All eyes of the League of Legends community on June 25 (Vietnam time) were focused on the matchup between DWG KIA and T1. This would be the second “Super Classic” of LCK in Summer 2022 and the second major match for DK within a week. However, unlike Gen.G, T1 in Summer 2022, although not showing stable performance like in Spring, Zeus has been an exception. According to many predictions, the showdown between Nuguri and Zeus is the decisive factor in the outcome of this matchup.
Nuguri has proven why he remains one of the top-tier top laners in the world, despite a poor season with FunPlus Phoenix and missing the entire Spring 2022. Mordekaiser in Nuguri’s hands was too powerful, making Zeus clearly at a disadvantage. However, T1 orchestrated three consecutive attacks on Nuguri, causing the former 2020 World Champion to “go dark.” Nuguri’s teammates like ShowMaker and Deokdam were not providing enough damage. The game was increasingly slipping away from DK’s grasp. The reigning LCK champions from 2021 had to accept defeat in game 1.
Moving into game 2, DK still had Twisted Fate in ShowMaker’s hands and Deokdam’s Ezreal. However, with a composition focused on picking off, DK showed themselves to be significantly weaker than T1 in the early game skirmishes. Major objectives like Rift Herald and Dragon were successively taken by Faker and his teammates. However, by mid-game, DK did manage to execute some strong proactive team fights. The only issue was the gap was too large. T1 coordinated much better overall. After a crucial Baron play, each member of DK fell, and Faker and his teammates secured a deserved victory.
With this victory, T1 continues to maintain one of the longest undefeated streaks in LCK history. With their upward momentum, Faker and his teammates are proving they are the top contenders for the championship in LCK Summer 2022.
As for DK, this loss can be considered well-deserved. The entire team played very disjointedly and could only flash brilliance in a few skirmishes. Most of the time, the performance of the DK members showed signs of fatigue. The only exception trying hard was probably Nuguri. If they do not improve soon, even DK’s runner-up position will struggle to compete with another “giant” like Gen.G.