T1’s Roster Achieves a “Remarkable Feat”
With their victory over Dplus KIA, T1 can continue their journey in the LCK Summer 2024 playoffs. Of course, this was not an easy match for Faker and his teammates as they still combined some experimental bans and picks during the game, and DK was equally determined in their quest. However, at the crucial moments, names like Zeus and Gumayusi knew how to shine and secure the victory for T1. Their next opponent will be Hanwha Life Esports in the lower bracket finals. But for now, T1 has set a very special historic achievement.
Accordingly, T1’s current ZOFGK lineup is the only team among the three still competing in the LCK Summer 2024 playoffs that has always finished in at least the top 3 of the tournaments they participated in. Even Gen.G, with four consecutive LCK championships, has moments where they participated in a tournament but had to leave early or did not finish in the top 3 (MSI 2023, Worlds 2023). As for HLE, they have only recently rebuilt their lineup based on the “all-star” policy since 2023. Prior to that, the “Gen.G Orange” team struggled to even qualify for international tournaments. In 2022 alone, they finished at the bottom of the standings after the group stages in both Spring and Summer.
Is It Enough to Silence All Doubts About T1?
T1 at this point might even be said to face as much doubt as they did back in 2023 while still being the reigning World Champions. In reality, T1’s performance this season has occasionally been quite unconvincing, if not weak. Even in their recent match against DK, T1’s gameplay in the first game raised concerns among fans. However, overall, T1’s mission in that match was successfully accomplished.
It can be said that T1 has made it into the top 3, but they will still face much skepticism, especially if they do not perform more positively in the upcoming rematch against HLE. However, perhaps T1’s players have also learned from their own losses and taken notes from the HLE – Gen.G match to find suitable strategies. And on a day when Faker and his teammates perform at their best, HLE might not be able to stop T1 from reaching the LCK finals and securing the second spot for LCK at Worlds 2024.