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Faker vs. Chovy: Who Will Define History in LCK Spring 2022 Finals?
With the LCK Spring 2022 Finals just around the corner, the clash between T1 and Gen.G Esports is set to commence officially. This match is considered historical in many aspects. T1 stands on the brink of becoming the first team in LoL history to win the championship without dropping a single game in the BO3 group stage. Furthermore, Faker is poised to become the oldest player in LoL history to achieve this 'unprecedented' feat.
Gen.G, too, finds themselves on the threshold of history. It's been over a year since the name Gen.G was last associated with LCK championship glory. Currently, only Ruler remains from the lineup that clinched the title back then. The current Gen.G roster, except for Peanut and Ruler, lacks members who have tasted victory. And for those who may have forgotten, T1 was the opponent in Gen.G's most recent finals defeat, in the LCK Summer 2020 Finals.
Furthermore, Gen.G stands at the precipice of making history. It has been a long time since the team, formerly known as Samsung Galaxy, tasted championship success. Except for Peanut and Ruler, none of the current Gen.G squad members have claimed an LCK title. And the most recent instance of Gen.G faltering 'at the gates of heaven' was against DWG KIA (LCK Spring 2021 Finals).
The matchup between T1 and Gen.G is also a clash between two teams with different transfer strategies and vastly different fortunes. While T1 relies on homegrown talent, Gen.G boasts a star-studded lineup with established names in the global LoL scene. T1 seems to have all the stars aligned in their favor, along with some luck in their journey through Spring 2022, while Gen.G has struggled with COVID-19 positives. Additionally, while T1 breezed past Kwangdong Freecs, Gen.G sweated it out against DWG KIA to earn their spot in the finals.
Beyond all, this duel carries historical significance with Faker and Chovy. One side is the legend tirelessly seeking glory after career setbacks. On the other, a representative of the post-Faker era young talents aspiring for their first championship. Different styles, but they are the ones holding their team's destiny in the upcoming finals.
At 26, Faker remains immensely formidable within the youthful T1 lineup. Even when Faker steps back, his contribution to T1's unbeaten streak is immense. It's almost redundant to recount the games where Faker single-handedly shines and secures victories for T1. However, T1's current strength lies in the collective effort, with Faker's younger teammates taking center stage. Among them, standout is the 'Super Support' Keria with his creative, unpredictable playstyle.
As for Chovy, just when it seemed he had escaped the 'golden handcuffs' after leaving Hanwha Life Esports, in the match against DK, Chovy became... the 'diamond backbone'. For those not following the match closely, it might be incomprehensible why DK, despite having a 10k gold lead, lost. But for those patient viewers, despite Peanut repeatedly falling, they witnessed the terror of Chovy when he and the team were pushed to the brink.
In a meta heavily favoring the Bottom Lane, Faker and Chovy still find ways to shine. However, while Faker tends to set the stage for his teammates to 'carry the team' into the late game, Chovy (alongside Ruler) demonstrates they are the top 'golden pillars' of LCK today. In the match against DK, Chovy not only shoulders the early and mid-game but also deals crucial damage in decisive moments. In other words, Chovy remains the centerpiece of Gen.G's playstyle. And for those unaware, Chovy boasts the highest MVP points among mid laners in the LCK Spring 2022 group stage, despite being in a star-studded Gen.G lineup.
Faker and Chovy - two names with contrasting playstyles and representing two generations of the LoL scene will clash in the LCK Spring 2022 Finals. Regardless of the outcome, this is the most anticipated showdown in LCK and LoL history, where the ultimate victor will script their legacy.
