Recently, the draw results for the side selection of the Semi-Final match 2, between JD Gaming and T1, took place with the victory going to JDG who chose the Red side. This outcome was actually rumored beforehand. However, perhaps these earlier rumors were based on analyses throughout T1’s matches. And by the morning of November 9th, the official results were revealed. Thus, T1 will start on the Blue side – which also has a very high win rate at this year’s Worlds.
However, typically, teams will choose the Blue side to maximize the advantage of moving out to secure Baron. At the same time, teams from the Blue side also have an advantage in controlling the top lane, especially when moving towards the Mid Lane area. However, contrary to many teams at Worlds 2023, T1 is the team that utilizes the Red side advantage the best, boasting an 80% win rate on Red. The reason is believed to stem from the wide champion pool of the bot lane duo, allowing the LCK representative to consistently exert lane pressure against their opponents.
Therefore, when JDG chose the Red side, many viewers candidly stated: “They are truly feeling the pressure. If not, there would be no reason for them to choose the Red side when their players always have about 3 champions to choose from in their champion pool.” However, there are also many concerns for T1 as they will have to reveal some crucial ban and pick phases before JDG makes their counter selections.
In fact, choosing the Red side will help teams shape the playstyle that the opponent intends to implement, as the Blue side must pick 3 champions in the first 2 banning and picking phases. But this is only truly effective when the players have a broad champion pool. Because, even considering the banned champions, the actual choices for the Red side are not that plentiful. And with strong teams, they may only need to go through 3 champion picks – 3 bans to force the opponent to lose right from the drafting phase.
But clearly, JDG has shown that they truly have concerns about T1’s strength and have prepared thoroughly. However, whether choosing the Red side will bring advantages to JDG remains to be seen in the performances of the players starting right from the champion selection phase.