Faker only performed at a decent level
Entering the match against KT Rolster, T1 aimed to win to continue their journey in the LCK Summer Playoffs 2024. Moreover, this is a period where T1 often shines with good results. As a result, many viewers were hopeful that T1 would truly begin their flourishing phase like in previous seasons, potentially even dethroning Gen.G. In fact, Faker and his teammates’ playoff debut went more smoothly than expected as they won by a significant margin, delivering many surprising picks and a pentakill for Zeus.
However, among the T1 players, there was one name that was rated as performing only at a decent level compared to his teammates. That player is none other than Faker. In fact, according to some viewers, even when using Azir, he only showed a slightly better performance compared to when he played Yasuo or Smolder. But in terms of audience expectations, he nearly fell short.
Yet T1 and Faker fans are “secretly happy”
However, for many T1 fans, the fact that Faker only performed adequately has a positive side: the other T1 members can share the burden with him, while also having the opportunity to prove themselves as Faker takes on a more supportive role in team calls. In reality, T1’s successful period was when names like Gumayusi, Keria, or Zeus shone while Faker stepped back to support his younger teammates. Recently, with the rise of the Mid Lane ADC meta, the burden has shifted back onto Faker, putting pressure on both him and T1.
Faker stepping back to support his teammates and shining in crucial moments is the playstyle that helped T1 succeed at the 2023 World Championship. Therefore, it’s no surprise that T1 fans can even feel “secretly happy” that now his teammates can share the burden with Faker, allowing the G.O.A.T of League of Legends to return to the role he excels at in recent seasons.