Buzz
T1 has been subjected to a 'fall from grace' following their dismal performances in recent finals.
For a team like T1, whose ultimate goal is always championship victory in every tournament, settling for second place in 4 out of 5 recent finals is simply unacceptable. Even T1 players themselves can no longer view these failures as mere accidents, especially after experiencing defeat 'before the gates of heaven' 4 times. Not to mention, 2 of these instances occurred in domestic tournaments - an arena where T1 is expected to excel.
These setbacks have also reshaped the perception of T1 within the community at MSI 2023 compared to previous tournaments. Specifically, in a recent survey, T1 has slipped to 3rd place in the list of championship contenders at MSI 2023. Consequently, only 25% of the audience trusts T1 to emerge victorious. This signifies that T1 has gradually eroded the trust of the League of Legends community after numerous finals disappointments.
This is entirely understandable. Moreover, the MSI stage has always been regarded as a 'wilderness' for T1 and LCK teams in general. From 2015 until before MSI 2023, the tournament has witnessed 7 seasons, with LPL teams clinching victory 4 times. SKT T1 stands as the lone LCK team to secure this tournament twice, with the remaining triumph belonging to G2 Esports. However, Faker and his teammates' last MSI victory dates back... 6 years ago. This also marks the last time an LCK team triumphed at MSI.
The two teams positioned above T1 are JD Gaming (1st place) and Gen.G (2nd place). Although the number of supporters for these two teams is nearly equal, JDG edges out the reigning champions from LCK Spring 2023. According to audience feedback, JDG boasts a more stable roster and has demonstrated consistent strength throughout the season. Conversely, Gen.G frequently falters against T1 and struggles against Dplus KIA or Hanwha Life Esports. Gen.G's victory over T1 in the finals merely elevates their standing above T1.
Certainly, with a short timeframe and featuring nothing but champions like MSI, all evaluations are merely references. The teams themselves will have to exert maximum effort because just one mistake can turn their journey in the tournament into a disaster.
