G2 Esports beat T1, handing the historic org its lowest place exit at an international event

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 08/07/2026

In a historic series, G2 Esports have eliminated T1 from MSI 2026. It’s the first time G2 have beaten T1 in a series since 2019, and not only that, it’s also the first time T1 have failed to reach the top four at an international event, as the broadcast put it.

G2 Esports beat the reigning three-time World Champions 3-1 in the Lower Bracket Round 2. T1 finish fifth at the tournament. It comes after T1 had a close five game series against BLG in Round 1, before sweeping FURIA in the Lower Bracket.

G2 make top 4 after handing T1 its lowest international finish 

Game 1 was a marathon, with gold leads swinging repeatedly across more than 40 minutes before G2 found a decisive midlane fight, aced T1 and converted to take the opener. Game 2 was far more one-sided, with G2 dominating to an 18-8 kill lead in just over 30 minutes. T1 pulled one back in Game 3, with BrokenBlade picking up a solo kill, before T1 battled back to win 27-18 and extend the series.

 Game 4 was another long match, going beyond 40 minutes with G2 in a never-ending siege against T1’s base. T1 did find moments to exploit, picking up kills, securing the Elder Dragon and buying themselves more time. But G2’s Kled on top lane proved too problematic, extending fights, getting kills where he had no right to, and even cancelling Galio’s ultimate to kill Faker at a crucial moment. The menace on his chicken then finished the game, with Peyz looking to clean house but unable to stop the inevitable.

T1’s fifth place finish is a notable statistical footnote given their track record at the event. They have won MSI twice, in 2016 and 2017, reached the final in 2022 and 2025, and have consistently been a semifinal presence across their history. Finishing outside the top four is a relatively rare outcome for an organisation that has made international deep runs feel almost routine.

Interestingly, the local crowd in Korea happily cheered for G2 beating the biggest organisation on home soil. T1 historically draws the viewers in and gathers the Korean and international audience alike. But locally, some fans were dressed in G2 colours and even applauded and cheered during G2’s post-series interview. Perhaps G2 are a fan favourite among the eastern faithful?

G2 will now advance to face LYON in another EU versus NA rivalry. LYON beat Team Secret Whales 3-0 earlier in the day to advance. Liquid beat Karmine Corp 3-0 in the Play-Ins – Can NA do the double, or will G2 prove they are an Eastern team in spirit and send LYON packing? The winner of this matchup will then await the result from HLE and BLG in the Upper Bracket Final, to determine the Lower Bracket Final matchup.

I wonder how many had this result on their pick-ems?

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Craig began his career with Esports News UK back in 2015/2016, looking to write about a passion while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. He stayed there for several years before moving on to other websites to begin his career after graduating. Now he's back, covering esports adjacent topics and UK stories.

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