In the current T1 roster, it is truly difficult to find any weaknesses. Against any opponent, it feels like T1 can adapt with suitable strategies. Not to mention, the players are showing very high and consistent performance across all lanes. Still with the same core roster that has been together since Spring 2022, T1 is experiencing one of its most flourishing periods. In fact, at this moment, Faker and his teammates are performing even better than their unbeaten Spring season nearly two years ago. This is because the young stars of T1 have gained more experience and resilience after ups and downs.
Currently at T1, it may be hard to find players who are not as outstanding as their teammates. However, if Faker has made fans familiar with the image of “making plays in the background” over the past few seasons, then another name has somewhat faded compared to him. None other than Gumayusi – the AD Carry born in 2002 who, along with Keria, forms one of the most dominant bot lanes in LCK Spring 2024. As of now, the duo has used a total of 15 different bot lane champions – the highest among all bot lane duos in this year’s LCK Spring. However, Gumayusi has been somewhat overshadowed compared to the “champion testing” and shining performances of his lane partner.
At this point, Gumayusi also holds the lowest POG points among the five T1 members, with only 100 points. However, in reality, according to many fans and experts, Gumayusi is truly a crucial link for T1’s diverse champion playstyle to operate smoothly.
First, it is about maintaining a stable performance. It may not require expertise or being a player to recognize that Riot has heavily nerfed many choices in the Bot Lane, and the AD Carry position is no longer the top priority for resource allocation. Therefore, having a player who can self-sustain in the Bot Lane is the most essential. But for Gumayusi, he not only plays independently but also keeps the lane in a balanced state. Currently, Gumayusi is among the Top 5 AD Carries with the fewest deaths. However, the four players above him are all competing with Supports who can cover them maximally (Peyz has Lehends, Viper has Delight).
With fewer deaths, Gumayusi ranks 4th among AD Carries with the most kills (4.17 per game) and stands 3rd among AD Carries with the most assists on kills (5.47 per game). These statistics may only serve as references, but they are sufficient to show that Gumayusi chooses his positions very well, always exerts himself reasonably in critical situations, and provides a certain level of security.
Moreover, while Keria is known for his wide champion pool, Gumayusi himself also has an equally impressive champion pool. The T1 AD Carry has brought out 9 champions, including short-range champions with long-range attacks (Nilah), or even Support champions that can play the AD Carry role (Senna). Of course, there are some choices that haven’t been 100% successful. But with a teammate capable of playing all matchups, Gumayusi has also demonstrated his remarkable adaptability.
The fact that Gumayusi still contributes significantly to kills shows that he still possesses the potential to “carry the team” as an AD Carry. And given the opportunity, the “Prince” will not miss the chance to prove that he remains an incredibly important member on T1’s journey to conquer the “Golden Road” in 2024.
In a collective playstyle, there will be players who stand out more than others. But surely, the whole team will focus on the common goal of winning. And T1 is showing that they are heading in the right direction, instilling confidence in many fans for a successful season for Faker and his teammates.