Since the 2022 season, when Gen.G Esports (Gen.G) became one of the most powerful forces in the LCK, matches between them and T1 have always been regarded as the new “Super Classic”. Not only are they two teams with a rich history and achievements in the LCK, but both Gen.G and T1 possess rosters that can be considered significantly stronger than the rest of the tournament. Therefore, from the results of these matchups, fans can predict which team will dominate the League of Legends (LoL) scene in the land of kimchi.
Specifically in the 2022 season, from the LCK Spring to the end of the LCK Summer finals, Gen.G and T1 have faced each other a total of 6 times. And the score is currently tied at 3-3 for both teams. While T1 dominated in Spring, Gen.G reclaimed both investment and profit in Summer. It can be said, if one had to find a pair of fierce rivals that always compete closely yet understand each other well, many LoL fans would immediately think of Gen.G – T1.
Recently, Gen.G’s Top Laner Doran shared in an interview: “Group A is the most dangerous group. Everyone knows T1 has been playing well. EDward Gaming (EDG) has also performed well while Cloud9 is the champion of LCS. If we get through the group stage, one of these three names will be eliminated. That’s what makes this group so exciting.”
Moreover, Doran implicitly rated T1 higher than Royal Never Give Up (RNG) – the reigning MSI champion 2022 and a team that may enter the same Group D as Gen.G. Specifically, Doran stated: “RNG has played well and I want to face them. I’m curious about the matchup between us and RNG. But I don’t want to face T1 again, even if we advance to the later rounds. In this tournament, I don’t want to face T1 anymore.”
Of course, Doran’s statement may stem from the fact that this season, Gen.G and T1 have faced each other too many times. But it can also be seen that if they have to meet an opponent who knows them too well, there will be many more risks. Furthermore, if Gen.G and T1 must face each other, then LCK will certainly lose at least one very strong representative before the finals of the 2022 World Championship.
Conclusion
Being placed in two different groups, the possibility of Gen.G and T1 meeting each other is entirely possible. And surely, regardless of which team wins this matchup, it can be seen as a significant step forward on their journey to the championship as well as eliminating a strong opponent along the way.