During the 2022 LCK Spring Split, T1 was considered one of the pioneers with the Support Marksman playstyle. This strategy of T1 was incredibly unique, allowing their versatile Support Keria to maximize his potential in each match. The rule of this playstyle was quite simple: Gumayusi would use a mobile or buffing marksman champion (specifically Senna, Kalista) while Keria would use either a marksman or a tank like Tahm Kench as Support. Keria would move continuously while Gumayusi played safely. This approach would then focus on the top lane to maximize resources for Faker and Zeus.
However, there is a clear truth: T1 has not changed their playstyle despite the meta undergoing numerous updates and the players’ performance fluctuating. Of course, if the skill level of the players is extremely high, any meta can be adapted to, and consistently playing a strategy can lead a team to “invincibility” if that strategy is executed perfectly. But T1 currently lacks the most crucial element: the skill and form of the players.
In fact, many viewers pointed out that having Gumayusi play champions like Senna too often has diminished his ability to “carry the team,” and even his teammates are no longer accustomed to the playstyle of fully funneling resources to the marksman. If we look at Gen.G in the recent match, they could distribute resources exceptionally well to Canyon, Chovy, and Peyz. During team fights, players focused on giving kills to Peyz to equip him early. By the end of the match, Gen.G’s young marksman Ezreal was simply unstoppable.
Gumayusi himself, while performing steadily, cannot carry a team that is significantly weaker than the opponent with champions like Senna. His teammates also do not provide the best conditions for him to showcase his qualities. This may be one of the crucial reasons why T1 has repeatedly faced defeat against the reigning MSI champions.