Buzz
(Homeland) - The LCK Summer 2022 has concluded, and T1 has a lot to do before the 2022 World Finals.
After more than 2 months, the LCK Summer 2022 has ended with Gen.G Esports (Gen.G) clinching the championship. This season could be described as the most perfect in the team's history. With this championship, players like Chovy, Doran, Lehends, and Ruler have claimed their first LCK title.
On the losing side against Gen.G is the T1 team, who also had a highly commendable season. Although they couldn't successfully defend the LCK championship, Faker and his teammates displayed maximum effort. However, the 2022 World Finals (Worlds 2022) are drawing near. Certainly, T1 players must promptly address the major weaknesses revealed during the past Summer Split.
Excessive Reliance on Zeus, Oner
League of Legends (LoL) is a discipline that highly values teamwork. While individuals can still shine and 'carry' the team, the strength of a cohesive group, developing together, will always surpass that of a few lone stars. In the past Summer Split, Gen.G's all-star ensemble embodied both crucial elements: a renowned lineup, talent, and individuals capable of shining at critical moments.
T1 often heavily relies on individual brilliance. At times, Zeus and Oner step up, while other times Faker shows flashes of his former self. However, collectively, this is also what puts T1 at a disadvantage against Gen.G. On a day when Oner is sidelined, having only Zeus in top form is insufficient. And throughout all 3 matches, T1's stagnation becomes evident when Zeus is completely shut down.
Gumayusi Urgently Needs to Regain Form
With the current gameplay still revolving around the ADC role, Gumayusi's loss of form could be a significant factor leading to T1's poor results. Using the Zeri champion as a reference, while Ruler instills fear in the entire LoL community, Gumayusi is instead dominated by... Ruler's prowess.
T1 still has superstars capable of 'carrying' the team in place of Gumayusi. However, as a world-class ADC, the 'Prince' needs to regain form before the upcoming 2022 Worlds as soon as possible. Because names like GALA or Viper, JackeyLove sometimes outshine even Ruler. In that scenario, Gumayusi and the T1 team will face even more difficulties.
Elite Coaching Staff Needed
This is a contentious factor that has been brought up by T1 fans themselves. Currently, T1 lacks a coaching staff with enough experience to compete for titles. However, the reality is that finding someone to fill that role when time is running short will be almost impossible.
Perhaps what T1's coaching staff can do now is to help the players clearly define their goals and strategies to execute. Teams competing in the 2022 Worlds all possess highly experienced coaching staff. And this could potentially become a weakness that leaves T1 empty-handed in this Worlds.
Conclusion
From now until the official start of the 2022 Worlds, T1 still has some time to rest and prepare. Faker's career's end is nearing, and surely, no T1 fan or the LoL community wants to see Faker go through another trophy-less season on the international stage.
