In their final match of Week 6 of LCK Spring 2022, T1 faced off against Hanwha Life Esports – a team currently struggling at the bottom of the standings. To make matters worse, HLE had to confront the “invincible” T1 at a very unfavorable time: several key members such as OnFleek, Vsta, and SamD had tested positive for Covid-19.
And the result was not unexpected for the majority of viewers: T1 had little difficulty extending their unbeaten streak in LCK Spring 2022 to 12 games. This not only prolonged their unbeaten run and maintained a perfect record in LCK Spring 2022, but T1 also approached the unbeaten record of 14 consecutive matches held by the same team, then known as SKT T1, during the group stage of Summer 2015.
It has been over 6 years since that glorious season, and the SKT T1 team has not only changed its name, but Faker – who was once considered a young talent, is now among the oldest players in the current LCK Spring. The performance is strong, but can Faker’s young teammates measure up to their predecessors from years past?
Zeus – MaRin: T1 2022 0-1 SKT T1 2015
Comparing Zeus now to MaRin of yesteryear shows a significant disparity as this is the first season that the top laner born in 2004 has been a starter after spending time as a substitute for the veteran Canna. While Zeus has shown maturity, he still falls short of MaRin from back then in skill and experience.
The biggest difference between MaRin and Zeus, besides experience, is leadership skills. Back in 2015, MaRin was not only the top laner but also the captain of SKT T1. Although there was later debate about whether MaRin was truly great or who was the best top laner in history between him and TheShy, one thing is undeniable: MaRin was the captain of the legendary SKT T1 team with a record of 14 unbeaten matches in LCK Summer 2015 before being “shut down” by CJ Entus.
On the other hand, Zeus’s lack of experience has been evident in major matches when T1 faced Nongshim RedForce, DWG KIA, or Gen.G Esports. Zeus remains a strong player and has made successful initiations for T1, but this lack of experience could harm both T1 and himself when entering more critical stages, particularly the playoffs.
Oner – Bengi: T1 2022 0-2 SKT T1 2015
Similarly, comparing Oner to Bengi would show a vast and awkward gap. Before helping SKT T1 achieve one of the longest unbeaten streaks in LCK history, Bengi had been with the team since 2013 and is one of the few players, alongside Faker, to hold 3 World Championship titles.
As for Oner, he is also a young player for T1 this season. Oner began to emerge in the 2021 season, but only after Ellim and then Cuzz left did he truly secure his official position. Surprisingly, this young player has formed a great synergy with Faker, reminiscent of the Bengi – Faker duo of the past.
However, like Zeus, 2021 Worlds was Oner’s first time starting in an international tournament and his performance was commendable. Even in LCK Spring 2022, Oner’s growth is undeniable. Still, he lags behind several seasoned junglers. Oner is as strong as Zeus, and coordinates well with Faker, but his lack of experience leads to many detrimental situations in objective contests or jungle control compared to opponents.
Nevertheless, Oner is making significant strides. However, to reach Bengi’s level, the 2002-born jungler of T1 still has a long way to go.
Gumayusi and Keria – Bang and Wolf: T1 2022 1-2 SKT T1 2015
It may be a bit challenging to compare the duo of Gumayusi – Keria with Bang – Wolf from the past, but one thing is clear: “Faker’s nephew” and “Super Support” Keria are currently one of the most powerful bot lanes in LCK and the League of Legends scene overall. The strength of this duo comes from many factors: the explosiveness of both, each individual’s ability to turn the tide of the game, skills, and team coordination…
In the past, the Bang – Wolf duo was also a very strong bot lane for SKT T1, but there was one issue: when separated, both players somewhat lost their identity. The MSI 2017 title was the last achievement for this duo. And history has shown: when Bang left, his performance also declined, leading him to the LCS. As for Wolf, he also ended up empty-handed with SKT T1 after losing his close teammate. Wolf had no success in the TCL and eventually returned to the “home” T1 as a streamer.
It cannot be said that Gumayusi – Keria will achieve the same glory as Bang – Wolf or that they will not face similar situations when separated. However, the explosiveness when both coordinate and the “independence” of each individual is undeniable. If T1 can truly reach glory, the Guma – Keria bot lane will be incredibly crucial.
Faker
Faker is the only name left from the SKT T1 2015 era. From a relatively young player supported by veterans to shine and carry the team, Faker now takes on the role of those MaRin, Bengi… from back then: laying the groundwork for younger players to shine and, when needed, deciding the outcome of the match. And he is doing this as perfectly as possible.
Faker in 2015 possessed exceptional skills, quickness, and youth, while the current Faker is seasoned, a mind honed through thousands of matches, along with the ups and downs of his career. Each version has its own strengths. At present, the “veteran” version of Faker is making significant contributions, serving as the spearhead and a mental pillar in T1’s unbeaten journey since the start of LCK Spring 2022 until now.
