The Bitter “Anniversary” Reminder from T1 Regarding Faker
Recently, T1 has made controversial remarks surrounding the situation of Gumayusi – Smash. Alongside the news about the LCK Cup 2025, T1’s representative has announced they will begin the remaining part of the season, specifically the Regular Seasons 2025, with a 6-player roster. However, this announcement has led many fans to reflect on the painful memories surrounding Faker.
Historically, T1 has often utilized a 6-player roster in the past. The last time a 6-player roster was successfully implemented by SKT T1/T1 was in 2016. Since then, whenever T1 has participated in international tournaments, they have seldom succeeded without fielding more than 5 players officially registered. Notably, 2017 is often remembered for the image of Faker in tears after a heartbreaking defeat against Samsung Galaxy.
In the seasons following that, even with at least one substitute player, T1 has struggled to perform consistently during the competitive phase of the tournaments. In fact, 2021 was viewed as the year when T1’s lineup was most unstable, yet they still managed to compete with Canna – Oner – Faker – Gumayusi – Keria. That year, Teddy was not registered in the roster for the World Championship.
Many Details are Repeating Themselves Compared to Faker’s 2027
During the peak of his career in the 2017 season, Faker was at his highest point. He and SKT T1 were the reigning champions of the World Championship. Interestingly, at that time, Faker also won the MVP award (which later became the FMVP award – a title Faker achieved with T1 at the 2024 World Championship).
Moreover, even SKT T1’s roster had many similarities. One of the two players had a very impressive performance in the lineup, adding another substitute (Peanut – Blank and Gumayusi – Smash). SKT T1 2017 also welcomed top laner Huni after Duke left at the end of the 2016 season.
Even the playstyles of the two top laners also share similarities, as both Huni and Doran were known for their consistent performances, yet not solely for their high individual skills.
Nonetheless, no T1 fan would want to “relive the past.” However, with the current situation at T1, every scenario is possible, especially when the core of the team has started to gain momentum, with Faker still being present and performing well in previous matches.
