In just a few hours, the LCK Summer 2023 will officially kick off. This year, the tournament will serve as the final showcase of strength before players head off to participate in the Asian Games (ASIAD). Additionally, teams will have to strive hard for a spot in the 2023 World Championship. Among the teams carrying significant pressure, T1 is certainly one of them.
During the Media Day ahead of the LCK Summer 2023, T1 was voted as the champion of the upcoming tournament by 7 out of 10 ballots. Moreover, the LPL community also trusts that T1 will at least make it into the top 3 teams of the tournament. These assessments are not surprising, considering T1’s performance in recent seasons. However, with the championship goal, many opinions have pointed out that T1 may find it challenging to achieve this, and there is a possibility they may end up empty-handed.
Almost All Teams Have Stability
Unlike Spring 2022 or Summer of the same year, this time, all LCK teams seem to have absolute stability in both their rosters and coaching staff. In particular, teams that can compete with T1 (Dplus KIA, Gen.G, Liiv SANDBOX, Hanwha Life Esports…) have largely maintained their rosters. Thus, compared to Spring 2023, teams have prepared more thoroughly and have more cohesive lineups.
As for T1, their roster has been playing together for nearly 2 years. In terms of synergy and stability, T1 is far superior. However, this very lineup has suffered defeats in 4 consecutive finals and 1 lower bracket final at MSI 2023. T1’s stability in Spring 2022 was a weapon, but now, it may very well become a critical weakness for Faker and his teammates.
The Psychological Pressure on Gumayusi
It can be said that although he has only been familiar to the audience for about 2 years, Gumayusi is currently 50% of T1’s strength. The audience can clearly see that when this player is allowed to play and supported by teammates, he almost never fails. Even veterans like Ruler struggle on days when Gumayusi reaches his peak fighting power.
However, it is precisely Gumayusi who is causing T1 fans to worry. His recent comments about the pressure of “T1 must win” and his need to see a psychologist show the immense burden he and his teammates are carrying. This will be a significant pressure, especially as T1 enters a crucial phase. And just one misstep, one wrong judgment, could sweep T1’s entire season away.
Faker’s Performance
In terms of competitive spirit and mentality, Faker can be considered the most reliable factor. However, it cannot be denied that age has affected Faker’s judgment and decision-making. He has made mistakes that have put T1 in difficult positions on several occasions. Moreover, Faker also faces the pressure of “titles in every tournament T1 participates in”. This is the catalyst that has led to Faker’s drop in performance at critical moments.
In the upcoming Summer season, Faker will have the chance to prove he is still outstanding. The matches at LCK Summer 2023 between T1 and Gen.G could also help determine the starting Mid Laner for the upcoming ASIAD. Faker understands that every mistake will come at a high cost, and if T1’s current lineup falls apart, he may never touch a title again.
Conclusion
After all, the tournament has not yet taken place, and these assessments are merely references. T1 will certainly prepare at the highest level, and all players undoubtedly do not want to continue being the great failures in the history of LCK and League of Legends.