During the ongoing qualification for major international esports events, six esports teams in May 2026 exceeded 10 million Hours Watched (HW), as reported by Esports Charts. Among them, only one team, T1, managed to surpass 15 million HW, showcasing significant audience engagement.
Most-watched esports team in May 2026
After lagging behind other teams due to fewer competitive events earlier in the year, T1 reclaimed its position as the most popular esports team in April 2026. The reigning League of Legends world champion maintained its dominance in May 2026, amassing a total of 16.93 million HW.
As a powerhouse in the LoL Champions Korea (LCK), T1 competed in 12 matches across two competitions, ranking third in terms of games played among the top ten teams. Interestingly, the team in second place, Counter-Strike 2 heavyweight Team Falcons, also participated in the same number of series and events. However, T1’s immense popularity ensured its comfortable lead at the top.
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In May 2026, T1 kicked off the month with an LCK 2026 Season match against Hanwha Life Esports, resulting in a 2:1 series loss. Despite the defeat, T1 remains a key contender in this Korean regional league, attracting 1.21 Peak Viewers (PV).
The three-time LoL world champion then embarked on an impressive 11-game winning streak throughout May 2026. Starting with a victory against BRION in the Esports World Cup 2026 – Korea Qualifier, T1 continued its dominance by defeating other top teams like Gen.G and KT Rolster.
During this period, T1 showcased notable performances, including Kim “Peyz” Su-hwan setting a new pentakill record. Additionally, T1 secured a spot in the LoL Esports World Cup 2026, with the qualifier attracting over 600,000 live viewers.
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With high stakes in May 2026, T1 emerged as the most popular non-Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team based on Average Viewers (AV). The team averaged 594,089 viewers per match last month, trailing only the top teams from MPL Indonesia Season 17.
As the LCK 2026 Season takes a break, the focus shifts to other global events on the LoL calendar. T1 currently holds second place in the regular season standings with a 14:4 record, on par with domestic rival Gen.G Esports, as both teams chase the leading position held by Hanwha Life Esports.
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Despite a rocky start in May 2026, T1’s journey turned positive as the iconic League of Legends team enjoyed a dominant month. These impressive results secured T1’s qualification for the Esports World Cup 2026 and positioned them well to finish in the top three of the LCK 2026 Season, earning direct entry into the 2026 World Championship.