Before the crucial match series, T1 has once again made a “deep dive” move.
In just over a day, T1 will enter its first important match of the Road to MSI 2025, clashing with their long-time rivals – KT Rolster. This is arguably one of the most unpredictable matchups in this season’s LCK, as both teams have moments of brilliance and long winning streaks, but also times of deep disappointment. However, one noteworthy issue: while T1’s players and fans are gearing up for a tough phase, T1’s upper management has made a “deep dive” media move related to Smash.
Accordingly, T1 released a poster for the T1 Road to MSI event for fans. However, this poster includes an image of Smash – a player who has been pushed back to the LCK Challengers, and T1 has confirmed that this team will participate in MSI 2025 with a five-man roster. Thus, this promotional move by T1 contradicts the previous statements from T1’s upper management, from the CEO to the coaches.
The League of Legends community, especially T1 fans, are unable to contain their frustration.
Right below the post, many League of Legends viewers, especially T1 fans, expressed their deep frustration. Even this time, those who previously supported the idea of switching Smash in for Gumayusi or Smash fans also “turned the car around” when it was clear that T1 is not allowing this player to compete in the current lineup but still leveraging the drama between Smash and T1 – Gumayusi to make money.
– Is this the slogan “Together as 1” of T1?
– They are still finding ways to profit from Smash even though they have removed him from the lineup and confirmed a five-man roster. I feel disgusted.
– Putting Smash on the poster but not in the lineup. Is this how you respect the players?
– Planning to build Smash instead of Gumayusi and possibly replace Faker, but then performing poorly so they had to bring Gumayusi back in while still wanting to profit from Smash???
In a recent development, T1 announced that there will be a press conference with fans on June 21st. But if they cannot resolve this issue, the anger may only escalate.