As Worlds 2024 approaches, Lee “Faker” Sang-Hyeok, one of the most celebrated players in League of Legends history, has started his journey toward the prestigious tournament.
In an unexpected twist, Faker has been seen playing against Iron-ranked players on the European West (EUW) server, generating considerable buzz as he prepares to defend his title with T1.
While other players are diving into high-level scrims and practice, Faker’s decision to begin at the lowest ranks has sparked conversations across the community.
A Humble Start for the Unmatched Legend
In previous years, Riot Games has often provided professional players with special accounts that allow them to quickly enter the ranked queue at higher levels. However, it seems that Faker is taking a different route for Worlds 2024, starting his grind from the very bottom.
With a regular MMR (Matchmaking Rating) account, the Demon King has been facing off against Iron-ranked players, dominating these early games as expected.
Faker’s early matches on the EUW server have been an exhibition of his unmatched skill, even against players in the lowest tier. His win streak in normal games is unsurprising, but the fact that such a high-caliber player is playing at this level has garnered a lot of attention on social media, with viral posts highlighting his performance.
Key Reasons Behind Faker’s Low-Rank Matches
There could be several strategic or practical reasons behind Faker’s decision to start his Worlds 2024 journey from Iron rank:
- Adapting to a New Server: Transitioning to the EUW server from Korea requires some adjustment, and starting from a lower rank might help Faker acclimate to the server’s latency, meta, and player tendencies.
- Refining Mechanics: Even at the lower ranks, Faker could be focusing on polishing his mechanics, experimenting with champions, or testing out new strategies in a less pressurized environment.
- Building MMR Progression: Starting from a lower rank allows Faker to climb through the ranked ladder, ensuring his MMR rises naturally as he practices. This could give him more accurate matchmaking later when the stakes are higher.
- Confidence and Momentum: Dominating low-rank matches might build momentum and confidence, both key psychological factors as Faker prepares for the competitive matches in Worlds.
T1’s Worlds 2024 Journey Kicks Off Soon
While Faker continues to hone his skills against lower-ranked players, T1 is gearing up for their first major test in the Swiss Stage of Worlds 2024. T1, the reigning World Champions, are scheduled to face Top Esports on Thursday, October 3, marking their first step towards defending their title.
With Faker in peak form and already dominating his practice matches, fans are eager to see how he and T1 will perform against some of the best teams in the world.
Conclusion
Faker’s unexpected choice to begin his Worlds 2024 preparations in Iron rank has stirred up excitement among fans and players alike. Whether it’s an intentional strategy or simply a way to acclimate to the EUW server, Faker’s early performances indicate that he’s still in top shape.
As Worlds approaches, the Demon King’s journey through the ranks will only add to the anticipation surrounding T1’s performance at the tournament. Keep an eye on how Faker transitions from these low-stakes games to the intense competition awaiting him and his team.
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