Faker’s situation has garnered a lot of attention
It can be said that the Summer Split is always a tough time for T1, and nearly every year this team faces more challenges than in the previous Spring Split, even when they have what are considered “unstoppable” rosters like in 2015 – 2016. However, in 2024, the situation is difficult in a different way as Faker himself has exhibited emotional outbursts and mental strain. As a result, many fans are concerned that T1 will struggle to defend their Worlds title, and may even face significant difficulties on their path to qualifying for the biggest international tournament in the League of Legends scene.
Steps to Soothe Faker and T1
To “soothe” Faker and T1, coincidentally during this time, Riot has released a new update (to be used in the playoffs and Worlds 2024). Accordingly, a series of champions with magical power like Azir, Orianna, and Syndra… will have the chance to return. As known, the current Mid Lane AD meta provides teams with an additional source of damage that can “carry the team” alongside the main AD Carry in the Bot Lane.
This suits teams that have Mid Laners capable of “carrying the team” with damage roles like Gen.G (Chovy) or Hanwha Life Esports (HLE). However, Mid Laners who tend to make plays and create strategies like Faker or ShowMaker, Bdd will face many difficulties.
However, Riot’s update has left many League of Legends fans, especially from the LPL region, feeling upset. According to LPL’s argument, the upcoming meta will be no different from the 2023 Worlds phase—when T1 dominated with Faker playing Azir and Orianna, making plays and creating space for teammates to freely deal damage. The champions that were “buffed” like Azir and Orianna are all Faker’s signature champions. He even uses Syndra and Sylas very effectively.
However, Riot’s adjustments aimed at boosting the power of AP champions or those with a playmaking tendency are understandable, as this playstyle is currently completely overshadowed by the current Mid Lane AD Carry. Riot itself wouldn’t want any meta to “vanish”, and the power upgrades are simply part of their ongoing efforts to create balance in their updates.