T1's Doran demonstrates his true ability!

Although Doran is a world champion top laner, his reputation in the LOL scene is not very favorable. Numerous LPL analysts consider him a “lazy” top laner, and some fans have claimed that swapping Doran for BIN or 369 wouldn’t affect T1’s chances of winning the title. As criticism of Doran’s skills continues, many T1 supporters eagerly await him to prove his worth in the new season. Especially since the top lane role has become highly influential in the latest LOL meta, with various damage-dealing top laners dominating the scene.

Coincidentally, Doran’s opponent in the first match of the new season was none other than T1’s former top laner, Zeus. Doran’s current poor reputation partly stems from some Zeus fans believing that Doran’s skill is far inferior to Zeus’s. Thus, many viewers were excited about the showdown between Doran and Zeus. Doran’s performance did not disappoint T1 fans; whether in lane or teamfights, he thoroughly outplayed Zeus throughout the match.

Especially in the third game, when Doran played Akali against Zeus’s top lane Volibear, many LPL viewers and commentators were shocked. Before this match, no player had dared to pick Akali to counter Volibear. In this game, Doran successfully showcased his champion pool and individual laning prowess, forcing Zeus to hesitate on minion farming. During teamfights, Doran’s Akali repeatedly solo killed HLE’s backline. Ultimately, with a flawless 9-3 score, Doran proved he was “stronger than Zeus.”

The LCK’s most “unfortunate” team appears

After T1’s decisive victory over HLE, many LOL fans consider HLE to be the LCK’s most “unfortunate” team. During this year’s transfer window, while other LCK teams have been cutting costs, HLE spent heavily to acquire star AD carry Little Rumble, LPL’s jungler Kanavi, and head coach Hongmi. However, these expensive signings haven’t made HLE stronger; instead, many viewers feel this year’s HLE is even weaker than last year’s.

This perception largely stems from HLE’s jungler Kanavi’s erratic performance in matches. Those who have watched Kanavi know that whenever the jungle phase doesn’t go well, he tends to make critical mistakes. T1’s coach even openly stated before the match that Kanavi is HLE’s weak link. (It seems T1’s jungler ONER is Kanavi’s nemesis—since the 2023 World Championship, Kanavi consistently struggles against ONER, often getting thoroughly dominated.)

After witnessing HLE being heavily defeated by T1, many LPL fans are now curious about HLE’s future performances. Given that coach Hongmi is closely tied to Kanavi, and Kanavi’s personality has long been spoiled by Hongmi, it will be difficult to correct Kanavi’s attitude. Moreover, Kanavi is the oldest player on HLE, and according to LCK’s “traditional style,” no player on HLE can really suppress Kanavi. (Do you think HLE might become the second TES in the future?)