As of now, the group stage of LCK Spring 2024 is gradually coming to a close. Overall, the results have not been too surprising as the top-rated teams have all made it to the playoffs. However, the manner in which teams have reached this stage and concluded the group stage has sparked considerable discussion. Notably, T1, after a series of stellar performances, is showing signs of struggle. Recently, they became the latest victims of Hanwha Life Esports, a team that could also be considered a favorite opponent of T1. In their last three encounters with major LCK teams, T1 has lost two matches.
In reality, the current group stage matches hold little significance as T1 and Gen.G’s standings are virtually unchanged. However, the way T1 is losing has raised concerns. Especially as the playoffs approach, teams will prepare even more meticulously. Even in their victory over Dplus KIA, T1 displayed a certain level of confusion. Had it not been for Gumayusi’s timely brilliance, no one knows how the match against DK would have unfolded.
Immediately after the defeat to HLE, a viewer candidly expressed: “I really have to question the first pick of Aatrox in many recent matches. Our draft needs improvement. Teams have seen that we always pick Aatrox and have found ways to counter it.”
In fact, relying on certain comfort picks has been a longstanding weakness of T1, and this has cost Faker and his teammates the championship title at Worlds 2022. At that time, no one understood why coach Bengi knew that Aatrox in Kingen’s hands was very strong but chose not to ban this champion in crucial matches. It was Kingen’s Aatrox that led T1 to “suffer” back then.
At this point, the situation is reversed but follows the same pattern as Worlds 2022 as mentioned earlier. And clearly, Aatrox is a strong champion, but T1 cannot keep relying on a successful formula: engaging in fights – 4 players wrapping one side and Zeus’s Aatrox flanking the other. For instance, both HLE and Gen.G have thoroughly countered this playstyle of T1.
Continuously relying on certain champions for an extended period has never been a good strategy, especially when teams have ample tools and abilities to study, research, and counter these playstyles. T1 is repeating some mistakes similar to those made at Worlds 2022, and surely no T1 fan wishes to see their team repeat the same outcome as before.