T1’s League of Legends squad is currently facing a grim situation.
With their fourth consecutive loss, this time against the struggling DRX, the team’s performance has taken a severe hit. Out of the seven matches played since July 2, they have managed to win only one, coinciding with the absence of their star mid laner, Faker, who suffered an arm injury.
Faker’s absence has been keenly felt, as he plays a pivotal role in T1’s chances of securing victories. Originally slated to miss only four matches, his absence has been prolonged, and the team planned for his return on July 21 against Hanwha Life Esports. However, this return date has been further delayed, with his comeback now scheduled for the start of the playoffs on Aug. 8.
The most worrisome aspect is that T1’s playoff spot is not guaranteed, and their recent losing streak raises concerns about missing the playoffs entirely. This puts Faker’s return in serious jeopardy, and the situation is increasingly ominous for the team.
T1 finds themselves plagued by late-season woes, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their postseason dreams.
Following today’s defeat against DRX, T1’s performance in the 2023 LCK Summer Split has taken a concerning turn, resulting in a negative record of 7-8. It is noteworthy that their record was a promising 6-2 when Faker was active. Presently, T1 finds themselves with a losing record after 15 matches into the split, raising the ominous possibility of missing out on the LCK playoffs. Such a predicament hasn’t occurred since 2018, when they finished seventh in the LCK with an 8-10 record and missed the World Championship for only the second time in their franchise history.
While T1 has experienced few instances of missing Worlds (in 2014, 2018, and 2020), failing to secure a spot in the Summer Playoffs this season could add another year to that unfortunate tally.
In the initial stages of the split, T1 managed to build a respectable cushion, displaying a strong performance by winning six out of their first eight matches in the summer. Despite enduring a subsequent 1-6 slide, their early achievements provided some resilience. However, their position is now precarious, as losing all three of their remaining matches could erode this advantage.
Furthermore, prior to Faker’s injury, T1 accumulated 70 Championship Points by qualifying as Korea’s second seed for MSI in the spring. In the event that they miss out on the playoffs, these points might offer a lifeline, potentially securing them a place in the back end of the bracket for the LCK Regional Finals, often referred to as the end-of-season “gauntlet.” This crucial opportunity grants teams a last chance to qualify for the World Championship. Nonetheless, the threat of missing the playoffs looms, adding an air of uncertainty to T1’s future prospects in the 2023 LCK Summer Split.
But there’s hope!
Contrastingly, the road to the playoffs appears much smoother for T1 – a single series victory would guarantee their spot and sustain their season. The prospect of securing eight wins places them out of reach for any other team currently outside the playoff picture. Nevertheless, a record of 7-11 may still provide a slim chance for T1, given the underperformance of other teams in the LCK.
An improbable yet conceivable scenario could see T1 drop their remaining matches, only to rally in a tiebreaker, provided they find themselves in the right tie situation. Notably, if they tie with DRX, they face a disadvantage due to DRX’s previous victories over T1 during the last four weeks.
Looking ahead, T1’s final three matches hold the key to their playoff ambitions. While facing KT Rolster, an unstoppable force boasting a 14-1 record and a 13-match winning streak, might be daunting, they have a chance to prevail against the Kwangdong Freecs and Liiv SANDBOX, both languishing with 4-11 records.
However, uncertainties linger as they eagerly await Faker’s return. The veteran’s presence could undoubtedly boost the team’s performance, yet concerns persist about potential delays that could thwart their plans.
T1’s fate hangs in the balance as the LCK Summer Split reaches its climax, leaving fans on edge with an ominous air of uncertainty surrounding the team’s journey to the playoffs.
If anybody needs a reminder of how great Faker is…. Make sure to re-watch this clip in 0.5 speed.
