Every new season, players from top teams like Gen.G or T1 are expected to win titles and deliver thrilling matches for the audience. Of course, the players themselves are aware of this. However, sometimes these expectations become pressure and weigh down the mentality of young players.
Over the past seasons, T1 has faced numerous challenges on their quest for titles. Since Spring 2022, T1 has finished empty-handed in all competitions they participated in, leading up to the LCK Summer 2023. In particular, T1 has lost 4 out of 5 finals in both domestic and international tournaments. This has heightened the disappointment of T1 fans, especially when one of the teams that defeated T1 is DRX – the “point farm” of LCK.
Because of this, even a confident player like Gumayusi feels the weight of pressure. The 2002-born AD Carry of T1 has predicted a potential collapse if this roster continues to finish empty-handed this season. Recently, Gumayusi shared insights on how T1 can claim a title that has left many fans pondering.
According to him, half-jokingly: “If you think this season is tough, then yes, it is tough. But we are T1. We lost one game, but we are still just the ‘T1 of the group stage.’ This is not the ‘T1 of the knockout stage’ yet. How dare you mention the word ‘hard’? In the past, we talked about the ‘T1 of the knockout stage,’ but now we are just the ‘T1 of the group stage.’ Or how about we try playing poorly? We could rank 6th in the group stage but then win the championship. As long as we win the championship, all issues will be resolved. Being 1st or 2nd in the group stage and ending up empty-handed is worse than being 6th and winning the championship.”
However, Gumayusi’s comments received agreement from fans. Clearly, T1 has always had good performance throughout the group stage up to the semifinals. But when it comes to the finals, T1’s players tend to lose themselves. This has caused T1 to finish empty-handed in recent seasons.
If T1 can maintain a relaxed mindset, they will undoubtedly remain top contenders for the championship. And perhaps, if T1 does not easily clinch victories in the group stage or playoffs, they might gain more experience and prepare better to end their streak of empty hands.