In the sixth week of the LCK Spring 2022, all eyes were definitely on the matchup between T1 and DWG KIA on the afternoon of February 23 (Vietnam time). Once considered the “Super Classic” of LCK and the global League of Legends scene, even though both teams currently have relatively opposite forms, this matchup has not lost its appeal. In fact, DK was expected to be the team to end T1’s unbeaten streak.
Game 1 of the “Super Classic” showcased why T1 is the only team with a 10-match unbeaten streak across 4 major tournaments in the League of Legends scene. T1 did not lead in kills during the early game, but Faker and his teammates smoothly controlled the game as they wished. Moreover, ShowMaker’s “invisibility” throughout game 1 significantly helped T1 in this match. And on a day when even DK’s pillar was not himself, nothing could stop T1 from taking the lead after the first game with a clear advantage.
In game 2, ShowMaker somewhat returned to his form, but what the reigning LCK 2021 champions displayed was still too lackluster. Although Canyon proved his status as the number one jungler in the world today, “one swallow does not make a summer.” DK managed to regain control at times, but T1’s “3000 IQ” macro plays helped Faker and his teammates reclaim the advantage. The peak was T1’s push from the bot lane that ended the match amidst DK’s helplessness.
With this victory, T1 once again increased their unbeaten record to 11. The reigning LCK 2021 champions have lost in both the first and second rounds against Faker and his teammates. Perhaps now, what the audience cares about is whether T1 can remain unbeaten for the rest of the group stage in the LCK Spring 2022.
This match also showed that not only does T1 possess outstanding individual skills, but the most important thing they have now, which was once DK’s strength, is the boldness in making decisive team calls. T1 may not be able to remain unbeaten for too long, but the key question now is which team will take on the responsibility of stopping the “tank” T1 on their rampage through the top League of Legends tournament in the land of Kim Chi?