Normally, in professional League of Legends (LoL) matches, it is common for coaches to strategize with players while still being present on stage during the draft phase. Here, coaches convey final information and assessments to their players, as well as provide input on their champion picks. This image is so familiar that any changes will create a sense of strangeness.
However, recently, T1 has “pioneered” a difference. Specifically, in the match against OK BRION (OKBRO), Coach Bengi did not appear on stage during the drafting phase of both teams. Instead, he stayed in the waiting room, allowing his assistants to handle the drafting tasks with the players. This is quite unusual since, except in unavoidable circumstances, coaches typically want to oversee the final strategies.
However, according to Coach Bengi, this approach allows him to have the most objective and comprehensive view of T1’s strategies as well as those of the opposing teams. He also mentioned that sitting back helps him evaluate whether the choices are good or not and prepare strategies for the subsequent matches. Furthermore, Coach Bengi confirmed that, unless there is an emergency or unavoidable situation, he and T1 have agreed to maintain this coaching and directing style in future matches.
Many T1 fans expressed surprise at this new change from T1. However, the majority believe that this is completely normal as long as it helps T1 achieve positive results. Specifically, T1 fans think that Coach Bengi and his assistants have certainly devised a meticulous plan for the players beforehand. Therefore, whether he appears on stage or not is not too important. Moreover, in case of an emergency, Coach Bengi will still directly handle everything.
Therefore, it seems that audiences will see less of Coach Bengi on stage during T1’s drafting before each match. But the change will always be welcomed if the team continues to achieve victories on their journey to compete for titles.