Thus, T1 started the fifth week of the LCK Summer 2024 group stage in a way no one wanted and probably no one expected. If BNK FearX were a top-tier team competing directly for a playoff spot, a 2024 Worlds berth, or the LCK title, it would have been easier to accept. However, FOX is a very weak team this season, currently sitting in the lower half of the standings and even losing to teams like DRX and KDF. Yet, T1 faced defeat, and both of their losses followed the same script. In fact, in the third game, T1 even “helped” FOX become the second team in recent years to defeat T1 without losing a single kill.
A noteworthy point in T1’s defeat, which is also drawing the most attention from fans, is their draft in games 1 and 3 (the two losses) being almost identical. The only changes were in the Top Lane for Zeus and Support for Keria. Moreover, both Oner – Faker – Gumayusi all used the same champions across all three games. And it was this trio that, on a day when they had no significant impact, “contributed” to T1’s loss against FOX. The most pressing question arises: Is T1 truly a major team, or are they just being “stubborn”?
Typically, when an opponent has strong picks and wins, a team will focus on banning those in the remaining games. Additionally, if game 1 or even the previous matches showcased the team’s “weaknesses,” they would generally avoid those picks to minimize risks. However, this season, including the loss in game 1 against FOX, Faker has lost 4 consecutive games with Tristana. Meanwhile, before securing a victory in game 2, Gumayusi had a 0% win rate with Ezreal.
In reality, a team cannot always rely on bans to counter the meta, especially a team like T1. Practice matches or solo queue might not be enough to hone meta strategies, particularly when the skill levels and environments are completely different. Using meta champions or facing those champions in a professional match is what truly helps a team identify strengths and weaknesses. T1’s continuous use of Ivern – Tristana – Ezreal is not only because they are meta champions but perhaps also to allow players to master these picks.
Moreover, FOX is a weak opponent, and this is just the first match of the LCK Summer 2024 group stage. If T1 cannot “capitalize” on such opponents to get better with meta champions, they may not have many opportunities left in the group stage. For instance, in the remaining match of this week, T1 will face Hanwha Life Esports – a team that just defeated T1 in the fourth week. And in their upcoming rematch, T1 will certainly have to avoid mistakes or experiments like those in the recent confrontation with FOX.
T1’s sticking to 3 core picks may be seen as stubbornness or as a test of their lineup. But regardless of the approach, T1 needs to regain their spirits as soon as possible and develop better strategies if they want to finish the group stage in a good position and avoid more unpredictable challenges in the playoffs.