T1 make playoffs at a VCT international tournament for the first time in its history

T1’s victory over DRX during the last round of matches at the Swiss Stage of VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Bangkok 2025 was more meaningful for the team than most might realize. Aside from conquering their demons, the win also meant T1 would qualify for the Knockout Stage of a VCT international tournament for the first time in the team’s history, signaling a new beginning for a historic esports organization.

T1 begin to gain traction

After trying their luck in North America early in VALORANT’s history, T1 made the move over to the Pacific for the start of the 2023 season. Despite always looking competitive, the team hasn’t been able to lift a trophy in the Pacific since joining the league. Their best finish ever, however, came right before the start of Masters Bangkok when they finished second place at the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Kickoff after losing a thrilling 3-2 finals to DRX.

Now, the upwards trend continues for T1 as the team was able to get revenge on DRX during the last round of the Swiss Stage at Masters Bangkok to become the only second seed at the tournament to make it to the playoffs.

VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Masters Bangkok 2025

T1

2

X

0

DRX

Swiss Stage, Best of 3 - February 24, 2025 - 10:00AM

13

Fracture

11

13

Pearl

4

T1

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

Meteor

1.26

262

42/26/4

+16

1.62

77.0%

172.4

30%

63%

10

6

Sylvan

1.25

178

25/21/36

+4

1.19

80.8%

98.0

27%

67%

4

2

iZu

1.24

240

36/21/5

+15

1.71

76.6%

143.9

28%

60%

3

2

BuZz

1.08

216

30/27/14

+3

1.11

77.8%

141.4

12%

82%

9

2

stax

0.97

163

22/24/21

-2

0.92

84.6%

113.2

30%

33%

1

2

DRX

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

free1ng

1.01

230

33/31/6

+2

1.06

67.8%

143.0

22%

46%

6

7

BeYN

0.92

174

25/27/17

-2

0.93

71.9%

110.9

26%

14%

1

6

Flashback

0.86

173

25/30/8

-5

0.83

68.6%

117.0

19%

50%

3

3

MaKo

0.72

150

18/31/18

-13

0.58

68.6%

97.3

19%

0%

0

4

HYUNMIN

0.63

135

18/36/14

-18

0.50

71.1%

90.8

25%

36%

4

7

More importantly, though, T1’s victory also means the team has now made it to the playoffs of a Masters tournament, or any VCT international tournament for that matter, for the first time in its history.

Despite attending two Masters events in the past, as well as the VCT 2023 - Champions, T1 had never managed to get past the first stage of competition. Now, T1’s growth has brought them one step closer to their first international trophy. To get there, though, the team will first need to get through none other than the reigning VALORANT Champions winners of EDward Gaming.

One of the most celebrated esports organizations in South Korea, T1 are beginning to make their presence known in VALORANT. Though the journey may be long, this is only the beginning for a T1 name that has grown synonymous with ambition.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolf/Riot Games