Preface: The S16 season has officially started, and it’s clear that most players have been paying attention to the recent fierce competitions in the LCK region. The losers' bracket matches have attracted much discussion, as T1 lost before the New Year and lost their resurrection chance. If they lose again, they will be eliminated from the subsequent offline contests and the first stage of the Worlds. After DK defeated DNS, they successfully met T1 to fight for the offline spot in Hong Kong. Their rookie Smash declared war on Faker after the match, helping his team advance. Meanwhile, fans also found Faker’s straightforward remarks during an interview, where he remained awkward when asked by a female fan.

Smash challenges Faker and defeats T1

Most players are quite familiar with T1, a top-tier team in the LCK region. They have shown outstanding results in recent years. However, in the pre-New Year confrontation, T1 surprisingly lost to BFX and dropped to the losers' bracket. This means they have no margin for error and must win all remaining matches to qualify for the global Pioneers event. Recently, DK defeated DNS 3-1 in the losers' bracket. The upcoming critical match will be between DK and T1 to compete for the offline spot in Hong Kong, with the losing team facing immediate elimination.

In the first game, DNS’s bot lane duo performed well early, decisively counterattacking within five minutes and securing a two-for-nothing exchange. But at 14 minutes, DK’s Xin Zhao stalled the game, while Smash dealt massive damage. DK won a four-for-one team fight, completely turning the tide. The first game lasted 37 minutes, with DK taking the lead. In the second game, DK dominated continuously, with Dudu breaking through early and Smash’s Aphelios dealing explosive damage in the late game. Even with the dragon soul buff, DNS couldn’t hold on, and the match ended at 38 minutes.

The third game was the fastest to finish. Showmaker’s LeBlanc played hilariously, becoming the team’s breakthrough point, ending the game at 32 minutes and allowing DNS to even the series. The crucial fourth game featured AD player Smash again, along with DNS’s top laner Dudu. At 16 minutes, Dudu's Kennen teleported behind enemy lines but was quickly focused down and killed by DK. Showmaker’s tanky Ahri was tough to take down with 3807 HP. Ultimately, DK won 3-1 over DNS and advanced to face T1 for the Hong Kong offline spot.

Smash earned MVP honors with a 30-6-12 stat line over four games. In the post-match interview, he openly challenged Faker, saying, "T1 is my former team, and I will do my best to win this match." Meanwhile, T1 is under great pressure, training intensely without a break even during the Spring Festival. Some fans unearthed an interview where Faker was asked by a female fan Nagyung: "Who surprised you the most?" Faker: "Player Lin Yaohuan." Nagyung: "Among idols?" Faker: "Kim Heechul." Nagyung: "And me?" Faker: "Just like how you appear through the camera." Lee Ge truly is a straightforward man.

Farewell thoughts

The match between DK and T1 will be extremely crucial. Judging by current form, T1’s pace is very steady, and their teamwork is highly synchronized. The mid-lane showdown between Showmaker and Faker will be key to see whose rhythm is steadier. The bot lane duel between Peyz and renegade Smash is also a highlight. Honestly, I feel T1 has a slightly higher chance of winning, given their strong BO5 record.

What do you all think about this situation?