Additional Positive Information for T1 in the 2025 Season
As previously noted, during the current phase, Riot has decided to temporarily suspend the draft system, which has been in place since the MSI 2024 season. Although T1 has ascended to champion status with this draft meta, it has also posed significant challenges for the team, as well as for other teams that have struggled since the initial phase. That said, today, there’s additional positive news for T1: Riot is likely to continue the Fearless Draft in the remaining part of the 2025 season.
It is clear that in the remaining phase of the season, there will no longer be a draft meta, and the strategies of the teams will inevitably have to shift. Ironically, this is exactly where T1 excels. Back in 2022, when T1 had the longest winning streak in history, they thrived with the strategy of “win lane, win game”. One of the key elements contributing to T1’s continued success in this playstyle is the expansive champion pool of the duo Gumayusi – Keria.
With Gumayusi, the average champion pool this season has seen around 10 champions used. Keria himself also has a wide champion pool, but the focus will still be on the champions that initiate fights. If the playstyle does not require the draft meta, T1 could revert to the “win lane, win game” strategy that established their historical winning streak, as stated by Faker.
As “the ball is in their court”, will T1 “break out”?
In reality, if the situation were completely normal, there wouldn’t be much to complain about. However, at the LCK Cup 2025, T1 has showcased a new rookie named Smash. Furthermore, the General Manager of the team, Becker, has confirmed that T1 will participate in the remaining part of the season with a six-member roster. Since then, the concerns of T1 fans have begun to surface.
However, the strength of Smash is not necessarily evident, and especially when it comes to team fights, Smash has yet to show significant impact in terms of positioning. The strongest point of this current roster seems to be… taking risks, provided that their teammates have established the necessary synergy.
If T1 truly relies on Smash, fans have every reason to worry as the team is currently struggling in the LCK Cup 2025. Moreover, fans can’t help but feel anxious about the potential to miss out on the World Championship again if they don’t secure a strong enough roster to compete effectively.
