T1 “Opens Up” for LCK but Makes Critical Mistakes
Recently, T1 has been under scrutiny as they prepare for the 2025 LCK Cup, making headlines for their roster changes, including the addition of Keria and the controversial replacement of Gumayusi with Smash. Observers have noted that this roster shuffle seems to indicate a strategic shift for the team.
Despite the excitement surrounding these changes, it’s become clear that T1’s decision to replace players like Smash has raised eyebrows. Many analysts argue that the team may have misjudged the situation, especially as they aim to maintain a competitive edge in the league. Recent discussions among LCK teams have brought to light the mistakes made by T1 during this transition.
As of now, Pyosik is the latest name to rise up, transitioning from the Challengers League to join the main roster, following in the footsteps of Gumayusi and Juhan. His inclusion into the LCK roster has sparked discussions about the future dynamics of the team, especially with several notable players already facing relegation to the Challengers League this season, such as Teddy (DRX), Fisher (NS), and BuLLDoG (DNF). Currently, the number of players facing relegation or promotion to the Challengers League has reached up to 10.
However, there are undeniable facts to consider: teams that undergo significant changes often find themselves fluctuating between middle-tier and bottom-tier rankings throughout various seasons. Only T1 and a few others, like KT Rolster, have managed to maintain a consistent standing. Yet, many experts have pointed out that only those teams with substantial talent can afford to experiment with their rosters, while others must find stability to avoid falling behind.
Currently, two teams that seem to have a firm grip on their rosters are HLE and Gen.G, which have not made any changes, especially during the LCK Cup phase, as Zeus is yet to return. The stability of these teams is crucial, as they lack the depth to replace any star players effectively. More importantly, stability is a key factor for any successful League of Legends team.
Continuous Roster Changes Are Not Beneficial for Professional League of Legends; T1 is a Case in Point
T1 demonstrates that only a certain degree of change is acceptable, as the coaching staff seeks ways to optimize their current lineup and unleash the team’s potential, rather than simply seeking replacements. Unlike other sports, League of Legends requires a high level of synergy and collaboration, along with a significant amount of practice time for the main roster – this is markedly different from other team sports.
Historically, teams that frequently change players often comprise top-tier stars but struggle due to the inherent challenges of teamwork, as they only have five members on the roster. Players like EasyHoon and Blank showcased that having superstar talent does not guarantee success, as the key to victory lies in their ability to work together effectively.
