T1’s Special Picks Unintentionally Related to Gen.G
This season, with the implementation of the Fearless Draft mechanism, the impact of bans and picks on match outcomes is greater than ever. However, this doesn’t mean teams lack creativity. The effectiveness of their bans and picks still depends on the players’ skills. Notably, in the recent match against DN Freecs, T1 selected a composition completely devoid of any tankiness.
Interestingly, DNF chose a very sturdy composition and T1 faced numerous challenges. However, with some standout moments, especially from the bot duo Gumayusi – Keria, T1 secured a well-deserved victory. Yet, it is this very composition of T1 that suggests they are the true “nemesis” of Gen.G, not HLE.
This is because T1’s selection in Game 2 included many experimental elements while minimizing the strong picks that DNF could possess. This unintentionally mirrored Gen.G’s bans and picks in their match against T1 the previous week. Both DNF this week and T1 last week share a common trait: they made things very difficult for their opponents and lost due to superstar moments.
Moreover, the compositions of T1 and Gen.G are two contrasting pieces. While Gen.G had only one source of damage and four tanks against T1, T1’s composition in the recent match against DNF, if called sturdy, might only have Bard.
In fact, it has been proven that T1, not HLE, is the only team in both of their encounters this season (first round – second round) that truly made Gen.G sweat and almost lost both matches. This is something HLE has yet to achieve in their encounters with the MSI 2024 champions in Regular Seasons 2025.
T1 Has a Good Chance for MSI 2025
While saying this at the beginning of Regular Seasons 2025 may spark controversy, currently, T1 is showing good form, even slightly outperforming HLE. Of course, the matchup between the two teams in the final week could help determine who will be the second contender alongside Gen.G for the upcoming MSI 2025.
HLE is not an easy opponent, but given their fluctuating performance, if T1 fails to seize the opportunity, it would be a pity, especially since they missed out on the First Stand earlier this year due to self-destructive mistakes.