Worlds Semifinals: T1 vs. JDG

Worlds 2023 Semifinals Day 2: T1 vs JDG Esports Club

The much-anticipated first match everyone had been waiting for begins! T1 took an early lead, dominating every play and keeping JDG on the ropes. In the top lane, Zeus achieved the impossible by single-handedly defeating 369’s Rumble while playing as Aatrox. T1’s support, Keria, pulled off an incredible engage, locking JDG’s five members in the Rift Herald’s pit. This left them defenseless against Faker’s crew as they swiftly burst down the enemy team. In a subsequent teamfight in the drake pit, Faker demonstrated Azir’s mobility by effectively picking apart JDG’s team while skillfully kiting them. T1 then proceeded to end the game.

Game 2 kicked off right away with a 5v5 teamfight at the blue side raptors, resulting in T1 securing 2 kills and losing only Oner. However, the game took a turn as 369, playing K’Sante, dominated his lane, and Kanavi gained a substantial advantage in the jungle, securing an early herald to solidify their lead. T1 lacked the team composition for teamfighting, and JDG managed to engage effectively, wiping T1’s team off the map despite their efforts in securing early objectives. Despite T1's commendable early efforts, JDG snowballed too quickly. In a deliberate and controlled siege, JDG broke all three inhibitors in T1’s base. When the baron buff ended, they wisely recognized not to push too hard without the stat boost and opted to fall back. The last teamfight broke out in the bot lane, and JDG took out T1 and secured a victory in Game 2.

JDG took an early lead in Game 3 and maintained a steady advantage throughout. However, at 18 minutes, T1 executed an outstanding engage in the Drake pit, securing both the drake and three kills. JDG seemed to be re-taking control, and all hope appeared lost for T1 as the LPL's first seed claimed the Baron buff. But in a reversal reminiscent of the 2017 Grand Final, Faker caught Ruler off guard, Oner as Rell gathered JDG’s forces, and the rest of T1 executed the Renata-Aatrox-Azir wombo-combo of ultimates, acing JDG. They rushed the base, ending the game with a spectacular turnaround.

Game 4 began with 369 taking Aatrox from Zeus, and Ruler introducing Zeri to the mix. The matchup between Oner on Jarvan IV and Kanavi on Bel’Veth remained pivotal. JDG, the 2023 MSI and LPL champions, aimed for the Golden Road, while T1, the most decorated team in League of Legends history, wants the last title for the Unkillable Demon King, Faker.

The fourth match of the series saw both teams bringing their motivation and experience to the rift in a battle for the ages. Each play from one team prompted an equally strong reply from the opponents. T1 played for the late-game, recognizing it was the right call for their style. Despite JDG being ahead, T1 stayed calm and, after picking off Kanavi, secured their first Baron buff of the series and strategically retreated with their gold boost. From that point on, T1 continued to fight and win, and JDG’s hope started dwindling. Each pick for T1 translated to another turret down for JDG, followed by a significant objective.

Faker was 6/2/0 by now, and Keria was making unbelievable plays all around the map. Another teamfight won, and T1 had the Dragon Soul boost and the Baron buff. With a precise siege, T1 defeated JDG in a final teamfight under the nexus turrets, effectively ending the Golden Road for the LPL and MSI champions, solidifying their place in the Grand Finals of League of Legends Worlds 2023!

Our MVP for the T1 vs. JDG Semifinal is T1’s Support Keria!

Don’t miss the League of Legends Worlds 2023 Grand Finals next Sunday!

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