T1’s Kim Su-hwan, known as Peyz, made history at the 2026 Esports World Cup by selecting Sylas for the bot lane, marking the first time this champion has appeared in that role during a top-tier professional League of Legends match. The game took place during the tournament held in France from July 15 to 19, an event known for featuring the strongest global teams.
Sylas, a melee fighter traditionally used in mid lane due to his ability to steal opponent ultimates and turn fights chaotic, contrasts sharply with the usual marksman champions occupying the bot lane. Typically, bot laners rely on ranged attacks to scale safely into late game, but Sylas’s kit thrives on direct engagement and disrupting enemy strategies.
Peyz joined T1 before the 2026 season and came into the Esports World Cup with prior competitive experience during the online qualifiers. The lineup he played with included Doran at top lane, Oner in jungle, Faker mid lane, and Keria as support. Facing Gen.G, a team known for its meticulous preparation and analytical approach, T1’s decision to field Sylas in bot lane indicated confidence in the pick as a strategic choice rather than a surprise tactic designed to unsettle their opponent.
In an environment where draft order reveals available ultimates to both teams, Sylas’s unique mechanic of stealing abilities allowed Peyz to adapt strategically throughout the match, potentially shifting the balance by using the enemy’s strengths against them. This innovative approach highlighted evolving metas and coaching insights within elite esports.
T1’s presence at EWC 2026 also underscored the growing intersection between esports and cryptocurrency, with T1’s partnership with Sui blockchain reflecting a broader trend of financial innovation penetrating the competitive gaming scene.
