One of the most anticipated matches before the two major leagues, LCK and LPL, took a break for the Lunar New Year was the showdown between T1 and DWG KIA. Although the reigning LCK 2021 champion no longer has the roster that led them to victory both internationally and domestically, they still remain a powerhouse in the Korean League of Legends scene. Moreover, during DK’s golden era, T1 was their biggest rival and was defeated by them numerous times, from LCK to the World Championship.
Furthermore, this match gained attention as T1 was the only team to maintain an undefeated streak in the LCK Spring 2022 before facing DK (Gen.G Esports had lost earlier). Faker and his teammates were certainly aiming for victory, both to maintain their lead in the standings and to put pressure on their rivals Gen.G (T1 will face Gen.G in the very first week of matches after the Lunar New Year break).
The nature of the match also unfolded as the audience expected, featuring all the elements: surprises, “crazy” plays from star players, macro skills, and discipline in tactical execution. Ultimately, T1 secured a deserved victory with a score of 2-1.
However, despite being very happy with this victory, Support Keria believes that the win wasn’t quite “satisfying” yet. In an interview with female reporter Ashley Kang, when asked about the victory over DK, Keria candidly shared
“You asked about T1’s main rival this season? Other teammates might have different opinions, but for me, it’s only DK. I think DK is a better team (than Gen.G). Especially since my debut, DK has been the only team that has consistently taken me down in title-deciding matches. Like last year, they defeated us in the LCK Summer 2021 finals, then in the World Championship semifinals. Beating them once is not enough. I have been defeated by DK in 2 LCK finals and 2 World Championships. I want to meet them again in major tournaments and defeat them while performing well.”
Right below the post about this interview, League of Legends fans are extremely excited and believe that T1 this season will be the “heavenly mandate” since they have acquired the “special buff” that EDward Gaming had during the World Championship 2021: the desire for revenge against DK. Remember, League of Legends fans even nicknamed EDG as the “Avengers” when EDG aimed to defeat DK to “avenge” Faker and his teammates, while Flandre wanted to take down DK to “avenge” his close friend SofM.
It can be said that not only the T1 team or veteran Faker, Keria also holds a grudge against DK after many times being taken down by ShowMaker and his teammates, whether in the colors of DRX or after moving to T1. For Keria, winning a tournament with T1 is one thing, but defeating DK to win would be even more meaningful.