In the opening match of the final day of the first week of LCK Summer 2022, it was a “media war” between T1 and KT Rolster. In the past, this matchup was considered one of the most interesting and exciting rivalries in Korea, but currently, T1 is showing to be far superior compared to KT. However, that doesn’t mean this confrontation lacked excitement, especially as T1 seems to be aiming for a record similar to that of Spring 2022.
Nevertheless, with T1 sticking to their “unconventional” picks that are considered a “double-edged sword”, Faker and his teammates had to pay the price with some “out meta” bans and picks from their opponents as well as the audience. Keria’s Support Camille did not prove effective while Faker’s Kassadin completely lost out to Aria’s Azir. And when the Emperor of the Sands hit his power spike early, coupled with perfect Realm Shatter plays, T1 had to accept that victory in game 1 fell into KT’s hands.
In the second game, KT again showed more advantages in kills and objectives like Rift Herald and Dragons. However, T1 accepted to give up many major objectives so that players like Gumayusi, Faker, and Zeus could get the necessary items. A disastrous team fight at the Red Buff caused KT to lose their gained advantage. After that, KT also lost the Elder Dragon and from there, T1 appeared to have secured victory. The final push from Faker and his teammates wiped out the KT roster, equalizing the match score.
In the deciding game, both teams played cautiously. T1 had a significant advantage in the early and mid-game stages. However, KT showed their determination in this match as they regained each advantage one by one. But in the final decisive team fight, KT secured Baron but ADC Aiming made a critical mistake. His Assassin’s Instinct play took him out of his teammates’ protection. Aiming and Aria fell, leaving KT without enough damage to defeat T1. Faker and his teammates continued their undefeated streak in the LCK.
Although victorious, T1 revealed too many weaknesses in this match. And if ADC Aiming had not made that mistake, KT could have completely pulled off an upset. Faker and his teammates need to rectify their mistakes quickly, as their journey in the LCK Summer 2022 and then the World Championship 2022 is still very long, and every mistake will come at a high cost.