Facing a team ranked in the lower half of the standings, BNK FearX, T1 was expected to secure a victory to conclude the first round of the LCK Summer 2024 group stage in the best way possible. However, the events of the three matches were truly beyond many people’s expectations. No one thought that a team on a long losing streak, even losing to weaker teams like T1 (DRX, Kwangdong Freecs), could cause an earthquake against the EWC 2024 champion.
Specifically, FOX displayed a completely different face compared to their previous matches against T1. In the two games that FOX won, they utterly destroyed Faker and his teammates. In fact, FOX became the second team (the first being Gen.G) in recent years to win against T1 in a “clean” game (T1 could not secure any kills in the decisive third match). This victory does not significantly affect the rankings of the two teams, but it does subject T1 to criticism.
Immediately after the defeat, fans flooded T1’s score update post to express their frustration. Among the most agreed-upon faults was T1’s stubbornness in the draft phase. Gumayusi clearly has not reached his peak performance with the champion Ezreal. Meanwhile, T1 prioritized choosing Tristana for Faker. Notably, it was proven right in Game 1: if T1 did not have an early-game advantage, the Tristana – Ezreal combo could not operate effectively. Yet, Faker and his teammates chose these unsuitable champions in the decisive game. Particularly, this was also a significant factor that contributed to T1 losing the 2022 World Championship.
– If Guma still doesn’t improve with Ezreal and play better, then don’t pick that champion anymore; let him use another ADC. Also, Oner needs to step up because if he faces Canyon or Peanut, the result will repeat. Come on, play better, draft better; Seraphine does not fit that lineup, improve and become the best.
– At this point, I’m not even disappointed anymore. Why? Because I know you are trying out new things and are not in your best state. Take a break and come back stronger in Round 2. Round 1 had too many mistakes; take this opportunity to reflect on those errors and correct them.
– I don’t know what to say about today. The draft idea could have worked if executed correctly, but it seems that didn’t happen. I hope there will be better preparation for the next match! Good luck, guys!
– Deserved loss due to poor drafting, failure to adapt, and being outperformed in macro by a weaker team, unacceptable.
In the remaining match of this week, T1 will face Hanwha Life Esports – the team that previously annihilated T1 last week. Indeed, a dark scenario awaits T1 if they continue to repeat the same drafting and playstyle as in their recent match against FOX – a team that cannot be considered their equal, both in the past and present.