In the remaining playoffs match of the LCK Spring 2024, the highly anticipated clash was between T1 and Hanwha Life Esports (HLE). These two teams are currently seen as quite evenly matched. Moreover, during the group stage, T1 and HLE ended up with a tied score after both rounds. This could be the first BO5 matchup for both teams, and fans were eager to see T1 and HLE showcase their abilities. At the very least, this match would allow both teams to demonstrate their determination and assert their strength before heading into the winners’ finals to face the defending LCK champions, Gen.G.
While it’s clear that HLE has improved significantly from last season, no one expected T1 to suffer such a devastating defeat. In just three games, HLE concluded the match with a dominant score of 3-0. Faker and his teammates utilized various strategies, but none proved particularly effective. Meanwhile, HLE employed a composition rich in crowd control, with key players like Zeus, Faker, and Gumayusi consistently getting “picked off” before entering team fights, leading to T1’s comprehensive failure. This loss pushed T1 down to the losers’ bracket where they will face Dplus KIA.
Clearly, HLE has studied T1 very thoroughly. However, right from the drafting phase, T1 made numerous mistakes by continuously leaving crucial champions open for HLE, such as Azir and Nautilus. It can be said that Nautilus, played by Delight, was the most critical factor in HLE’s victory. Although the defeat was evident in the performance of T1’s players, in reality, the loss isn’t a disaster as they still have another chance in the losers’ bracket.
Having to face Gen.G in the winners’ bracket may not necessarily be a good thing for T1 if they manage to defeat HLE. Gen.G has been playing very diversely this season, and a win against DK may not fully showcase Gen.G’s playstyle. If T1 has time to study Gen.G closely, they may have a better chance of victory when they potentially meet again.
Furthermore, HLE showed that they could be overwhelmed, as seen in the early stages of games 1 and 3. Therefore, if they can overcome DK, having time to observe the HLE vs. Gen.G match could help T1 devise additional strategies to counter both opponents.
Not to mention, DK is a competitor that, while not weak, may not yet be able to “bully” T1, especially after they have exhausted all their strategies and energy in their match against Gen.G. Therefore, overcoming a fatigued DK in the losers’ bracket might be much easier. At the same time, T1 also needs an opponent that isn’t overwhelmingly strong like DK to regain their morale after the recent loss against HLE. Additionally, if T1 plans to change their strategy, the match against DK will be the perfect opportunity for them to explore better paths moving forward.
Furthermore, historically, the only time T1 went undefeated in the LCK was during the Spring 2022 season when they won every match leading up to the finals. In subsequent tournaments, especially in 2023 when LCK and international competitions implemented the winners’ and losers’ bracket rules, T1 has never had good results in the winners’ bracket.
Perhaps that is why falling to the losers’ bracket isn’t actually too bad for Faker and his teammates. And with the season still ongoing, everything may still be under T1’s control.