Thus, not only Gen.G but also in the group stage LCK Spring 2024, Hanwha Life Esports has become the second team to seek victory against T1. The squad that has been on a 12-match unbeaten streak since their opening loss to Gen.G has not been themselves in recent matches. Facing two opponents who could be rematching in the playoffs, T1 failed to perform as they had in previous games. Even a Dplus KIA team with only ShowMaker as their biggest star made it difficult for T1. Meanwhile, HLE secured a convincing victory.
Clearly, there is a significant issue with T1’s strategic operation, and these problems only become apparent when T1 faces evenly matched or even stronger opponents. Throughout many matches, T1’s gameplay often revolves around keeping the game balanced or allowing opponents to have the upper hand. Then, in crucial moments, T1 capitalizes on the opponents’ mistakes during team fights, sometimes finishing the game with just one decisive “combat”. At the same time, Aatrox in the hands of Zeus executes a flanking maneuver to create a pincer effect against the opponents.
But according to Keria, T1 has another problem: “We cannot adapt properly to the meta shift towards the Top Lane in recent updates. The ranking of champions is quite challenging. I feel regretful because until now, I am still not sure which champion is the best choice to bring into matches. In the game, we should play according to the strategy that has been established beforehand, but since we are not used to it, we cannot execute it.”
Clearly, the Top Lane meta is posing many challenges, and T1 has indeed exposed their flaws from this gameplay. If Zeus can only choose Aatrox, or perhaps a little more Jax or Gwen, Yone, opponents do not face much difficulty in countering. It can be said that Keria’s revelation shows that T1 is struggling to adapt to changes and is not flexible enough to find a new direction.
The upcoming playoffs will be an even more critical phase than the current one. If T1 does not find the right solution for their problems, this team may face further “grief”.