Introduction: The S16 season has officially begun, and it’s believed that the vast majority of players are paying close attention to the recent clashes. The LCK region’s competition is fierce. As the six-time champion, T1 has kept a very stable form after the season’s start. Their encounters with DRX have been surprisingly relaxed, almost like a training match against bots. In a crucial deciding game, Faker even performed a top-tier strategic play by teleporting in place mid-lane, baiting Syndra into stepping forward. Ultimately, Oner’s Jarvan forced out the enemy’s flash, with every step perfectly calculated.

Faker’s stationary TP baiting Ucal

Most players are quite familiar with the T1 team. As a top-tier squad in the LCK region, T1’s achievements over recent years have been outstanding, winning the World Championship three years in a row and earning the undisputed title of six-time champions. Mid laner Faker was even awarded the Blue Dragon Medal by the South Korean president, which is considered the highest honor in Korean sports. It was reported that he dined at the same table as the president, a status no other esports player likely holds. Since the new season began, T1 has maintained its steady form, crushing HLE and laying a solid foundation for upcoming matches.

The matches against DRX were very dramatic, with a significant skill gap between the two teams. T1 played rather relaxed and didn’t opt for overly cautious lineups. It felt like a practice match against bots, and they eventually won 2-1. The most exciting part was the third game. Just seven or eight minutes in, Faker executed a brilliant tactic: Oner was moving from the bot river to mid, aiming to catch Syndra. Faker teleported in place as bait, and Syndra stepped forward, interrupting Bunny’s TP. Then Jarvan suddenly ambushed from bot lane, forcing Syndra to flash away. Every move seemed to be Faker’s calculation; I don’t believe it was a misclick or mistake.

In a post-match interview, Faker openly acknowledged that his rise in esports status may have played a role, but mostly it was thanks to the support of many people. Faker remains humble. Honestly, if it were LPL’s top laner Bin, he would probably just admit he’s the goat. This isn’t to criticize Bin’s personality—it’s just the difference among top players. Otherwise, Faker wouldn’t be the only pro player without any scandals. From any angle, he’s flawless: no controversies, excellent results, and very modest.

After the first week of LCK matches, four teams remain undefeated: Gen.G, T1, DK, and BFX. HLE, which many were watching, lost both of their recent games. Despite spending heavily in the transfer window and acquiring the aggressive player Chovy, it turns out Kanavi was wrongly blamed before. He played aggressively in LPL and continues to make risky plays back in LCK. This might just be the player’s habit. As a protégé of coach Homme, it’s unclear how he feels now—his value in the LCK might have taken a big hit.

Goodbye Thoughts

No one expected Faker to be so humble. During the interview, his low-key attitude was touching. Judging from this week’s matches, Gen.G and T1 remain the traditional powerhouses of the LCK, both with deep foundations and very stable performances. Unless something unexpected happens, these two teams will likely be the representatives in the upcoming VCT, and the champion will probably come from LCK again.

What do all of you think about this matter?