During the off-season transfer period at the end of the 2021 season, T1 made some changes in personnel, but primarily let go of veterans. Unlike DWG KIA, Nongshim RedForce, or Gen.G Esports, T1 did not bring in any new names. Even Asper was promoted from the T1 Academy.
However, T1 currently holds the top position in the LCK Spring 2022 standings. In fact, they are the only team among the four Major leagues to maintain an unbeaten streak of 13 consecutive matches. This achievement not only approaches the record set by SKT T1 in Summer 2015 but also secures Faker and his teammates an early playoff spot. Among the teams that fell to T1, all had invested heavily in their rosters.
Setting aside objective reasons such as newcomers not adapting or the impact of the pandemic, it cannot be denied that T1 has had a commendable performance. Especially in their main lineup, apart from Faker, no one is older than 20. So, how could “1 veteran and 4 young talents” impress the world so much?
The Desire to Win, Relentlessly Seeking Recognition
Perhaps it is not uncommon to see T1’s young players, especially Gumayusi, “talking big” or making bold statements. Gumayusi’s confidence is great, and it’s a necessary trait on the path to conquering titles. But hidden within is the desire to win with each match. Years ago, we saw a Faker who desired victory so much that he shed tears on the battlefield. Now, while Gumayusi or Keria haven’t reached the point of crying like the “Demon King”, their ambition for victory is undeniable.
Moreover, although Gumayusi and Keria can be considered the best bot duo in LCK or even the world, they have yet to prove themselves concretely. Keria’s phenomenal plays, Gumayusi’s carrying T1 on his shoulders, Zeus’s destructive performance against Doran, and Oner’s synergy with Faker remind people of Bengi… But what they lack is a title. The last time T1 was close to a title was in the LCK Summer 2021 finals. However, they lost, and now, in the hearts of Gumayusi, Keria, Oner, Zeus, and even Faker, is the championship in every tournament they participate in.
Long-Term Commitment
Among the 4 young members of T1 today, only Keria has transferred from another team, while Gumayusi joined T1 back when the team was still called SKT T1. Zeus and Oner can be said to have grown up together from the academy training grounds. And Faker needs no introduction. His name is synonymous with the birth and development of T1. Even the “outsider” Keria joined at the end of the 2020 season, and his adaptability has been well demonstrated.
In any team sport, when a squad consists entirely of players from the same training ground, it becomes incredibly easy to operate. The current players of T1, including Faker himself, are all familiar with each other’s playstyles. They have observed and learned from teammates and seniors within the organization throughout their careers. Therefore, it is not surprising that Zeus, in his first season as a starter, has meshed well with the team. Or that Oner is gradually forming a new jungle-mid duo that T1 has lacked since Bengi’s decline. As for Keria, he is simply a genius with his rapid adaptability and boundless creativity.
Experience and the Connection Between “Veteran” Faker and His Younger Peers
In various interviews, many of T1’s young players have asserted that Faker is completely approachable, despite being an icon of the LCK, while the other members are just beginning their careers. In fact, Faker has shown to be very friendly with his younger teammates, from during matches to post-match photos and in interviews. It can be said that Faker is not only a playmaker in-game but also a catalyst that helps connect T1’s members.
Faker’s brilliant leadership is beyond question. He is currently one of the most experienced players in the LCK. Moreover, the “Demon King” has not lacked moments of brilliance, like in Game 1 of the recent match against Gen.G. At 26, many of his contemporaries have retired or fallen off. Yet Faker still has his unique way of shining.
Once the leader has accomplished the most critical task of creating cohesion among teammates, the operation of gameplay becomes significantly easier. And importantly, although Faker is the most seasoned, he always listens to his teammates. A prime example is in the T1 – DK match, where a young player like Keria was the one to call the crucial Baron and push that led to victory, not Faker, helping T1 secure the win.
From all of the above, T1 has been and is showcasing excellent teamwork. The whole team is talented, and each person respects each other’s opinions and shares the same goal: titles for T1. With such a collective, it is no surprise that T1 is boldly racing towards the finish line with an ever-growing unbeaten streak. It would not be far-fetched to say that if they maintain their current form, not only LCK Spring 2022 or MSI 2022 but also the championship at Worlds 2022 is entirely within the grasp of Faker and his teammates.