Pure Magic: How the Worlds 2022 Finals Delivered on All Fronts
A Run for the Ages
For League of Legends fans last night, the finals of Worlds 2022, was a fantasy story come to life like no other. The underdog team, that everyone discounted, would triumph over great adversity and a larger than life foe, to emerge victorious. In a series like so few, DRX and T1 brough everything to the table and left it all. In the end, DRX would win, taking the series 3-2.
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Never before, in the history of Worlds, has a Play-In team, ever won Worlds. DRX began their journey in a Play-In Stage, in the same group as LPL powerhouse Royal Never Give Up and LEC former titans, Mad Lions.
DRX would not only top their group but go 5-0. Placed in the same group as Rogue (1st seed of the LEC), Top Esports (2nd seed of the LPL) and GAM Esports (1st seed of the VCS), DRX once again emerged as the top seed. With a 4-2 record, they topped their group in convincing fashion.
Now in the Knockout Stage, they took down Edward Gaming in the quarterfinals, and Gen. G in the semifinals to finally reach T1.
The Best Story Ever Told
A decade after his debut, Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu would finally see himself overcome the shadow of Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. Having chased the demon king since before his career even began, “Deft” commented before the finals, that while they had begun at the same starting line, he’d always felt “Faker” had pulled far ahead.
“Deft” had never made it past a Worlds semi-final before, and despite his numerous other accomplishments, it haunted him greatly. He had one dream left to fulfil, lifting the Summoner Cup during his career, and it seemed doomed to remain a mirage.
Not only did DRX make it to the semi-finals, ending a 7-year-long quarterfinals drought, “Deft” would face former teammates Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon and Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon in Gen. G. Against the first seed of the LCK, DRX appeared unfazed, ending the former’s run with a 3-1 score.
Then, last night, “Deft” would finally face his long-time spectre in “Faker.” Hailing from the same hometown and school, from an early age, “Deft” would attempt to surpass the future prodigy. Alas, it was not to be. Against essentially the deity of League itself, he appeared he would always be competing for second place.
Last Dance, Last Laugh
However, on the 5th of Nov 2022, “Deft” and DRX shook the League world by completing the dream run. The finals series proved to be a slugfest between T1 and DRX, with every one of the ten players showing moments of brilliance. In the end, sadly, Game 5 would come crashing for T1.
A failed smite fight between junglers saw the Elder Dragon go over to DRX. Seeing one last shot at redemption, “Faker” and Choi “Zeus” Woo-je attempted a backdoor end. The plan would fail as DRX cleaned up the last dregs of T1, before sending it home down the mid lane.
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Cries from the Ten
Winner or Loser, to have made it to the finals of Worlds, is a testament of your strength. Despite their loss, T1 can be proud of their accomplishments in 2022. And in their tale, DRX proved they had the makings of champions.
Image credit: Lol Esports/ Riot Games