Preface: The S16 season has officially started, and I believe most players are closely following the recent games. The competitions across all regions are very intense. The LCK playoffs have entered the final stage. Although the World Championship spots have been decided, the final rankings are still being contested. The match between DK and T1 demonstrated what it means to be an established powerhouse. Many netizens also commented that T1 seems off again, with even the previously criticized Doran winning MVP repeatedly. Does that familiar feeling stir within you?

T1 seems off again.

Most players are quite familiar with T1. Over the past few years, their overall achievements have been outstanding. Although their domestic form hasn't always been stable each year, they always amaze everyone when it comes to international tournaments—they've won the World Championship three years in a row. This season, T1 made roster changes again. In the first two splits, the team's synergy wasn't very stable and their results fluctuated heavily. However, starting from the third split, it's clear that Peyz has perfectly integrated into the team and become the core carry.

Although T1 has already qualified for Worlds, there are still final rankings to fight for. The match between T1 and DK sparked a lot of discussion online. In the first game, just four minutes in, Peyz made a mistake and was solo-killed by Smash. At six minutes, Lucian solo-killed again, putting T1's bot lane in a huge disadvantage. Fortunately, the top-jungle duo opened up opportunities elsewhere. Eventually, the game lasted 42 minutes before ending, with T1 using a quadra kill from Xayah to push straight into DK's base.

In the second game, just two minutes in, Faker's Anivia died in mid lane. Then at five minutes, DK's Jayce and Ryze each scored solo kills, putting T1 in an early disadvantage again. Luckily, at 11 minutes, DK gave an opportunity by forcing a fight at the dragon pit, resulting in a 0-for-3 trade for T1. Although T1 later secured the dragon soul, in the Baron team fight at 30 minutes, DK's execution was superior, and they used the Baron buff to end the game in one push.

The third match was another lengthy slugfest. T1 had a good early lead, but several consecutive deaths in the mid game gave DK chances to turn things around. However, in the Baron team fight at 38 minutes, T1 managed a 0-for-2 trade. With the Baron buff, they pushed and ended the game in one go at 39 minutes, securing match point.

In the crucial final game, Faker brought out Galio again. The early phase saw plenty of skirmishes. T1 once again opened up the top lane by constantly targeting DK's top laner, allowing Doran's Camille to scale better and better. In the pivotal team fight at 26 minutes, Keria's perfect ultimate allowed T1 to get a 0-for-4 trade and secure the Baron. Finally, at 31 minutes, T1 ended the game in one push, eliminating DK 3-1.

In the post-match interview, it was obvious that T1's players were very happy. Faker even said publicly: "We haven't won the LCK championship in a long time. I want to reach a higher stage. Today we took the first step well, and I feel fortunate. I really want to beat HLE again. If we can refine our shortcomings from the last match in the remaining time, I think we can definitely win." It really feels like T1 is acting strange—whenever they enter the playoffs, they become exceptionally dominant.

Goodbye thinks

Next, T1 will face HLE. The winner will then battle GEN for the LCK championship. To be honest, T1's overall game rhythm has become increasingly stable now, and even Doran, who was once considered a weak link, has been winning MVPs consecutively. It's hard to imagine how LPL teams will match up against LCK teams. It seems that only DK would be a relatively easy opponent; the other three teams will be very tough mountains to climb.

What do you, dear audience, think about this?