Buzz
Riot and T1 collaborate to greatly benefit LCK on the opening day of the 2024 Spring Split.
It can be said that LCK is encountering unprecedented challenges this season, particularly after Gen.G's significant self-destruction at the end of 2023. In the opening match of LCK Spring 2024, T1 became the initial victim of Gen.G, with the match between these two teams and the reigning LCK champions not being broadcasted on any Bilibili channel. However, Gen.G's actions inadvertently bring about certain significant changes.
According to Esports Chart, the match between Gen.G and T1 recorded over 1.1 million peak views. For those unaware, this number is only 300k views less than the LCK Spring 2023 finals between the same two teams. Furthermore, this figure surpasses the second-highest viewed match of the Spring 2023 Split, which saw T1 versus KT with approximately 1 million views.
Many believe that this is largely due to LPL's strategic targeting of Gen.G, compelling viewers in this region who want to watch T1 to resort to flexible methods such as using VPNs or 'fake locations' to view matches on other platforms. In reality, this may be because LPL viewers are more interested in following T1 rather than watching Gen.G compete. After all, T1 is the reigning champion of the 2023 World Championship, where they defeated all four representatives from LPL. Moreover, all four of these teams only managed to secure one victory against Faker and his teammates.
Previously, Esports Charts platforms did not account for viewing figures from LPL broadcasting apps. With Gen.G being 'punished' by LPL, this figure may be the closest approximation to the most accurate viewing figures that a T1 match can bring to LCK. Furthermore, the sudden increase in views may also be due to the current situation where tournaments have not fully resumed. Hence, it is understandable why a match as exciting as Gen.G versus T1 would achieve high viewer numbers.
Certainly, it may require further waiting for additional matches to ascertain the true reason behind the remarkable increase in viewership for the opening match of LCK Spring 2024. Nevertheless, this could serve as a glimmer of hope amidst the somewhat lackluster landscape of LCK Spring 2024 following the championship's downfall.
