The first match of T1 after the 2024 Lunar New Year break was a showdown against Dplus KIA – a rival with a storied history, but currently unable to compete with T1. Despite some issues concerning Support Keria’s condition, the 2002-born player still appeared alongside his teammates. The match against DK was seen as a great opportunity for T1 to take the lead in the LCK Spring 2024 standings, especially after Gen.G’s undefeated streak was halted by KT Rolster on February 14 (Vietnam time).
Indeed, T1 players showed no signs of difficulty in defeating DK. No longer the champions and dominators of the 2020 – 2021 season, DK currently is too weak to surprise T1. Moreover, in this match, T1 players demonstrated their thirst for victory to create a strong momentum for their upcoming journey in LCK Spring 2024, as their drafting and gameplay were extremely serious. The score of 2-0 for T1 aptly reflects Faker and his teammates’ dominance over DK.
However, according to many fans, it is T1’s composure and macro ability that are currently their most terrifying weapons. In the two games, T1 made completely different choices and strategies. Yet, in both games, T1 knew how to exploit even the smallest gaps of their opponents. In game 1, it was their absolute proactivity from all positions. But the pinnacle of their macro strategy was seen in game 2.
Throughout the early stages of the match, DK always led in kills thanks to successful ganks. However, T1 remained completely calm and regained other advantages such as towers, Dragons, and Void Monsters. When DK secured a kill on T1, they were almost certainly trading it for some other map advantage. Therefore, even though DK led in kills, the gold difference remained within 1k gold. In fact, DK’s player Aiming expressed significant regret as they had many advantages but T1 was simply outstanding.
Many have noted that T1 is currently an extremely strong team, possibly the strongest in the League of Legends scene because all five members coordinate exceptionally well and no one can be replaced. If they can maintain their best condition, T1’s Golden Road in 2024 is entirely within reach.