Image

Faker with COVID-19 and hurt himself after loss against GEN.G in LCK Summer 2024

fragster Stalingrad 9. August 2024

It’s been a bumpy road for T1 in the LCK Summer 2024. Legendary player Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok tangled in a series of unfortunate events. As T1 also suffers a loss in their match vs Gen.G. 

The community is buzzing with concern for Faker after the crushing defeat against Gen.G. He may have been hard on himself as he was seen hurting himself from the video making rounds online. Furthermore, the T1 mid-laner is confirmed to test positive for COVID-19.  

T1 vs Gen.G: A Pivotal Clash

Faker with COVID 19 and hurt himself after loss against GEN.G in LCK Summer 2024 (2)

T1 and Gen.G. The anticipation for the match between these teams is high. The elite teams in the league engaged in a match last August 3, 2024. Both teams are vying for crucial points in the LCK Summer Season. 

It’s been gloomy for T1 as they fight to secure a playoff spot after standing at 8-5. On the other hand, Gen.G’s run has been impressive as they keep a clean record of 15-0. 

The beginning of the T1 vs Gen.G series started promisingly for T1. They managed to establish an early lead in gold and kills for Game 1. However, things may have gone south after the uncharacteristic mistakes from Faker on a misplayed Corki Valkyrie. 

Gen.G took advantage of this and clawed their way back into the game. This erased T1’s initial advantage as Gen.G secured their victory for Game 1. 

It’s even a more clear game in the second game as Gen.G early dominates T1. The latter find difficulty in replicating Faker’s heroic Azir play from Worlds 2023. The series ended in a sweep 2-0 loss to their rivals. 

Faker’s Emotional Breakdown

Faker with COVID 19 and hurt himself after loss against GEN.G in LCK Summer 2024 (3)

Faker took a toll after the devastating loss to Gen.G. The piled up frustration is evident for the mid-laner in a team huddle between games. In the video circulating online, he was seen repeatedly banging his head against a wall. 

It is far from his usual composed demeanor that left fans and analysts shocked and concerned. There has been immense pressure on Faker since the beginning of LCK Summer 2024. 

Expectations have been high for the reigning world champion and sole inductee of the LoL Hall of Legends. However, T1 sits in another risky situation due to their LCK standings. Potentially losing a playoff spot and a chance to defend their title in Worlds 2024. 

COVID-19 Diagnosis

Faker with COVID 19 and hurt himself after loss against GEN.G in LCK Summer 2024 (4)

On August 5, 2024, T1 announced that Faker had tested positive for COVID-19. The diagnosis caused him to miss the debut showcase event of their WORLDS 23 champion skin at LoL PARK. 

This is his second time contracting the virus after his first diagnosis in April 2022. The timing couldn’t be worse with T1 busily preparing for crucial matches in the final weeks of the LCK Summer 2024 season.

Mounting Pressures and Expectations

Faker with COVID 19 and hurt himself after loss against GEN.G in LCK Summer 2024 (5)

Certainly, Faker has been carrying a mountain of pressure and expectation. Afterall, his impeccable achievements carved his identity in the professional League of Legends. He eventually became a household name in the league. 

Aside from expectations to champ the LCK Summer Season, people have been looking forward to T1 to defend their throne as World Champions. Heavy pressure has also been put on his shoulder with the release of multiple new skins in his honor. 

Unfortunately, his status in the league also puts him on a higher pedestal. The constant comparisons to rising stars like Chovy is pushing pressure buttons for Faker to perform even better. 

Additionally, Faker has dealt with numerous challenges in recent years. In 2022, Faker and T1 took legal action against abusive fans. The following year, he suffered from a hand and wrist injury. 

Earlier this year, T1 players were attacked by Distributed-Denial-of-Service or DDoS during practice and streaming schedule. Faker and the rest of the team were struggling in the Korean solo queue as frequent disconnections rendered practice impossible. 

Stand For Faker

Faker with COVID 19 and hurt himself after loss against GEN.G in LCK Summer 2024 (6)

The League of Legends community have been rallying support for Faker in the wake of these unfortunate events. Many people, from fans to fellow professionals, have expressed their concern and support on the internet for Faker. The hashtag #We_Stand_For_Faker had trended online and filled with appreciation for the player.  

Many are calling for Faker and T1 to prioritize rest and mental health, recognizing the toll that high-level competition can take on even the most accomplished players.

Conclusion

Faker with COVID 19 and hurt himself after loss against GEN.G in LCK Summer 2024

Some things are beyond our control. As Faker and T1 faced a tough week, all eyes were on T1’s final matches of the LCK Summer 2024 season. His recovery is anticipated as viewers hoped to see his potential return to the lineup. Although the remaining games will be deemed crucial for both Faker and T1, the fans are hoping for the team to be in their best condition. 

Hopefully, there can only be brighter days ahead of T1 and the rest of the teams in LCK Summer 2024.