Sheep Esports - T1 Faker: "Rather than feeling like we lost because the opponent was that strong, I think we simply didn’t play up to the level we expected"
took down the reigning World Champions 3-1 in Lower Bracket Round 2. It marks G2's first series win over T1 since 2019, and the first time T1 have finished outside the top four at an international event.
” Sang-hyeok shared his disappointment with the loss, addressed the questions around T1's draft, and explained why he believes the defeat came down to T1's own mistakes rather than G2's own strengths.
After this tough series, could you share how you're feeling?
Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok: "We lost today, and it wasn't the kind of loss we expected, so I feel disappointed. It's disappointing.
G2 is a hard team to predict, specifically in draft. What was the preparation coming into today’s series?
Faker: Personally, I think we spent a lot of time trying to analyze G2's play. And when we faced G2 this time, things didn't really go the way we had expected, so I think that made it difficult for us.
LYON’s toplaner Niship "Dhokla" Doshi said that T1 sometimes brings out pocket picks or chaotic play, but today it felt like you focused more on standard picks. What are your thoughts on T1's overall draft today?
Faker: In today's matches, the situations didn't really line up, so we didn't get many chances to bring out the picks we had prepared. I think we just ended up with more standard picks.
After the BLG match, Mun "Oner" Hyeon-jun said in an interview that there seemed to be some issues with your draft and that you needed to fix them. Do you think similar issues came up in this match as well?
Faker: In terms of draft, I don't think we were perfect, but in today's match, I think the main reason we lost was that we all made a lot of mistakes in our play.
This MSI result is very disappointing, but if there is something you can learn from this tournament what would that be?
Faker: I think this tournament showed us that our team still has shortcomings. Still, I hope that next time we'll be able to fill those gaps better. Personally, I also feel there were things I could have done better today, so now I have more time to think about those things.
Your run ends a bit early, but you have a really packed schedule coming up. Do you plan to rest during the remaining time, or will you go straight back into practice?
Faker: We have to start preparing for EWC very soon, so I'm not sure exactly what the schedule will look like, but I think we'll do our best in the remaining time to get a good result at EWC.
Even though you lost, you did against a very strong G2. What aspects do you think makes them especially strong?
Faker: For G2, I think their team movements were very good today, and their play in skirmishes was very coordinated.
Do you think this G2 roster is perhaps the strongest Western team you’ve faced so far?
Faker: We did lose today, but honestly, it didn't feel like we lost because the opponent was that strong. Personally, I think we just didn't play up to the level we expected today, so I think we'll have to wait and see on that.
I'd like to switch topics a bit. You’ve talked on Korean broadcast in the past related to the rise of AI, and as AI continues to develop, do you think there could be room in the future to use it for training, such as for preparing matches or drafts and pick-ban?
Faker: In other sports, AI-based analysis is already being used quite actively. But in League of Legends, research and analysis in that area are still lacking in many ways, so it may be a bit early. Still, I think it will definitely be possible to use it in the future.
Lastly, could you share a few words to the fans?
Faker: Thank you to all the fans who supported us. We'll show you a better performance next time."
