In recent days, since the start of the 2022 LCK Spring Split, a stark reality has emerged in the LCK region: there are not many standout top lane names in the current season. Nuguri is taking a break after a disappointing season with FunPlus Phoenix, while Khan must fulfill his military service as per South Korean law, leading to a loss of game-changing top laners that the LCK used to have in the past.
Among the few bright spots in the dark picture of LCK’s top laners, names like Canna, Doran, and Rascal can be mentioned as having relatively stable performances. However, they are only decent compared to the current overall standard of the LCK. For instance, Canna has not shown much dominance when Nongshim RedForce faced T1, with his opponent being rookie Zeus, who is just in his first season in the main roster. Similarly, Doran allowed his “predecessor” Rascal to shine brighter when Gen.G Esports lost to KT Rolster. Meanwhile, Rascal himself is also experiencing fluctuating form, recently losing with KT to a DRX team in crisis, with players contracting Covid-19 and the coach being fired mid-season.
In the context of South Korea’s fierce rival at the upcoming 2022 Asian Games, China possesses many “powerful” toplaners like 2021 World Champion Flandre or Bin – a player who can create upsets if on his signature champions. Not to mention Breathe and Ale, who are also performing well, or even Xiaohu, who could be shifted to top lane in the Chinese team lineup. The lack of strong top laners in the LCK is truly alarming. In this situation, many have thought of a name that has been away from the LCK for a long time: “Top God” TheShy.
TheShy is undoubtedly on par with the names mentioned above, if not better. He has more international experience than Ale, Bin, or Breathe. TheShy can create upsets just like Xiaohu. And certainly, when it comes to skill and reputation, TheShy surpasses the current top laners of the LCK. Even if Nuguri returns in Summer 2022, he may not be able to compete with TheShy. Moreover, TheShy has a diverse champion pool and playstyle. If the team plays effectively around him, and allows him to “carry himself” as SofM revealed, victory could be within reach.
However, the biggest issue for TheShy is his form. On a good day, he can shine, carry the team, and do everything to secure victory. But just as easily, in the next game, he can become a liability, frequently targeted to the point where his name is associated with a death every time he appears.
And an important point: TheShy is currently playing in the LPL, and the date for the 2022 Asian Games has been announced for September 10, 2022. According to the schedule for the LPL Summer 2021, the playoff finals will only conclude on September 2. Assuming Weibo Gaming reaches the finals of the LPL Summer 2022, TheShy would likely have only about a week to join his teammates — a relatively short time, especially since TheShy has never had the opportunity to play alongside LCK players in a competitive official match.
The Korean Asian Games Organizing Committee has confirmed that there will be opportunities for Korean players to compete abroad, and the representative specifically mentioned Viper, Scout (two World Champions), and TheShy – who is currently performing well with WBG. However, Scout will face difficulties as the mid-lane position is almost certainly occupied by Faker. Viper may have an easier time, but T1’s bot duo of Gumayusi and Keria are performing well. Not to mention Deft and BeryL or Ruler and Lehends. The only one with a real chance seems to be TheShy, as he has virtually no worthy competition if selected.
At this moment, TheShy’s chance to wear the Korean national team jersey at the upcoming 2022 Asian Games remains unclear due to many influencing factors. However, if a lineup is formed with TheShy, Canyon, and Faker, South Korea would have an extremely strong top side. This would significantly increase their chances of medaling in the tournament, allowing Faker to fulfill his military service obligations while extending his illustrious career.