Faker, even after 10 years of professional esports experience, still takes time to learn from other players. So, what does he think of the new LoL Worlds 2023 format?
The face of League of Legends is none other than Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok and after 10-years playing professionally he is still one of the most highly regarded LoL players in the scene right now.
This year, he is participating at his first World Championship held in his home country of South Korea, missing out on qualifying in both 2014 and 2018. This year is not just his 10-year anniversary, but also brings forth a whole new tournament format. But what does he think of all these changes?
LoL Worlds: Faker Believes JDG And Gen.G Are Strongest At Tournament
In a recent interview with Inven Global, Faker revealed his thoughts on the current League of Legends World Championship. When asked which teams he felt were the strongest he revealed that the first seed of the LCK and LPL feel like the strongest teams going into the tournament.
| 💡How Often Has Faker Won Worlds? Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) has won three World Championships with his team, T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1), in the years 2013, 2015, and 2016. |
With Faker playing in his tenth year, making his debut in 2013, it's also interesting to know that he feels like he is still learning from his experience, even now.
This Worlds is another challenge for me and another place where I can learn. I will try to learn and practice as much as possible in the time I have.
What is especially interesting this year is the removal of the group phase, which has been replaced by a Swiss Format. While this makes it more difficult for teams to prepare due to the short preparation time between games, as well as the unfamiliarity with a team's opponent.
Faker explained that the team will just have to "stick more to fundamentals" when it comes to practice, rather than targeting specific teams.
We may not be able to prepare a team-specific strategy, but it’s good since we can improve more in terms of dealing with situations right away.
[#Worlds2023 Swiss Stage Day 4 vs. C9]Swiss Stage 2 !We achieved two wins at the Swiss Stage!#T1WIN #T1Fighting #T1atWorlds2023 pic.twitter.com/op2ZHls1yM
— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) October 22, 2023
This goes for every team, since the opponent draws are random. T1 and Faker will face off against the LPL's second seed BLG in a best of three match. BLG beat T1 3-1 at the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational, kicking them out of the tournament.
Right now most have BLG favored in the match up, especially with how strong the LPL has looked throughout Worlds this year. The match will take place Saturday, October 28 at 12:00 pm CET / 3:00 am PT.
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