Gumayusi’s Unique Use of Ezreal: A Different Experience for T1
In the recent match against OKSavingsBank BRION, Gumayusi had the opportunity to utilize Ezreal after a long period. As many fans have noted, the failure to effectively utilize champions like Ezreal, Kai’Sa, or Zeri has been a primary factor contributing to Gumayusi’s T1 underperformance. However, the match against OKBRO revealed an interesting aspect that fans might not have noticed if they hadn’t watched this match: T1 cannot effectively operate the lineup with Ezreal.
Returning to the Smash phase in LCK Cup 2025, this team’s use of Ezreal was marked by an abysmal win rate of… 0%. T1 also became a rare team that almost couldn’t secure victories when the champion Ezreal was chosen, especially during the critical moments when Teddy was still donning the uniform of the World Championship. However, instead of changing other positions, the decision to change Gumayusi – Smash was blamed by many for T1’s two consecutive losses in the World Championship, rather than a reversal.
Ezreal is a champion that excels in late-game scaling. Because of this, during the early and mid-game stages, the entire team must protect Ezreal, while simultaneously applying pressure to ensure a key requirement: not losing too much ground, especially having to equalize in the early stages. The simple reason is that Ezreal needs many resources to farm while also requiring support to be properly positioned in case of skirmishes.
However, if the match is played like that, it will reveal significant weaknesses in the entire T1 roster. Doran’s champion pool may not be too appealing, but he is a top lane player with potential to outperform opponents, which is difficult in competitive matches against Zeus or Kiin, or even Morgan and PerfecT on their best days. Therefore, Doran also needs assistance. Faker has long been unable to showcase the peak form that guarantees victories, securing each victory while leading the team. Thus, support for him is essential.
However, Oner and Keria cannot bear too much of the workload, especially when Oner also needs resources. This is why, when T1 played “the best Xayah” (against Smash), it was evident that the entire team was not in sync. When T1 played Ezreal for Gumayusi, but also included champions like Naafiri and Jayce, it became increasingly difficult to maintain and adapt to the circumstances.
Has T1 Learned Its Lessons?
The victory against OKBRO was a necessary lesson. More importantly, with the choice of Ezreal for Gumayusi, the League of Legends audience and T1 have realized: they cannot play “the best Xayah” and instead of forcing themselves to use champions they are unfamiliar with, they should rely on champions that are comfortable and can adapt effectively to their strategy.
