In terms of the leading tournaments across each region in the League of Legends scene, especially the 4 Major regions, T1 currently boasts the most impressive record. Not only do they have 7 consecutive victories, but along the way, they have defeated formidable opponents such as Nongshim RedForce and the 2021 World Championship runners-up – DWG KIA. Kicking off the matches after the Lunar New Year break, T1 also took down Hanwha Life Esports to maintain their top position while putting pressure on Gen.G Esports.
Naturally, T1’s achievements have garnered immense attention from the international League of Legends community. Not just the fans of this team or Faker, but even rivals from the LPL are watching closely. As always, Doinb has been candid with his observations about T1’s undefeated streak on his personal streaming channel.
Specifically, the 2019 World Champion, after witnessing Faker’s historic ranking climb and combining it with T1’s record as well as the performances of the “Demon King” in those matches, lamented: “Brother Li (as the LPL community refers to Faker) has now switched to a ‘nanny’ playstyle. He still wants to play carry, truly, but the ‘nanny’ style of play for his teammates doesn’t suit him. However, T1 needs that kind of play this year. The top lane, jungle, and especially the bot lane can all carry the team, so essentially Brother Li no longer needs to be the carry. Playing like a ‘nanny’ might actually lead T1 to victory.”
Indeed, Faker’s playstyle is increasingly leaning towards sacrificing for his teammates, regardless of the champion he uses. Just a few days ago, Faker played Ryze and built tanky to dive in first and create space for his teammates. Or in the match against HLE, even while playing Viktor, a champion that needs farming, Faker also let minions go to his “nephew” Gumayusi to farm the Infinity Edge.
Faker’s playstyle, as demonstrated since the 2021 World Championship, is gradually becoming a playmaker, shifting the “carrying” responsibility to his teammates. However, this does not mean that his contributions are less noticeable. On the contrary, it is precisely thanks to Faker’s flexibility that the “T1 machine” has been able to dominate the LCK up to this point.