Overview of T1’s Current Situation
After a convincing victory over BNK FearX, T1 has completed their group stage and secured a spot in the top 4. With FOX and KT Rolster also finishing their group matches, the positions of these two teams will no longer change, and T1 will only know their opponent after Dplus KIA makes their choice. Nevertheless, T1’s first goal has been achieved. Faker and his teammates often showcase their best power when entering BO5 matches. Therefore, from the playoffs stage, T1 fans can feel somewhat at ease.
The Summer 2024 season continues to see T1 going through ups and downs, especially after returning from the 2024 Esports World Cup and the peak being when Faker accidentally injured himself backstage during the loss against Gen.G. However, amidst the gloomy picture of T1 in recent times, there are still two players who have maintained impressive performances and often shine when the team needs it. First, there’s Gumayusi, and the other is Oner.
The Most Stable Duo of T1
While Gumayusi has consistently demonstrated stability throughout the seasons, even when he is not the central figure in T1’s gameplay, Oner is a more special case. This jungler often faces criticism and comparisons to other LCK stars like Canyon or Peanut. However, to this day, amidst the inconsistent performances of the Top and Mid lanes for various reasons, Oner’s remarkable stability stands out even more. In fact, when Faker’s performance dips, the “Demon King” inadvertently “creates opportunities,” clearly showcasing Oner’s stability.
In many matches, it is Oner who strives to stabilize the game for Zeus and Faker. When Faker uses marksman champions, Oner often appears in the Mid lane to apply pressure on the opponents. Additionally, few players can contest 50-50 with Oner in securing objectives. Oner himself actively expands his champion pool, having used 14 champions during the LCK Summer 2024 group stage, making him one of the players with the widest champion pool in T1 currently.
In the upcoming matches, the roles of Oner and Gumayusi will remain incredibly important, with one ensuring a solid laning phase while the other secures damage output in team fights. It can be said that T1’s success or failure will likely depend on the performance of this 2k2 duo as they strive to prove themselves in every match.