The T1 – KT Match Has Shown That LCK Really Needs Fearless Draft
Since MSI 2024, the rise of the Mid Lane AD Carry meta has forced teams, especially in LCK, to develop strong champions that can become primary damage sources late in the game (Tristana, Corki…) instead of playmaking champions as before (Azir, Orianna, Ahri…).
Especially, teams like Gen.G and Hanwha Life Esports, which have Mid Lane players doubling as primary damage dealers, are particularly strong in this meta. Meanwhile, T1 seems to be struggling as Faker can no longer play in that meta like he used to, given his age, declining skills, and a pair of injured hands.
But it’s not just that; this playstyle also raises another issue: the meta will only revolve around a few really strong champions or those with quick turret-pushing abilities, exemplified by names that frequently appear such as Ziggs, Vi, Maokai… In the specific match between T1 and KT Rolster, whichever team was on the blue side, with bans and picks targeting the meta, emerged victorious.
Broadly speaking, throughout the LCK Summer 2024 regional qualifiers, the win rate for the blue side reached 76.9%. Specifically, the champion Ziggs had a win rate of 72.2% in the playoffs, while in the regional qualifiers it was 50%.
Can Fearless Draft Resolve LCK’s Situation?
In fact, LPL has shown a fresh face, with many champions being brought back into usage after a long time. However, in general, since it is still experimental, Fearless Draft has not been widely applied in the group stages or playoffs of LPL recently. Moreover, LPL’s failure at the 2024 Esports World Cup could also be an indication that the application of Fearless Draft may not guarantee success.
However, for many viewers, having to continuously witness LCK only playing around a few specific champions is quite boring. In fact, throughout the playoffs of LCK Summer until the end of the regional qualifiers, there was only one instance in the first game of the T1 – KT match in the regional qualifiers where Faker was allowed to play Azir; otherwise, he was banned. Similarly, when teams faced HLE, they would auto-ban Peanut’s Vi and Maokai. Or any team using Ziggs would almost certainly rotate lanes to gain advantages around the Void Rift. These recurring factors can be easily noticed by audiences without needing to have in-depth knowledge.
Fearless Draft may not immediately resolve LCK’s issues, nor may it truly be effective. But clearly, this mode could bring new winds, as audiences are likely already tired of predictable bans and picks, and a playstyle where one can know who will win or lose even before the match begins.