Buzz
According to Faker's assessment, champions with strong scaling abilities are currently highly suitable for the meta.
Even though MSI 2022 ended just under a month ago, the shift in the meta is palpable. While champions like Ahri, Lissandra, and Galio, known for their roaming and strong early-game impact, were dominant at MSI 2022, they are no longer as prominent in the Summer tournaments. Instead, champions with significant scaling potential based on items and levels, such as Azir and Kayle, are reclaiming priority spots.
This trend is particularly evident in LCK Summer 2022, where matches are becoming more drawn-out, and teams tend to prioritize farming over skirmishes. For example, in the recent NS vs. T1 match, the Mid Lane matchup featured Corki and Azir, both champions known for their farming prowess. According to Faker's post-match comments, even Master Yi, with his strong scaling potential, could find a place in the Mid Lane thanks to the current meta.
Question: It seems like you didn't have much time to prepare for LCK Summer 2022. How did the team overcome this?
T1 Faker: We had about 2 weeks to practice, which was just enough time. The team played a lot of solo queue and closely observed other teams to accurately assess the meta game. I believe the team made reasonable adjustments.
Question: In your opinion, which past meta does the current one resemble?
T1 Faker: From 2019 until the recent Spring split, overall skirmishing was crucial, but many matches were won through our mobility. As for the current meta, it closely resembles the 2015-2016 era. Even Master Yi could potentially return to the Mid Lane.
Master Yi has long been associated with the Jungle position in lower ranks due to his simple skills and gameplay, making him easy to pick up. His main task is essentially to farm as much as possible and utilize skills that constantly refresh to secure kills. Consequently, many gamers dislike Master Yi because he doesn't offer much support utility to teammates.
In professional tournaments, the chances of Master Yi appearing are even lower because he is easily countered. Perhaps Faker's remarks suggest that champions with strong scaling based on items are currently well-suited to the meta, including Master Yi, who also has a chance to return. However, in a fair assessment, Master Yi would struggle to compete against champions like Yone, Yasuo, or Tryndamere in this position.
