LNG Esports has fewer wins than T1
The first reason, which is also an objective one: LNG has fewer wins than T1 due to the schedule of the LPL Spring 2022. Starting earlier than the LCK Spring 2022, but since the Lunar New Year is a very important holiday for the people of China, the highest level League of Legends tournament in China had to end earlier (the last match was played before the holiday on January 27). Therefore, LNG currently only has 5 consecutive victories.
After the Lunar New Year, LNG’s opponent in their 6th match since the start of the LPL Spring 2022 is a strong Bilibili Gaming team, which is in good form, having lost only once against the “national team” Royal Never Give Up. In fact, BLG has also defeated Weibo Gaming with the “two gods” TheShy – SofM. And it is very likely that, with this hurdle, LNG will not be able to achieve their 6th consecutive victory if they are not careful.
T1’s lineup is younger and less experienced than LNG’s
There is one truth: except for Gumayusi – Keria, the other players of T1 currently are all promoted from the team’s own training academy, and Zeus is the youngest player, born in 2004. Notably, although he is regarded as a talent, the LCK Spring 2022 is the first time this player has been fielded as a starter after Canna’s departure. And with what he has shown, despite still making mistakes as seen in game 3 against DWG KIA recently, Zeus has performed quite well if judged by the standards of a player making their debut in the main lineup.
This makes T1’s victories even more significant. For instance, in the match against DK, although Zeus was constantly camped, the young player still managed to shine. Meanwhile, Gumayusi and Oner are becoming increasingly mature in their gameplay. As for Keria, he continues to showcase the caliber of a top-tier Support in the world with his versatile plays. As for Faker, the saying “the older the ginger, the spicier” has never suited him more than now. From Azir to LeBlanc, all are skill matchups, and Faker has proven why he remains an immortal icon in the League of Legends scene.
On the other hand, LNG’s players, regardless of the situation, have many years of experience. The oldest is Doinb, but even the youngest duo, Ale and Light, are familiar names in the LPL. In fact, Light even had a brief period as SofM’s teammate under Snake Esports.
T1’s opponents are tougher compared to LNG
This is the clearest point indicating that T1 is superior to LNG – a team that is also unbeaten in the competition considered the “arch-rival” of the LCK. Since the start of Spring 2022, T1 has faced 2 out of the top 4 teams, excluding themselves. And these have all been extremely difficult matches for Faker and his younger teammates. In fact, if Canyon hadn’t been too “overzealous” in game 3, a dire scenario could have unfolded for T1.
But looking across, LNG has yet to face a team that can be considered on par with their lineup quality. From their first opponent, Ultra Prime, to their last opponent before the Lunar New Year, FunPlus Phoenix. Only FPX can be considered strong enough to challenge LNG, but remember, before meeting their former captain Doinb, FPX had just lost to JD Gaming. Moreover, FPX has undergone almost a complete overhaul, with only Lwx remaining, and this AD carry doesn’t always perform at 100% capacity.
Of course, it would be unfair to say that LNG’s victories are due to luck. However, T1’s opponents are clearly of higher quality compared to the teams that have faced LNG. Therefore, in any aspect, LNG can’t compare with T1 yet. However, the LNG team, along with Faker and his teammates, are filled with enthusiasm. And very likely, if they both win the domestic championship, they will have the chance to face each other at MSI 2022. That would be a highly anticipated battle, especially the duel between the two legendary veterans in the League of Legends scene: Faker – Doinb.