The match between T1 and Bilibili Gaming can be said to have somewhat disappointed the audience as many were looking forward to a tense battle that would last all 5 games. However, in terms of gameplay, this result was not surprising as BLG completely dominated T1. Only the second game saw T1 show some control with appropriate meta picks and gameplay. In the other three losing games, they were led by BLG, and all the reigning world champion could manage were turret dives and a few highlights that did not carry much overall significance.
It can be said that BLG locked down T1’s strategy right from the banning phase. By having better picks, BLG forced T1 players to reveal their weaknesses through unconventional champions. For example, Faker had to use Veigar and Akali – one champion is not very suitable for the current meta, while Akali has not been seen in Faker’s hands for a long time. Faker’s playstyle is to make plays, but in one game, BLG banned all five champions that are most suitable for Faker’s role.
It can be said that when Faker is unable to make plays, T1 immediately resembles a “headless snake.” However, in reality, BLG did not always ban all of Faker’s champions. It’s baffling why they continued to pick Twisted Fate – a champion that had previously caused T1 trouble in their match against G2 Esports and in many prior games. While T1 focused on the top lane, they inadvertently overlooked a “treasure” that deserved much more attention, which is Gumayusi.
In all four games, the only time Gumayusi was truly utilized with a carry ADC champion was in the deciding game. Meanwhile, Elk was used with Kalista and Lucian – two of the strongest ADCs currently in three games. Even when allowing Elk to use Senna, BLG had a very strong frontline with Nautilus and K’Sante. Along with Nidalee and Tristana, which are two champions that excel at disrupting fights and ganking lanes, Elk’s Senna was completely at ease.
Meanwhile, back to Gumayusi, he did not receive this “favor,” at least in the recent match against BLG. In Game 1, T1’s thin and farm-dependent lineup only had K’Sante and Tahm Kench to withstand damage, but the opponent had Vayne, which can be considered a hard counter to K’Sante in lane due to true damage. In Game 3, it was still Senna, but this time, all the shielding duties fell on Keria because T1 chose four other champions that dealt damage. By the time Gumayusi was used with Kalista, it was already too late.
Gumayusi is one of the best ADCs in the world right now, and he has proven that many times through champions like Varus or Lucian. Admittedly, the opponent can also ban Gumayusi’s champions, but T1 has almost only allowed their ADC to use champions that can be considered somewhat restrictive like Senna. Not to mention, they also lacked the appropriate frontline for Gumayusi to freely deal damage. Even when using Varus, there were many times the “Prince” had to fend for himself.
At this MSI, Gumayusi has gone through 13 games but has only been used with 3 champions. Surprisingly, among them, Lucian – a champion also very favored by Gumayusi – was not included. In comparison, Elk has used 5 champions, and only Senna is not a pure ADC. Even Hans Sama has used 4 champions, all of which are ADCs. Meanwhile, Kalista is the champion Gumayusi has used the most with 5 games. The two champions he used an equal amount are Senna and Varus with 4 games, but Senna is not a pure ADC.
Of course, every player must adhere to T1’s general playstyle. But past strategies have not shown effectiveness. Now T1 is at a breaking point, and perhaps, with an ADC like Gumayusi, it is time for T1 to fully utilize this “treasure” to overcome the current tough phase and aim for their first title in 2024.