T1 Needs a Strong Boost to Get Back on Track
The random draw of the Swiss stage at Worlds 2024 has matched T1 with an opponent that is certainly not weak at all, but rather the second seed from the LPL – Top Esports. This very team convincingly defeated Gen.G at the Esports World Cup 2024 when the MSI champion was at their strongest. However, it was also TES that later fell to T1, helping Faker and his teammates secure another title before entering a crisis phase in the Summer 2024.
Compared to other opponents that T1 could face based on their seed ranking, TES is a worthy contender and a strong boost that Faker and his teammates desperately need at this moment. If Fnatic or Team Liquid are too weak, while T1 cannot face Gen.G due to Riot’s regulations, TES is the most suitable name. A victory against a strong opponent like TES would provide a solid psychological foundation for T1 after a series of disappointing matches in the LCK Summer 2024.
Additionally, TES may also be capable enough to force T1 to reveal areas that need improvement. In a BO1 match, anything can happen, and TES could certainly make T1 pay dearly if Faker and his teammates slip up.
TES Could Also Be T1’s “Favorite” Opponent
Among the current lineup of TES, except for Creme and Tian, the rest have a lot of history with T1. Top laner 369 has lost in both encounters against T1 while playing for JD Gaming. 369’s defeats were even more bitter as they occurred in the semifinals, and had JDG overcome T1, they might have secured at least one Worlds championship title.
For JackeyLove, during the MSI 2019 group stage, only SKT T1 managed to secure a win against Invictus Gaming, where he played “The Song of Love” in the group stage. Recently, alongside TES, JackeyLove lost to T1 in the EWC 2024 finals. Furthermore, every time he faced SKT T1/T1, Meiko has been defeated. In Worlds 2021, EDG with Meiko crowned champions, as they did not face T1 in the knockout stage. In the group stage, however, the two teams split wins 1-1.
A strong opponent right in the opening match is the best opportunity for T1 to start their journey in Worlds 2024. A victory will give T1 advantages in both results and psychology. Conversely, if the outcome is different, everything will still remain under control.