In the recent LCK Spring 2024 finals, it can be said that both teams T1 and Gen.G delivered one of the most spectacular performances of the Spring season in the League of Legends scene. In that match, one could witness all the emotional highs and lows of a top-tier showdown: from superstar plays to exceptional macro teamwork, minor mistakes that could turn the tide of the game, and highlights that left both the audience and players in awe.
Perhaps even now, many viewers still dream of Faker’s Shurima Shuffle + Quadra Kill with Azir or Kiin’s outstanding performances – who was named MVP of the finals. However, in reality, Faker had an incredible performance, that much is undeniable, but the context was that they were backed against the wall. Even the captain of T1 made several mistakes, particularly with the Rift Herald play in the decisive game.
As for Kiin, he shone when Gen.G was holding many advantages. Anyone who plays games understands that when their team is dominating, they will feel more relaxed and thus perform better. Therefore, many opinions pointed out that it wasn’t Kiin or Faker, Chovy, but rather Gumayusi who was truly the best player of the finals. In fact, there was a candid viewpoint: if T1 won the championship, the FMVP would undoubtedly be the “Prince.”
Throughout all five games, it can be said that Gumayusi was the most consistent player and had several stunning moments that helped his teammates gain advantages. Right from the laning phase, he completely “shut down” the young AD carry Peyz from Gen.G. In fact, Peyz lost lane so heavily that even Canyon’s help was ineffective. Ultimately, T1 forced Gen.G to play all their cards when they let Canyon use Kha’Zix in the decisive game 4. Canyon not using a tank champion anymore is a testament to how devastatingly Gen.G was lacking in damage. And it was Gumayusi who directly neutralized Peyz.
And it is precisely because of neutralizing Peyz from the laning phase, Gumayusi also set the stage for himself to shine at every moment, whether T1 was under pressure or when he could unleash damage. Gumayusi’s laning ability always allowed him to outpace Peyz by at least one item during team fights. Notably, Gumayusi did not just do this in one game, but in all five games he consistently outperformed Peyz. Throughout the finals, the moment Peyz shone the brightest was probably the last 5 seconds before T1’s nexus exploded in game 5.
Meanwhile, Gumayusi is even viewed as alongside Faker to be the rays of hope for T1. Even in game 5, when all lanes of T1 were at a disadvantage, Gumayusi still showed how hard he was trying to keep hope alive for his team. It’s just a pity that “one swallow doesn’t make a spring” and Gumayusi along with T1 had to accept the result of defeat.
Perhaps Gumayusi will be very regretful that his efforts did not bring the championship to T1. But it is precisely from this performance that Gumayusi seems to have sent a powerful message ahead of MSI 2024: “The Prince” is in top form and all teams should be cautious of Gumayusi’s shots as he is eager to complete his trophy collection with the MSI trophy in Chengdu upcoming.