In the current roster of T1, it can be seen as a full assembly of factors to create a champion. They have the youthful energy of Oner, Zeus, Gumayusi, and Keria, along with the experience of Faker. Their team call skills and macro play are beyond debate and have been proven since the recent World Championship 2021. Additionally, the individual skills and form of each player are also very good. Notably, the bot duo Gumayusi – Keria is helping T1 annihilate the rest of LCK Spring 2022.
In T1’s perfect picture, one cannot overlook the significant contributions of Faker. From being a player who had most of the team’s resources directed towards him, as a primary damage dealer, Faker has now transitioned into the team’s caller and playmaker. However, this does not diminish Faker’s influence or lead opponents to underestimate the “Demon King.” Faker himself has showcased his tremendous impact in T1’s past matches, especially against DWG KIA and recently against Hanwha Life Esports.
In game 3 against DK, Faker’s LeBlanc truly reminded the audience of his days as the “king of nerfing champions.” A transformative LeBlanc made Renekton – a champion currently considered quite strong in LCK, played by the talented mid-laner ShowMaker – quite flustered. Not to mention, Faker was seen as being on the downside of his career while the younger opponents from DK were hitting their peak. Still, Faker played to the champion’s strengths, demonstrating exactly what brought him to the height of his career that seemed to have faded over time. At the same time, Faker facilitated Zeus and Gumayusi to reach their power spikes after the initial struggles.
If we look at FATE’s LeBlanc during Kwangdong Freecs’ match against DK on February 10 (Vietnam time), it becomes even clearer just how outstanding Faker’s LeBlanc was. Although FATE dealt massive damage, ShowMaker’s Ryze had no trouble progressing in strength. By the end of the game, FATE’s LeBlanc did not have as much impact as Faker’s LeBlanc did in their match against DK.
Later, in game 1 against HLE, another factor showed that Faker is truly the player that every opponent of T1 is most wary of. Specifically, in this game 1, HLE decided to use 4 out of 5 bans on… Faker. By limiting some of the “Demon King’s” power, along with Zeri “200 years” and other strong picks, HLE managed to win game 1 against T1. In the decisive game 3, even the commentator had to admit that Faker “sacrificed his own life to bolster the next generation” by giving all the farm to Gumayusi, even though Faker was playing Viktor – a champion that also requires a lot of farm, and would typically be given farm if in the hands of Chovy or ShowMaker.
It is still too early to say whether Faker and his teammates can win the LCK Spring 2022 title, but the form of the entire team, especially Faker, has clearly been demonstrated. In his new role, the “Demon King” is even more respected and closely watched by opponents. Gumayusi – Keria may be excelling, but the “chariot” T1 can dominate LCK until now, and the credit should go to their legend – Faker.