Buzz
Once more, reports emerge of Faker facing an overwhelming workload, leaving LCK fan community furious with T1 management.
Just days ago, KeSPA officially announced a trimmed roster of 10 players for the final selection round for the Asiad 2022 lineup. This Asiad holds significant importance as it marks the first opportunity for Esports, particularly League of Legends, to compete for medals. With veteran players like Faker and Deft in the roster, if chosen and clinching the gold medal, these players will be exempt from mandatory military service and only obliged to perform special military duties. It's a chance for these names to continue their professional player careers.
However, for a renowned player like Faker, besides Asiad 2022, or closer yet, the upcoming MSI 2022, it's widely known that Faker has an extremely packed schedule beyond professional League of Legends. As the brand ambassador of T1 and the entire LCK region as well as the global League of Legends scene, it's no surprise that Faker is chosen by many prestigious brands. Like recently, he appeared incredibly 'cool' in a BMW advertisement. Not to mention other advertising projects, interview shows, etc., that the 'Demon King' has to manage while still adhering to the team's schedule and rigorous training regimen.
There was a time when the LCK community in general and T1 fans, especially Faker fans, were extremely frustrated with Faker's hectic schedule. He even became famous for his highly unconventional daily routine: Faker would go to bed at 4 a.m. and train for about 10 hours a day with only 1 hour of rest (excluding meal times). In Spring 2021, there were many reports about Faker having an extremely packed schedule. And many T1 fans believe that it's because of this that Faker's performance declined as he no longer had time for League of Legends.
Recently, Faker voiced frustration again due to an extremely unscientific work schedule. According to a chat excerpt posted by the LCK community allegedly from Faker himself, the 'Demon King' expressed extreme annoyance: 'I can't focus on the game. My schedule is problematic, and I feel overwhelmed with this schedule (meeting fans, promoting films, training for Asiad 2022, training for MSI 2022...) Why insert livestreams in between other schedules?'
Furthermore, Faker also mentioned that he had opinions on his packed schedule, but it was ineffective. Immediately after witnessing Faker's exhausted state, as well as his speaking out about his activities, the LCK community in general and T1 fans in particular were extremely outraged, especially towards T1 management. According to many opinions, this team is starting to exploit Faker's brand 'innocently' just like in Spring 2021.
Right after the LCK community 'stormed' due to Faker's situation, T1 management announced the cancellation of all T1 players' livestream schedules for the day. However, beneath this announcement, the fan community still expressed extreme frustration. Faker's expertise is undoubtedly in League of Legends, but this very expertise of his is being affected by that rigorous schedule. Asiad 2022 is approaching, and MSI 2022 has already set its schedule. If, due to external reasons affecting performance, undoubtedly the one who suffers the most damage is none other than Faker.
