In the match against Kwangdong Freecs, kicking off the final week of the LCK Summer 2023 group stage, T1 saw the return of Faker to the roster. Instantly, like a miracle, the gloomy and demoralized image of the young T1 players disappeared completely. Instead, T1 played cohesively, executing plays at the top level just as before Faker was injured. T1 swiftly defeated KDF in both games as a statement that they have truly returned and are ready for the playoffs.
The influence of Faker is undeniable as he has demonstrated even in his absence. Many fans jokingly say, “Faker holds 99% of T1’s power”. At first glance, this might seem like a sarcastic remark considering that the current young T1 players are all highly regarded in their positions. However, upon reflection, even T1 fans must admit that this statement holds some truth.
And this reality might be causing headaches for T1’s management. The impact of Faker both mentally and in terms of skill is beyond question. Hence, the question “Who will take the lead once Faker retires?” becomes increasingly pressing. Clearly, T1 cannot rely on the youth team. At this point, only recruiting a star player could meet expectations. From there, another question arises: Who will that star be?
Chovy may be one of the top mid-laners right now, and his contract will expire at the end of the 2023 season. However, his influence and leadership cannot compare to Faker. At Gen.G, the strategists and shot-callers used to be Lehends, Ruler, and now it’s mostly Peanut. As for ShowMaker, it feels like without Canyon, ShowMaker would struggle. In fact, if Canyon performs inconsistently, ShowMaker also underperforms immediately.
Looking at the LPL, Scout is emerging as a viable option. Of course, Scout’s contract issues could pose an obstacle. Moreover, he has been away from the LCK long enough that he may need time to adjust. But at least, Scout could become a good choice. Furthermore, he is also a former member of the SKT T1 training grounds. Thus, historically, Scout aligns well with the traditional values of T1.
It can be said that whoever is chosen will face immense pressure. But only those who can overcome this and prove themselves will truly qualify to become the leader of T1 once the “Demon King” officially retires.