T1’s Announcement: “Viral” and Its Impact on Fans
Recently, the drama surrounding T1 and Zeus has stirred quite a buzz, marking a significant moment in the history of League of Legends. Following this, the situation intensified with the T1 – Gumayusi drama. However, despite the turmoil, many T1 fans are rallying to support their team, affirming that “T1 is about Esports, not idol groups, and personnel changes are just part of the game.” Meanwhile, T1 itself has also “gone viral” among fans who are eager to defend their interests.
Specifically, in a recent announcement from South Korean media, T1 revealed it has signed a memorandum of understanding with JWORKS, a talent development company and a subsidiary of the entertainment giant CJes Studios, to cultivate T1 players in the direction of “Esports idols.” Unsurprisingly, Faker is set to be the centerpiece of this initiative.
This shift signifies T1’s genuine desire to enhance its image as an “idol” team. Not only must players excel in their professional skills, but they are also expected to meet the high living standards of idols, bearing the pressures that come with such a role.
Fan Reactions to T1’s Announcement
Across various platforms, T1 fans are not just passively observing but actively reacting to this new direction. After all, Esports teams in South Korea are often regarded as trending stars—occupying a high-profile position. However, should they transition to “idolization,” it could impose significant demands on the players (such as continuous livestreaming for fans, participating in fan meetings, and engaging in external entertainment activities), potentially diminishing the competitive essence of the team.
Some opinions suggest this is a significant factor contributing to Zeus’s departure and Gumayusi’s rise. However, these remain merely speculations from the audience regarding T1’s latest direction.
This sentiment could be seen as a strategic move to generate revenue for T1’s sustainability and operations. However, this team is currently facing scrutiny for being “over-the-top” and the reactions from Esports or League of Legends fans indicate that this approach may not be warmly received.
