS (Nick De Cesare): "T1’s discipline and synergy should bring them the win, but BLG’s unpredictable style makes this a dangerous matchup. My pick is T1, but it’s close – 3-2."
• CaptainFlowers (Clayton Raines): "It’s going to be intense! BLG’s explosive teamfighting could put T1 on the back foot. I’m calling a 3-2 T1, but honestly, it’s almost too close to call."
• Sjokz (Eefje Depoortere): "With Faker’s stage presence and T1’s stability, they’re my favorites. But BLG’s relentless aggression could surprise everyone. I’ll go with T1 in a nail-biting 3-2 series."
• Caedrel (Marc Lamont): "If BLG can snowball early and deny T1’s late-game scaling, they have a real chance. However, T1’s macro play is a cut above. I’m leaning 3-1 for T1."
• MonteCristo (Christopher Mykles): "BLG’s fast-paced, chaotic style is what makes them dangerous. But T1’s methodical approach could keep them in control. My call is 3-2 T1, but it’ll be close."

This final match of Worlds 2024 promises to be a breathtaking conclusion to an incredible season. With two regional giants going head-to-head, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Don’t miss out – this is a showdown that will be talked about for years to come!