T1’s support player Ryu “Keria” Min-seok has once again secured a spot in the knockout stages of Worlds 2023. Despite facing challenges throughout the year, T1 has consistently performed well on the international stage, with Keria only missing one tournament since his debut in 2020. This year, T1 qualified for the quarterfinals with a decisive victory over BLG, utilizing a Senna and Tahm Kench bot lane. Keria believes that counter picks will play a significant role in the knockout stages, but the core meta will likely remain unchanged.
T1 Overcomes Adversity in LCK Summer 2023
The year 2023 presented numerous challenges for T1. They suffered a defeat against Gen.G in the LCK Spring 2023 finals and faced further setbacks when their midlaner, Faker, was sidelined due to a wrist injury. This led to a concerning 1-7 record for the team. However, T1 managed to find a glimmer of hope with a victory against Nongshim Redforce, which propelled them towards a more stable path. Despite continuous losses without Faker, the team maintained a positive mindset and focused on enjoying the games while staying emotionally and mentally stable. With Faker’s return, T1 regained their top form and secured the second seed for Worlds.
Personal Struggles and Seeking Redemption
While T1 faced their own challenges as a team, Keria also had personal struggles to overcome. The heartbreaking loss against DRX in the Worlds 2022 finals haunted him, causing sleepless nights and emotional distress. Despite keeping his hardships hidden from his teammates, Keria found solace in confiding with Dplus KIA’s bot laner, Deft. Their connection went beyond being teammates, as Keria saw Deft as a life teacher. With Deft’s support and a select few others, Keria began his journey towards recovery.
Seeking Redemption and Promising a Gesture to Fans
Reflecting on their performances over the past two years, Keria acknowledged that individual player performance is crucial, especially on big stages. While T1 has achieved success in the LCK Spring 2022 championship, they have faced setbacks in subsequent tournaments, often falling short in crucial moments. However, Keria believes that with minor improvements, T1 is ready to secure victory. As a heartfelt gesture to their loyal fans, Keria pledged to bow down deeply to the fans if T1 wins Worlds 2023, as a sign of gratitude for their unwavering support.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Worlds | Quarterfinals |
| 2021 | MSI | Absent |
| 2022 | Worlds | Finals |
| 2023 | Worlds | Knockout Stages |
Source: ONEESPORTS
