Currently, the first matches of the LCK Spring 2024 playoffs have begun. Among the 6 teams from the LCK advancing to the playoffs, T1 and Gen.G are still the top contenders for the championship. However, the “two-horse race” could easily be disrupted by other strong teams capable of surprising, notably Hanwha Life Esports. Nonetheless, it is likely that T1 and Gen.G will still be the two teams reaching the grand final, especially since T1 has learned valuable lessons after a tough end to the group stage.
However, according to Nuguri, the 2020 World Champion, T1 is likely to continue facing defeats against Gen.G. The former star of Damwon Gaming explained: “At the moment, Keria’s position has been significantly ‘nerfed’ as the gold for Support has decreased. Additionally, the World Map has also been heavily ‘nerfed’, making the AD Carry Support playstyle difficult to execute. Therefore, in my opinion, T1 will still struggle to win against Gen.G.”
Nuguri’s assessment is indeed based on the recent adjustments that Riot has implemented in League of Legends for patch 14.6 (which will be used in the playoffs). In this patch, Keria’s Support position will indeed receive less gold than before based on the World Map. Not to mention, a series of champions with reduced damage will complicate T1’s Bottom Lane gameplay. Additionally, the champion Rell in the Jungle position may return to her familiar Support role or potentially disappear altogether as Riot ‘nerfs’ a range of damage from her Q – W – E skill set.
Meanwhile, Gen.G’s gameplay is clearly more diverse, with all three lanes featuring players capable of carrying the team effectively. Players like Kiin and Chovy can step up to fill the role of Peyz if he is targeted. In short, as long as one of the three names Chovy – Kiin – Peyz is controlled, the other two can shine brightly.
Of course, T1 must also have strategies to counter Gen.G’s annoying playstyle. But viewers will only be able to verify this once the two teams have the opportunity to face off in the playoffs or even in the finals of LCK Spring 2024.