T1 – Gumayusi: Immediate Consequences
In this T1 – Gumayusi drama, it can be said that the AD Carry born in 2002 is the first and most obvious “victim”. T1 admitted they gave Gumayusi the choice between “watching teammates scrim” and “ranking up”. Everyone knows what Gumayusi chose afterward. Thus, first, Gumayusi was deprived of a basic right of a player: the right to practice.
Later, the CEO of T1 also asserted that “Gumayusi must compete and prove himself to earn a starting spot”. But perhaps, because this is Gumayusi, who has received quite a bit of negative feedback from the professional community, this statement from the T1 CEO is still met with support.
If it were any legendary or superstar AD Carry, for example, Bang or Ruler, there would definitely be questions directed back at the T1 CEO: Why does a two-time World Championship AD Carry have to prove himself while an AD Carry whose highest achievement is top 4 Challengers is never mentioned as needing to perform better?
Moreover, there is increasing doubt directed at Gumayusi. Clearly, there have been quite a few opinions believing that “Gumayusi practices poorly, which is why he was replaced”. And T1’s management implicitly confirmed that Gumayusi did not practice during the period he was replaced by Smash. However, for a segment of the audience, what they have deemed true will remain true, despite Gumayusi repeatedly asserting that he has achieved results that no one else currently competing in the entire League of Legends scene can match.
T1 – Smash: Long-term Consequences
Firstly, Smash can only be at fault in this drama if the images/clips of his attitude towards the older players are true. Additionally, regarding the issue of replacing Gumayusi, Smash is in a passive position as this was a decision made by the management and coaching staff. However, he is also facing criticism almost as much as Gumayusi. The only difference is that this player is merely a rookie in the LCK this year.
This means he is in the very early stages of his official career with the first team. In fact, some anti-fans even sent gifts to Smash, and T1’s management accepted them. It can be said that instead of viewing Smash’s career journey independently, many people use it to “bring down” Gumayusi or express their dislike for this player.
These actions, which seem to be support for Smash, actually leave this player with almost no genuine fanbase of his own. Meanwhile, T1 benefits (from goods or merch related to Smash purchased by these “fans”), while anti-fans of Gumayusi have an opportunity to express “cyberbullying” under the guise of supporting his teammate.
And this is entirely detrimental to Smash’s development. No one knows if, once Gumayusi truly leaves T1, Smash will still have the same enthusiastic support as currently, or if he will become a “second Gumayusi”. But it could even be worse if T1 decides to rotate him with the 2002-born AD Carry and T1 ends up empty-handed this season.