TL;DR
- FPX benched Khan for GimGoon amid 4-game losing streak and 10th place standing
- Meta shifts disrupted FPX’s signature roaming strategy, forcing tactical adjustments
- Jungler Tian became primary carry target while facing increased enemy focus
- Team struggled with laning phase performance and pressure absorption
- With only 3 weeks remaining, FPX faces critical matches for playoff qualification
Significant roster adjustments emerged for FunPlus Phoenix during the eighth week of the 2020 LPL Summer Split, signaling serious internal concerns.
The reigning world champions faced substantial challenges in the competitive landscape. A concerning four-match defeat sequence prompted immediate tactical modifications. The organization opted to substitute top laner Kim “Khan” Dong-ha with veteran Kim “GimGoon” Han-saem. GimGoon’s previous appearance occurred during spring playoff encounters against JD Gaming.
Current standings positioned FPX in tenth place with five wins against six losses, accumulating thirteen game victories versus fifteen defeats. Their 46% match success rate placed them outside playoff contention. Within the seventeen-team LPL structure, qualification requires securing a top-eight position.
Starting lineup: GimGoon, Tian, Doinb, Lwx, Crisp
— FunPlus PhoeniX (@FPX_Esports) July 20, 2020
Why FunPlus Phoenix Changing Its Roster in the LPL?
Draft strategies primarily focused on meta-appropriate champions with occasional experimental picks including Quinn for top lane and Rumble in mid position. Jungler Gao “Tian” Tian-Liang concentrated on Graves and Olaf selections, positioning him as the team’s primary carry responsibility.
Throughout their dominant 2019 season, FPX’s tactical approach centered around mid laner Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang’s roaming patterns as he consistently supported side lanes. Evolving game meta eliminated the viability of sacrificing mid lane priority. LPL teams maintain reputations for extreme aggression, initiating skirmishes from the initial level.
Common strategic errors include over-reliance on outdated roaming tactics and failure to adapt jungle pathing to counter increased enemy pressure—mistakes that cost valuable early game advantages.
FPX maintains strong teamfighting capabilities, but meta transitions negatively affected laning phase effectiveness. Khan encountered difficulties managing pressure absorption and executing late-game split pushing strategies. Bottom lane performance suffered without additional support from Doinb’s roams. Tian assumed team-carrying duties while experiencing concentrated targeting from opposing squads.
Advanced optimization requires adjusting jungle tracking patterns and developing alternative win conditions beyond the traditional roaming framework. Teams should anticipate 15-20 minute adaptation periods when implementing major strategic shifts.
With merely three weeks remaining in regular season competition, FunPlus Phoenix urgently requires victories. The squad aims to recover form in forthcoming contests against OMG and Edward Gaming.
Practical tips for roster transition success include establishing clear communication protocols and defining revised shotcalling hierarchies. Teams facing similar challenges should prioritize objective control over aggressive early game plays during adjustment phases.
Action Checklist
- Analyze current meta impact on team’s signature strategies
- Evaluate individual player performance under new competitive conditions
- Implement revised communication structures for roster changes
- Develop alternative win conditions beyond traditional play patterns
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » FunPlus Phoenix announces Khan roster move after losing streak Analyzing FPX's strategic roster changes during 2020 LPL Summer Split crisis management