World Championship 2025 IG Preview: The T1 Mountain Stands in Their Way

IG narrowly missed out on MSI and EWC, after making a Lower Bracket run in Split 2. IG entered Split 3 to qualify for the World Championship. With four seeds available, there was a high likelihood that they would contest for a spot. They finished the Regular Season in second place, only a series victory behind Top Esports.

However, the Playoffs would see a drop in form, while meeting an unlucky draw. After losing to BLG 3-1 in the Upper Bracket, they met Anyone’s Legend. AL had suffered a shock defeat to Weibo Gaming, but they seemed reinvigorated. AL dispatched IG 3-0, meaning IG would need to win at least one series in the Regional Finals to qualify for the World Championship.

Their struggles would continue in the first round of the Regional Finals. They got comfortably beaten by TES 3-1. With one final chance against JD Gaming, they came out victorious 3-1 to qualify for the World Championship.

Rookie and TheShy Must Step Up

During the Regular Season, Rookie and TheShy were among the best players in their roles. TheShy was given 1st team All-Pro. Rookie was on the 2nd team All-Pro. The two players were instrumental in getting IG to second place in the Regular Season. The two players’ forms dropped off during the Playoffs and Regional Finals. That led to IG’s struggles. Rookie, especially, could not seem to find his footing in any of the matchups, often losing out to the opponent midlaner in the laning phase.

The two players can compete against the best in the world, and they must regain their regular-season form. IG has no room for error starting against the LPL killers, T1, so they must be on form from the start to progress in the World Championship.

How Much Can They Lean on Gala?

While Rookie and TheShy dropped off during the latter half of Split 3, Gala did not. He was by far the best player on the roster, sometimes being the best player on the rift despite his team’s struggles. There were multiple instances where Gala took the game into his hands, dragging IG to victory. Against the best teams in the World, Gala might be able to win one or two games, but he will need his team around him to step up. If IG can manage to topple T1, Gala will likely be at the forefront.

Expectations

If IG went straight to the Swiss Stage, many would expect them to qualify for the Playoffs. They have a team of that caliber. However, they are the underdogs facing off against T1 in the Play-In. Even if T1 dropped off in form during the LCK Playoffs, they are the favorites to lift the Summoner’s Cup, given their overall form this year, and it is T1 at Worlds.

Upcoming Journey

IG will face off with T1 in a Bo5 Play-In series to qualify for the Swiss Stage. If they manage to win, their possible opponents are: GenG Esports, G2 Esports, FlyQuest, and CTBC Flying Oyster.