T1 is Compared to a VCS Team, But the Bitter Difference is Here

It can be said that T1 is causing a lot of concern among audiences ahead of the playoffs of LCK Spring 2024. At this point, they have already secured their spot to advance. However, the fact that they have a full roster but suffered a crushing defeat against Gen.G, were challenged by Dplus KIA, and then outplayed by Hanwha Life Esports is very concerning. T1’s gameplay is simple, relying on the explosive potential of its members. But there is a recurring formula: T1 maintains a balanced game until the opponent makes a mistake, leading to the conclusion of the match.

At a glance, this style of play shows a cold practicality. However, if the opponents are strong teams that play tightly with few openings, this strategy will immediately face difficulties. Gen.G and HLE are typical examples. Gen.G gave T1 no opportunities. Meanwhile, HLE was able to correct their mistakes during the match. T1 can maintain a balanced game against both teams, but when the opponents accelerate, it’s T1 that makes the mistake.

Some audiences have noticed that T1’s style is also applied by many teams, but for VCS audiences, this style perhaps reminds them a lot of GAM Esports. Specifically, GAM also often maintains a balanced game and takes advantage of opponents’ mistakes through continuous ganks, tower dives, or whenever competing for major objectives.

However, opinions also point out a fundamental difference: “T1 makes me feel somewhat similar to the GAM team in Vietnam. When I watch VCS, that team (GAM) also takes advantage of the opponents’ mistakes. But LCK is not VCS, and I feel that GAM is stronger than the other teams. Meanwhile, T1 in LCK still has Gen.G, HLE, or KT to contend with.”

Perhaps, this style of play is based on the practicality that teams want to impose on their opponents as well as the match. And perhaps there is no correlation between GAM and T1 other than the somewhat similar gameplay. But clearly, T1’s frequent use of this type of strategy has also created a backlash, and they must improve soon, especially with the playoffs approaching.