T1 Collects Data but the HLE Match is a “Self-Inflicted Wound”
In the early stages of the 2025 LCK Cup, Coach KkOma stated after Smash’s debut that T1 needed to gather data to make appropriate decisions as the LCK also implemented Fearless Draft. At that time, Smash effectively utilized Ezreal, Kai’Sa, and Zeri — three champions that are not Gumayusi’s specialties, and the influence of Coach KkOma also gained him much support for this. However, recently, the loss to HLE turned out to be a “self-inflicted wound” for T1’s upper management.
This is because, not only did HLE play exceptionally well, but in fact, T1 was gathering data while Smash played Corki — a champion that is very difficult to operate, which Gumayusi had used in the previous match. In the second game, it was Kalista and the duo AD strategy — a champion and playstyle that are Gumayusi’s specialties, helping him and T1 maintain an unbeaten streak in 2022 and make a name for the AD Carry born in 2002.
Clearly, the purpose of data collection becomes meaningless when Smash is allowed to play the champions that Gumayusi has been using. As commentator Hoàng Luân asserted: “Data collection or analysis only works if Smash can play champions that Gumayusi does not play well. If Smash still uses Guma’s champions and loses, then what is the point?”.
Moreover, in terms of laning skills, it is clear that everyone recognizes this as Smash’s weak point. However, the duo AD strategy requires players to have laning skills that are top-notch. Thanks to Gumayusi’s laning skills, T1 was able to implement this strategy in Spring 2022. This very strategy showcased to the world how strong the bot duo could be. Yet, T1 applied this for Smash, resulting in a more disastrous defeat than in the first game.
T1 is Losing the Entire Season
Clearly, with the MSI tournament only selecting 2 slots, HLE and Gen.G seem too strong compared to the rest, while T1 remains unstable. Moving on to the World Championship, teams like Dplus KIA or even NS are ready to challenge. Meanwhile, T1’s decision-making has yet to show any positive signs, bringing only trouble and potentially causing T1 to lose the entire season.