T1 Star Team Faces Criticism Despite Victory Over HLE
With their recent victory against Hanwha Life Esports, T1 has successfully secured a spot to represent the LCK at MSI 2025, set to be held in Vancouver, Canada, this July. However, T1’s journey to international competition has been a tumultuous one, as they have participated in multiple international tournaments since 2022. Despite their strong performances, T1, particularly player Doran, has faced considerable criticism. The reason for this criticism remains perplexing: the lackluster gameplay displayed by some T1 members.
According to reports, many HLE fans felt “disheartened” and couldn’t help but criticize Doran for his “subpar” contributions after the win against HLE. It’s worth noting that while Doran’s performance was notable during their previous match against KT, it was only after T1’s victory over HLE that these criticisms became more pronounced.
Additionally, four other T1 members also faced significant backlash. HLE fans pointed out that Zeus lacked any significant impact during their three previous encounters with T1, questioning his effectiveness in the matches. However, the harsh critiques quickly drew attention, sparking discussions about the responsibilities of professional players and the broader gaming community as a whole.
The “Idol Culture” is Causing T1 and Players to Face Challenges
In reality, the disappointment felt by HLE fans due to the loss is completely understandable. However, if such sentiments lead to harsh criticisms of T1 players, it highlights a disconnect between performance and fan expectations. Doran, who has been with HLE for a year, has spent considerable time with his team, while T1 has focused on bringing Zeus into the limelight since he was an unknown rookie.
The application of “idol culture” in esports has begun to create significant debates. Ultimately, only players and fans from HLE will be held as “culprits” when their emotions clash with expectations, which may lead to a loss of authenticity in their expressions.
