T1 benches Faker and Teddy on LCK 2021 debut

T1 launched their 2021 LCK Spring campaign with an unexpected victory that came with significant roster surprises. The absence of several established stars from the starting lineup signaled a strategic shift toward youth development.

The organization delivered a stunning opening day revelation by sidelining three veteran players: jungler Moon “Cuzz” Woo-chan, ADC Park “Teddy” Jin-seong, and legendary mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. Their replacements included promising newcomers Choi “Ellim” El-lim, Lee “Clozer” Ju-hyeon, and Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong, marking one of the most dramatic lineup changes in recent LCK history.

Ellim, Clozer, Gumayusi, and top laner Kim “Canna” Chang-dong all progressed through T1’s development pipeline as trainees before earning their starting positions. This refreshed squad boasts an average age of merely 18 years, representing T1’s commitment to cultivating homegrown talent.

The youth-oriented approach proved immediately effective as T1 commenced their spring season with a decisive win against Hanwha Life Esports. Management provided no official explanation for the roster decisions or clarity regarding the potential return timeline for Cuzz, Faker, and Teddy.

During the Hanwha match, the rookie contingent demonstrated exceptional composure, particularly Clozer who faced off against elite mid laner Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon. T1’s players consistently maintained map control and executed strategic plays with impressive coordination for such a young team.

Uncertainty surrounds T1’s long-term roster strategy for the remainder of the split, with potential player rotations remaining a possibility. Their upcoming challenge against reigning world champions DWG Kia presents a crucial test for the new lineup’s capabilities against top-tier competition.

What happened to Faker?

This marks neither the first nor likely the last instance of Faker experiencing rotational bench periods with T1, especially given Clozer’s continued strong performances. Despite holding partial ownership stake in the organization, Faker’s position in the active roster remains performance-dependent rather than guaranteed by his equity status.

However, retirement speculation remains premature according to Faker’s repeated public commitments to continue competing as long as he maintains competitive form. Upon eventually transitioning from active play, Faker has confirmed his intention to maintain an ongoing role within the T1 infrastructure.

T1 retains flexibility to implement alternative roster configurations for their impending match against DWG Kia. The current world champions present a substantially greater challenge than Hanwha Life and enter the season as heavy favorites to claim the championship title.

Where can I watch LCK 2021?

English-speaking audiences can access comprehensive LCK 2021 coverage through the official LCK Twitch broadcasting channel, ensuring global access to premier Korean League of Legends competition.

Does Faker own T1?

During early 2020, T1 formalized Faker’s transition to partial ownership within the organization. He shares this distinctive status with Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg from Team SoloMid as the only active competitors granted equity positions in their respective teams.

What is T1 Academy?

T1 Academy operates as the organization’s secondary competitive team, with its roster regularly participating in the LCK Challengers League. The 2020 LCK CL Spring Split competition commences on January 18th, providing crucial development opportunities for emerging talent.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » T1 benches Faker and Teddy on LCK 2021 debut Analyzing T1's strategic roster decisions and Faker's evolving role in the 2021 LCK Spring Split