As known, Gen.G completely annihilated T1 in the finals of LCK Summer 2023. While T1 may have been underrated heading into the finals, Gen.G’s level of domination was surprising to many. However, the undeniable fact is that Gen.G is currently one of the most comprehensive teams in LCK and their obliteration of T1 was expected. T1 themselves were completely exhausted after their victory against KT Rolster in the previous lower bracket final.
However, Gen.G’s victory not only brings joy to their players but also excites the LPL community. According to some arguments, the main reason is T1’s underwhelming performance, which has given LPL fans hope for the upcoming World Championship (Worlds) 2023. In fact, LPL media has boldly stated: “LCK has no hope at Worlds 2023 this year.”
The evidence presented is that Gen.G is currently the strongest team in LCK, but they have never truly posed a threat to other “big names” on the international stage. Since rebranding to Gen.G, this team has strangely become “unlucky” in tournaments like MSI or Worlds. While MSI can be blamed on the familiar grounds of LPL, it is harder to justify at Worlds. For example, in 2022, Gen.G, as the reigning LCK champions, was defeated by Royal Never Give Up in their opening match. They later had to exit the tournament after losing to another familiar opponent, DRX.
Meanwhile, T1 is highly regarded by LPL fans, even before this year’s LCK finals. This is because T1 consistently showcases talent and resilience on the international stage. In 2022, they made RNG sweat to win a controversial MSI final. At Worlds 2022, T1 defeated the then-reigning LPL champions, JD Gaming. T1’s victory over JDG at Worlds 2022 eliminated the last representative of LPL from the most prestigious stage in League of Legends. Moving to MSI, T1 almost defeated JDG in a tense BO5.
Clearly, T1 is a much more formidable name compared to Gen.G, especially on the international stage. Therefore, LPL fans have every reason to be excited seeing T1 currently weaker than their previous performance at MSI. And for many LPL fans, with T1 losing their form and skill, the championship at Worlds 2023 will be much more attainable for representatives from the land of the billion people.