Gumayusi Explains His Choice of the “Weak Point” in the Deciding Match
As we know, in the match against the much weaker opponent DNS, HLE also faced some difficulties and had to push the match to the third game. However, in the deciding match, it can be said that the star-studded HLE lineup brought out quite a few “out meta” champions or those that were not their strong suits, if not to say “weak points”. Notably, Marksman Gumayusi even used Ziggs to face Aphelios – one being a “weak champion” and the other an AD champion making a comeback this season.
According to Gumayusi himself after the match, the choice of Ziggs was his idea and this matchup reminded him of the bitter defeat in his first appearance at a World Championship – the 2021 season: “That matchup (Aphelios – Ziggs) reminds me of the 2021 World Championship Semifinals. That will be a memory that stays with me for life.”
Perhaps many still remember that after a tumultuous season and becoming the first team in League of Legends history to “swap coaches mid-season” purely for professional reasons, T1 also made it to the 2021 World Championship. In the semifinals, they faced a very strong DK team. In the fifth game, Gumayusi used his most comfortable champion, Aphelios, after it was let through by DK despite being banned for the previous four games. And Gumayusi lost to Ghost’s Ziggs.
Not only that, Ziggs is also one of the champions that the former T1 star has used the least effectively. Meanwhile, HLE was under pressure. But in the recent match, Gumayusi performed excellently and played a significant role in helping HLE secure an important victory.
Have Gumayusi and HLE Regained Their Confidence?
In the match against DNS, Gumayusi somewhat showcased the form reminiscent of his days at T1: A Marksman who transitioned from even to winning lanes, capable of dealing damage, and especially those classic clutch moments. More importantly, he helped HLE secure victory, and this could be a foundation for the reigning LCK Cup champions to make a comeback in upcoming matches.