In T1’s victory over Bilibili Gaming at the Swiss stage of the World Championship (Worlds) 2023, Gumayusi undoubtedly stood out as the star player. The T1 ADC didn’t die even once in both games, despite facing strong AD champions like Kai’Sa and Xayah. Particularly in the second game, when using his signature Jinx, Gumayusi could be said to have “obliterated the opponents.”
This victory can be seen as a mental relief for Gumayusi after the loss to Gen.G in the LCK Summer 2023 finals. In that match, Gumayusi performed to the best of his ability but became the target of criticism from some fans due to a single mistake. Although most could see Gumayusi’s effort, especially with Faker absent, the criticism directed at the “Prince” did not diminish.
However, the win against BLG, coupled with the MVP title of the match, has left Gumayusi brimming with confidence. In the post-match interview, when asked, “How do you assess T1’s bot lane (Gumayusi and Keria) compared to other bot lanes at Worlds?” he confidently stated: “Of course, I think we are the best bot lane at Worlds 2023. There are many other bot lanes I want to face, but I want to defeat all of them.”
During the period when Gumayusi and Keria, along with T1, achieved an unprecedented undefeated record in League of Legends history, this was the confidence that the 2002-born ADC displayed at that time. In fact, League of Legends fans, especially T1 supporters, have always wanted to see this confidence from Gumayusi again. Although he is now more composed, Gumayusi’s audacity reassures T1 fans and instills belief that their team can defeat any opponent.
In front of T1 are still many powerful opponents, such as JD Gaming, Gen.G, or LNG Esports. But surely, when T1 regains their confidence and no longer feels the pressure to win at all costs, they will truly be a formidable and unpredictable team that every opponent must be wary of.