Since the LCK Spring 2022 Finals, T1 has completely dominated the media. Countless articles have been written describing the historic victory of Faker and his teammates against the star-studded lineup of Gen.G Esports. The League of Legends community is also ecstatic over the record for the team that has had the most perfect season in the history of LCK and League of Legends globally. It can be said, as one fan remarked: “All the glory of League of Legends right now belongs to T1”.
And while all the glory is focused on Faker and his teammates, the darkness belongs to the defeated – specifically the Gen.G team and especially the player who is considered one of the most anticipated names to become the new legend of the Korean League of Legends scene if Faker ever retires: Chovy.
“The Great Second Place” of League of Legends
Fairly speaking, Chovy had a very good day of competition. Not just in the LCK Spring 2022 Finals, but in many matches before that, notably the Semifinals against DWG KIA, Chovy has proven himself to be the brightest star of Gen.G. A highlight was the miraculous 10k gold comeback against the 2021 LCK champions, which left a deep mark and showcased Chovy’s influence. In the match against T1, his elusive LeBlanc plays and performances with Viktor and Ahri also caused significant trouble for Faker and T1.
However, despite all his efforts over the months, Chovy still ends up empty-handed. While ShowMaker has had soaring days with DK, and Bdd has claimed two LCK championships, for Chovy, it has been a complete zero since he began his professional career. Chovy is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding midlaners in the League of Legends scene today. In terms of influence and reputation, he likely only ranks behind Faker. Even in terms of skill, Chovy can confidently claim he is not inferior to the “Demon King”. Many T1 fans must admit that in terms of laning skills, currently in LCK, no one can compare with Chovy.
Yet, Chovy has a total of 6 losses to Faker in BO5 matches whenever Chovy’s team faced SKT T1/T1. Additionally, there are 5 more times as LCK runner-up. The title “Great Second Place” or “King of Second Place” does not come from nowhere nor is it lost without reason. It simply transfers from the legendary Uzi to a player who is also expected to become another legend in the future: Chovy.
“A Hero Not Meeting the Times” or Talent Yet to Flourish?
The psychological aspect has always been Chovy’s critical weakness since the beginning of his career. During his time with Griffin, Chovy’s failures could be attributed to inexperience. But now, Chovy has been a professional player for nearly 4 years and has gone through countless battles. Yet, he still makes some very careless decisions. A prime example is in game 3. Chovy’s decision not to Recall caused him to take a Massive Rocket at a moment when he was actually in a favorable position against Faker. After this moment, T1 quickly took down 2 Mid Lane turrets of Gen.G.
Another factor is that while Chovy may win against Faker in lane, compared to the more experienced senior, his ability to read the game and provide oversight is still quite poor. While Faker is willing to sacrifice many waves of minions to create advantages for his teammates, Chovy remains focused on farming consistently. Thus, Peanut alone is not enough. If Peanut ganks well, Gen.G has the advantage. But if Peanut fails, no one in Gen.G can rectify the situation, especially when Chovy continues to… farm and farm.
League of Legends has always been, and will always be, a 5-man game. And the title “Golden Spine” or Chovy’s elusive plays will not help at all on a day when he is the only one truly trying. In fact, witnessing Chovy’s countless efforts, this title seems more like a mockery than admiration for the carrying ability of the midlaner born in 2001.
In reality, Chovy has never had teammates who are truly on par with him or who have a certain synergy with him. With Gen.G nearly reforming their team 100%, the connections may not be strong yet. But perhaps, no one can understand why Doran and Lehends decided to dive into a bush with Kennen, who is very fed, waiting from Zeus. Or why Peanut can steal Dragon and Baron yet still gank terribly, causing Gen.G to lose control of the game.
Meanwhile, alongside ShowMaker is Canyon – currently the best jungler in the world. As for Faker, he has 4 young and talented teammates, almost perfectly synced. In terms of external factors regarding teammates, Chovy is significantly behind both ShowMaker and Faker.
LCK Spring 2022 has concluded, and once again, Chovy has fallen to Faker. The upcoming Summer split will be an opportunity for the former Hanwha Life Esports star to rectify his mistakes. And Chovy himself must also improve before hoping for teammates who can help him form a strong Gen.G team capable of dethroning Faker and his teammates.