T1 has not been the same without their superstar Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok. After a solid start to the league of legends season, they lost six of their last seven games when Faker had to sideline himself due to an arm injury. However, the prayers of T1 fans may have been heard as recent events might hint towards a return of the three-time world champion.
The outlook on the final week of LCK was not too good for T1 fans after the team recently stated that Faker's return might not happen very soon. The superstar mid laner is sorely missed as T1 are set for their worst regular season finish since seventh place in summer 2018.
While the team is already locked for playoffs this split, they are looking for an upturn in form – and if recent developments are any indication, it might be just around the corner.
T1's substitute mid laner Yoon 'Poby' Sung-won has not had the easiest job with replacing the player who arguably is the best in League of Legends history. However, the six losses T1 took in the seven games with Poby were not solely down to the 17-year-old's lack of experience.
The team revealed that players were struggling mentally as the split got more and more difficult. The sidelined Faker helped out T1 in these trying times – will he now be able to do so on the Rift too?
League of Legends: Is Faker Returning To The LCK In Match Against Kwangdong Freecs?
After being called up to the main team, Poby has been replaced on T1 Esports Academy by Lee 'Nice' Chan-hyeok. While Nice has played a series before, he wasn't considered as their starting option – until Poby had to take Faker's place.
During Poby's LCK stint, Nice has started in every T1EA game in the LCK Challenger League. Now, Poby has played his first match for T1EA in weeks as he started in both their games in their 2-0 victory over Liiv Sandbox Youth.
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T1 Esports Academy have to play one more match against KT Rolster Challengers on Friday, which will take place at the same time as T1's last LCK match against Liiv Sandbox. Poby's inclusion in the Academy team might be a hint towards Faker's return. However, the team has not yet made an official statement ahead of their next match against Kwangdong Freecs on Wednesday. Regardless, T1 fans are hopeful that their superstar may return to the LCK this week.
Yun "Poby" Sung-won has been listed as the starting mid laner for @T1LoL in today's match against @LiivSANDBOX in the Challengers League.
— Kevin Kim (@KevinKim0_o) July 31, 2023
T1 Poby had played in the last eight of their matches in the #LCK and had been away from the #LCKCL during this period of time. pic.twitter.com/VSerBELOGb
T1's next match against Kwangdong Freecs takes place on Wednesday, August 2 at 9:00 am BST (1:00 am PST). They are locked for round 1 of playoffs regardless of their results in the upcoming matches and will not be able to pick their opponent.
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