The Loss to DK is a Strong Response to Opinions About T1’s Bot Lane Duo
At the time when T1 parted ways with Gumayusi and recruited Peyz, there was a lot of chatter about these moves since the Gu-Ke duo had been together for a long time. However, with the victory at the 2025 KeSPA Cup, coupled with Gumayusi and HLE being eliminated from the LCK Cup right after the group stage, many believed that T1 was still very strong and the AD position could easily be replaced, as long as Faker and Keria were still around. In fact, quite a few viewers even quoted Uzi’s controversial statement: “At T1, whoever you put in the AD position, they will still be champions.”
Firstly, it’s about the laning phase. Since T1 2022 debuted in front of audiences, they often applied a championship formula to maximize the players’ capabilities: Gumayusi would use champions that might lose a bit to the opponent but thanks to his high skill, he would at least equalize or win the laning phase while Keria would roam to gank other lanes. But clearly, this strategy has not been utilized since Peyz joined the team.
The former Gen.G star is still outstanding and skilled, but Peyz is not the kind of marksman who can “survive on his own” like his predecessor. Peyz will maximize his potential if given resources. But that means other lanes are likely to fall behind. And in Faker’s position, if he loses lane, it leads to a consequence: Faker’s opponents will comfortably roam to other positions, while Faker is left in a bind. This was evident in the match against BNK and subsequently in the match against DK.
As previously mentioned, once Keria cannot actively roam to gank, this Support’s ability to create plays disappears. Comparing to the 2025 LCK Cup, Keria had at least 1 POM before being eliminated by HLE. This year, he has been performing at a level ranging from average to almost “invisible”. In the recent match against DK, it’s undeniable that Keria was even less impactful than Career.
Additionally, there is another important factor: Gumayusi has an excellent ability to calculate damage. And when this player is no longer at T1, a “second Smite” for this team is lost. Furthermore, Gumayusi has shown his resilient spirit through many matches, even when T1 faced numerous difficulties, such as in the 2022 World Championship finals. That’s something that Peyz currently cannot replace, and the future remains uncertain.
Anyone can become T1’s AD, but to win titles, it needs to be reconsidered
Of course, it is too early to comment on Peyz or T1’s bot lane duo, especially since this is just the first tournament of the year with a short timeframe. But clearly, the loss to DK, with the below-average performance of the bot lane duo, reveals one truth: anyone can be T1’s AD, but to win championships or at least to have moments that can turn the game around, as of now, no one can replace Gumayusi.