TL;DR
- Faker publicly expressed concerns about psychological stress from T1’s 10-man roster system
- The legendary mid laner must adapt to Coach Daeny’s rotational strategy after years as sole starter
- T1’s 3-4 record reflects ongoing experimentation with different player combinations
- The roster features multiple players per position with strategic substitution capabilities
- Faker holds partial ownership in T1 Entertainment & Sports since 2020
League of Legends icon Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has voiced significant reservations about his organization’s experimental 10-player roster system, marking a rare public disagreement from the typically reserved superstar.
During the initial phase of the 2021 LCK Spring Split, T1’s deployment of their extensive bench has produced inconsistent competitive outcomes, prompting Faker to address the psychological toll this approach exacts on competitors.
When questioned directly about the 10-man configuration, Faker articulated his concerns with characteristic clarity, emphasizing how perpetual competition for starting positions creates substantial mental strain.
“The constant internal competition within our expanded roster creates significant psychological pressure that affects player performance,” Faker explained during his interview. “Maintaining peak competitive form becomes increasingly challenging when players face uncertainty about their match participation.”
However, the three-time world champion also acknowledged potential developmental benefits, noting that inexperienced players can observe veteran teammates during difficult moments to accelerate their growth.
This dual perspective reveals Faker’s nuanced understanding of both competitive pressures and talent development dynamics within professional esports organizations.
Faker detailed his adjustment process to Head Coach Yang “Daeny” Dae-in’s strategic framework, marking a significant departure from his established competitive rhythm.
Throughout his legendary career, Faker operated as T1’s undisputed mid lane starter, enabling deep synergy development through consistent gameplay with his teammates.
The 2021 season necessitates a fundamentally different competitive approach, requiring Faker to cultivate team coordination despite intermittent match participation—a challenge that tests even his legendary adaptability.
Daeny’s appointment follows his tremendous success with DWG KIA, where his coaching contributed to their 2020 World Championship victory.
While their strategic philosophies currently diverge, the potential exists for Faker and Daeny to establish common ground, potentially transforming T1 into a multifaceted LCK contender with diverse strategic options.
T1’s current 3-4 standing in the LCK rankings falls short of fan expectations, reflecting the ongoing experimentation with various player combinations.
Most rookie players have received competitive opportunities, though jungler Moon “Oner” Hyeon-joon awaits his competitive debut despite being part of the active roster.
The team’s upcoming match against Fredit BRION on February 6 represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate strategic cohesion and improved performance.
2021.02.03 MVP of the Day by T1
T1이 선정한 오늘의 MVP는?
인상적인 데뷔전을 선보인 “Zeus” 최우제 선수가 선정되었습니다. 앞으로도 많은 응원 부탁드립니다! ????MVP of the Day awarded by T1 tonight goes to Zeus.
Please congratulate his successful debut. ????#T1WIN
#T1Fighting
pic.twitter.com/IN1Ik0HK0B— T1 LoL (@T1LoL)
February 3, 2021
T1’s strategic deployment of their 10-player lineup throughout the 2021 LCK season provides unprecedented flexibility between matches while simultaneously extending the timeline for identifying optimal starting combinations.
The T1 2021 LCK roster is:
- Top – Kim “Canna” Chang-dong / Choi “Zeus” Woo-je
- Jungle – Moon “Cuzz” Woo-chan / Choi “Ellim” El-lim / Moon “Oner” Hyeon-joon
- Mid – Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok / Lee “Clozer” Ju-hyeon
- Bot – Park “Teddy” Jin-seong / Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong
- Support – Ryu “Keria” Min-seok
Faker transitioned into partial ownership of T1 upon contract renewal for the 2020 competitive season, fundamentally altering his relationship with the organization.
This contractual evolution means Faker now operates simultaneously as elite competitor and business stakeholder within T1 Entertainment & Sports corporate structure.
This dual role creates unique responsibilities and perspectives that distinguish him from traditional professional players within the esports ecosystem.
Action Checklist
- Analyze player performance metrics across different roster combinations to identify optimal matchups
- Implement structured rotation schedules that balance competitive pressure with psychological wellbeing
- Establish clear communication protocols between coaching staff and players regarding selection criteria
- Monitor team synergy indicators across different player combinations
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Faker publicly disagrees with T1’s 10-man roster Faker's critical perspective on T1's 10-man roster strategy and its impact on team performance