The clash between T1 and Bilibili Gaming (BLG) at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2024 left many viewers disappointed. Anticipation ran high for a thrilling five-game series, but BLG delivered a dominant performance, leaving T1 scrambling for answers. While T1 managed to secure a single victory in the second game thanks to a meta-aligned champion pool and strategic gameplay, the remaining games showcased BLG’s complete control. T1, the reigning League of Legends World Champions, could only muster desperate tower dives and highlight-reel plays that ultimately lacked significant impact.
BLG’s Strategic Stifling of T1
BLG’s dominance began in the crucial champion select phase. Their superior draft choices not only outclassed T1’s picks but also forced the champions T1 were less comfortable with. This tactical pressure manifested in Faker, T1’s mid laner, being relegated to playing Veigar and Akali. Veigar’s presence in the current meta is debatable, and Akali has been absent from Faker’s champion pool for a considerable time. Faker thrives on creating proactive plays, but BLG effectively neutralized his influence by strategically banning his most impactful champions.
Gumayusi: A Wasted Weapon
With Faker’s playmaking potential stifled, T1 appeared vulnerable. However, BLG’s champion bans weren’t all-encompassing for Faker throughout the series. A curious decision saw BLG leaving Twisted Fate open, the same champion that caused significant trouble for T1 in their previous encounter with G2 Esports and several other matches. While T1 focused their resources on the top lane, they inadvertently neglected their “treasure,” Gumayusi, the team’s star ADC (Attack Damage Carry).
Gumayusi’s Underperformance
Across the four games, Gumayusi was only entrusted with a true carry marksman in the decisive final game. In stark contrast, BLG’s ADC, Elk, wielded Kalista and Lucian, two of the most potent ADCs in the current meta, for three games. Even when Elk piloted Senna, a champion with a more supportive playstyle, BLG ensured his safety with a robust frontline featuring Nautilus and K’Sante. Additionally, Nidalee and Tristana, champions renowned for disrupting teamfights and strong lane ganks, further empowered Elk’s Senna to unleash his damage potential.
On the other hand, Gumayusi lacked the same level of support. This was particularly evident in the match against BLG. In the first game, T1’s fragile composition, solely reliant on K’Sante and Tahm Kench for frontline presence, faced the brunt of Vayne’s onslaught. Vayne’s true damage inherently counters K’Sante in the laning phase. The third game saw another iteration of Senna for Gumayusi, but with T1 opting for a four-damage champion composition, the responsibility of absorbing enemy aggression fell solely on Keria, the team’s support. By the time Gumayusi received Kalista, a champion with significant carry potential, the game was already heavily tilted in BLG’s favor.
Gumayusi’s talent as one of the world’s leading ADCs is undeniable, consistently demonstrated through his mastery of champions like Varus and Lucian. While BLG’s champion bans undoubtedly impacted his champion pool, T1’s draft strategy often relegated Gumayusi to champions like Senna, whose carry potential is inherently limited. Furthermore, the team’s lack of a dedicated frontline left Gumayusi exposed and unable to freely unleash his damage output. Even when utilizing Varus, known for his self-reliance, Gumayusi was frequently forced to operate on an island.
Statistical Disparity at MSI
A closer look at the statistics from MSI 2024 paints a concerning picture for T1’s utilization of Gumayusi. Throughout the tournament’s 13 games, Gumayusi only played with three unique champions. Notably absent was Lucian, another champion Gumayusi excels with. In comparison, Elk (BLG) boasted a champion pool of five, with Senna being the only non-traditional ADC pick. Hans Sama, the ADC for Rogue, also enjoyed a diverse champion pool of four, all of which were quintessential ADCs. Kalista emerged as Gumayusi’s most-played champion with five appearances, while Senna and Varus followed closely behind with four appearances each. However, it’s crucial to remember that Senna is not a pure damage-oriented ADC.
The Need for Change: Unleashing the “Treasure”
Every player within a team structure adheres to a defined strategy. However, T1’s current approach has yielded underwhelming results. Finding themselves in a precarious position, T1 must acknowledge the immense talent within their ranks and leverage Gumayusi, their “treasure,” to its fullest potential. By prioritizing champion picks that empower Gumayusi’s aggressive playstyle and surrounding him with a supportive frontline, T1 can unlock a potent offensive weapon. This strategic shift could breathe new life into their approach and propel them towards achieving their first major title of 2024.
Fan Frustration and Calls for Change
The T1 faithful are understandably frustrated with the team’s underwhelming performance, particularly the underutilization of Gumayusi. Social media platforms are abuzz with comments highlighting this disparity. Many fans express a desire to see Gumayusi unleashed on champions like Lucian and Varus, champions that allow him to showcase his mechanical prowess and carry potential. This sentiment underscores the immense faith fans have in Gumayusi’s ability to single-handedly turn the tide of matches.
A Look Forward: Adapting and Overcoming
T1’s journey at MSI 2024 has taken a significant detour. However, the tournament isn’t over yet. The team still has the opportunity to adapt, overcome this setback, and potentially emerge victorious. By acknowledging Gumayusi’s strengths and tailoring their strategies accordingly, T1 can unleash a formidable weapon that could propel them towards the championship. Additionally, a more diverse champion pool for Gumayusi would not only give him more agency within the game but also make T1’s draft strategy less predictable, posing a greater challenge for their opponents.
Beyond MSI: Long-Term Implications
The lessons learned from MSI 2024 will undoubtedly be crucial for T1’s future endeavors. The team must critically analyze their current strategies and explore approaches that maximize the potential of all their players, especially Gumayusi. By fostering an environment that allows Gumayusi to thrive on champions suited to his aggressive playstyle, T1 can unlock a significant competitive advantage. This newfound strategic flexibility will be paramount not only for the remainder of the season but also in the upcoming World Championship, where they will strive to defend their title.
Conclusion: T1 at a Crossroads
T1 stands at a crossroads. The path they choose will determine their trajectory for the rest of the year. Continuing down the current path of underutilizing Gumayusi risks further disappointment. However, a strategic shift that prioritizes Gumayusi’s strengths and unlocks his full potential could lead to a resurgence and a potential MSI championship. The decision lies with T1’s coaching staff and players. Will they unlock their “treasure” and reclaim their dominance, or will they remain shackled by a strategy that fails to maximize their full potential? Only time will tell.
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