T1 and Gen.G can be considered as two teams with opposite transfer styles in the past 3 years.
T1 and Gen.G in recent years have always been considered a couple “rivals” balance balance. Because, although Gen.G usually wins at the domestic tournament, when facing off in the international arena, T1 is clearly better, like the recent MSI 2023. Not only that, even in the team building policy, the two also follow two completely different schools. This was also compared in the first season T1 and Gen.G announced the new squad, namely at the beginning of the 2022 season.
Gen.G (left) and T1 have had opposite line-ups in the past few years
T1 with inner strength
T1 has always been famous for using self-trained players and rarely participating in the transfer market. And the T1 training camp is also famous for its extremely quality names, of which Faker is the clearest proof. Furthermore, the players who are not from “furnace T1”, when joining this team, sometimes there is no success. Of course, there are still some exceptions like Khan or Bang and later Keria. But the characteristic of SKT T1/T1 has always been to focus on the available potentials.
T1 always focuses on self-trained players and rarely participates in transfers
“Galaxy” Geng
As for Gen.G, in the past few years, they have transferred continuously and culminated in the transfer window at the end of the 2021 season. At that time, Gen.G debuted a squad that is considered to be a team. “Galaxy” of the LCK with the addition of 4/5 positions filled with all the superstars of the time (Doran, Peanut, Chovy and Lehends). Of course, the assembly cannot be achieved immediately, but it is not until Summer 2022 that Gen.G begins to taste the sweet fruit. When Ruler left, Gen.G promoted Peyz from the youth team and continued to have more glory in the domestic tournament in 2023.
Gen.G has many strong personnel changes and is image-oriented “all-star lineup”
Which team builds the better force?
Bringing players up from the youth academy will help teams reduce a large amount of transfer fees, and also create opportunities for young people to express themselves and build a legacy. Only thing is, T1 is currently struggling with their own young stars when they constantly show their lack of bravery in the most important matches, and their attitude is quite dependent on Faker, even if it is Keria – the most experienced member of the LCK out of the 4 young players of T1.
After the success of the first phase, the players “home grown” of T1 is slowing down
Meanwhile, after the first bumpy season, Gen.G has increasingly improved the gameplay as well as the chemistry between the players. However, Gen.G’s weakness still lies in that “Wise house foolish market” every time I step into the international arena. Worth mentioning, the opponent that caused Gen.G to miss international titles, were the “defeated generals” their in the LCK (DRX and T1). The same people who dominated the LCK together, when they met a familiar opponent, they were completely inferior. In particular, people often think that Gen.G is not dependent on any player. But in fact, Gen.G has not found a real leader like Faker – who just shows up and the whole team competes as if they were the champions.
Gen.G dominates the domestic market but falls short when it comes to major international tournaments
Conclude
It will be hard to point out which is a better line-up between Gen.G and T1. Both sides have had certain ups and downs and both have shown strengths and weaknesses in their squads. Of course, trophies are also a testament to whether a squad is successful or not. And in the current LCK, Gen.G is showing dominance. Meanwhile, T1’s young players are approaching the expiration date of their contracts and their decisions as well as those of the team leadership will affect the future of T1 as well as the situation of the LCK in the coming seasons.
