faker Reflects on 100th MSI Win After T1 Sweep Team Liquid
faker Reflects on 100th MSI Win After T1 Sweep Team Liquid
T1 captain Lee “ faker ” Sang-hyeok shared his thoughts after the team opened MSI 2026 with a 3-0 win over Team Liquid .
The victory sent T1 into the upper-bracket semifinals and also marked faker ’s 100th career win at the Mid-Season Invitational. However, the legendary mid laner said the milestone was less important than winning key matches when it matters most.
Although T1 swept the series, faker admitted the match was not perfect. He said the team’s early plans did not work as expected, but T1 managed to stay focused and adapt.
“Honestly, early on, the strategies that we prepped didn’t really work well, but we were able to keep focused and win in the end. So I’m really happy and grateful that me and my teammates were able to pull it off.”
faker also pointed to T1 ’s Baron play as one of the key moments of the match.
“There was a moment where we were able to sneakily take the Baron. I think that was the highlight of the day.”
The win was especially meaningful for T1 as MSI 2026 is being held in South Korea . faker said starting the tournament with a victory in front of the home crowd made the result even more special.
“This was our first MSI match and the first one for the tournament. I’m really happy to be able to pick up a win here in front of the home crowd.”
Game 2 of the series gave faker his 100th MSI win, adding another milestone to his international career. However, he said his focus remains on winning important matches rather than building records.
“Nothing much. I think what matters more than stacking up wins is winning at crucial moments. I will keep focusing on getting the win when it matters the most.”
T1 will next face the winner of CTBC Flying Oyster vs Karmine Corp in the upper bracket. faker said he does not have a preferred opponent and stressed that T1 will prepare carefully regardless of who they meet.
“To be completely honest, I have no idea how the stories will unfold, so it’s really hard to predict. But all of those teams are some of the best teams from their own region. We will not let our guards down and we will prepare as thoroughly as possible.”
faker also thanked the fans who attended the opening match and promised to deliver another strong performance.
“The matches happened quite early this morning. I’m really happy and grateful to see all the fans showing up to support us. So I will make sure to display another great performance for the fans.”
T1 defeated Team Liquid 3-0 in the opening series of MSI 2026, advancing to the upper-bracket semifinals. The result also gave faker his 100th career win at MSI, further extending his record on the international stage.
