Keria’s MVP is a “slap” to T1’s controversial decisions in recent times
T1’s opening match against a weak opponent like DRX was a great opportunity for the entire team to regain their rhythm, especially for Gumayusi – who has been under immense pressure since being unexpectedly benched in the LCK Cup 2025. The 2002-born AD Carry did not disappoint the fans’ expectations. However, it is perhaps Keria’s MVP that serves as a direct “slap” to the coaching staff and management of T1 – who forced Gumayusi to sit on the bench and allowed Keria to be a pure Support alongside the AD.
Specifically, in the match where Gumayusi returned, T1 seemed to recreate their image from 2021, when Keria could roam and gank all over the map, and even before team fights, he could separate from his AD to choose the best angles of approach. Keria’s Alistar and Rakan are champions that initiate fights rather than just protecting the AD.
Looking back since the beginning of 2025, Keria has only used Rakan three times, with a win rate of 100%, but two of those games were with Gumayusi. Other engage champions that Keria often used like Alistar, Leona, or Renata, Nautilus have nearly disappeared or have very low win rates. Instead, Keria had to play buff Supports or tank Supports like Poppy. And clearly, these champions have somewhat reduced Keria’s effectiveness.
Perhaps T1’s coaching staff needs to find a way to do what’s best for the team
A Support can only achieve MVP when that player has enough space and time to impact the entire game rather than just having the task of “protecting” the AD Carry. In the T1 – DRX match, Gumayusi allowed Keria the chance to do that, and Keria’s performance was simply exceptional. And perhaps, if it were any other AD Carry, Keria might not have had such a brilliant performance and earned MVP like he did in the recent match against DRX.