League of Legends is home to many great rivalries. G2 vs Fnatic, Damwon vs GenG, Cloud 9 vs Team Liquid. But none compare internationally to that between T1 and RNG. For many years, RNG was denied at Worlds by T1, including the last time the teams came to Worlds in NA in 2016.
RNG was finally able to best them in the MSI Finals this year, to take home their 3rd MSI title. The Worlds finals however have still eluded them, and T1 made a statement today that on the World's biggest stage, RNG was still no match.
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It was close, but there was no cigar for RNG
T1 may have come out on top this Worlds, but RNG certainly made them work for it. A close game one saw early leads for RNG off the back of Wei's Viego, but as T1 scaled and caught up their lead slowly evaporated, and damage threat from all 5 members proved too strong.
Game two was closer still. With RNG securing the cloud soul, the game looked almost over, but with a huge teamfight win T1 secured the Elder Dragon and Baron. Breathe's Fiora was incredible to watch, but the teamfight power of T1 prevailed. Gumayusi's Xayah answer to Gala's signature Xayah paid dividends.
RNG looked defeated after their game two lead came crashing down. Despite Breathe's Aatrox, T1 could smell the victory, and the Worlds 2022 Semifinals. T1 secured 26 kills in as many minutes, and the Yone from Zeus ran rampant.
Zeus is back in his Top Lane Kingdom for T1
Despite not being front and centre for T1 this series, or really this Worlds, Zeus undoubtedly gets our MVP award. In game 1 he was crucial in locking down Viego with his ultimate, and single-handedly secured several teamfight for T1.
In Game two, he was demolished by Breathe's Fiora. Lane was rough, and Zeus came out of lane with several deaths, but still fought back into the game. He hung back, farmed, and once he bought serylda's grudge he was able to dish out huge damage from range.
The finals game was where he really shone, however. With his Yone pocket pick into Breathe's Aatrox, he was able to dominate lane, and transition his lead flawlessly into teamfights. Without Zeus, this series could have looked very different, and T1 may not be heading to the Worlds Semifinals.