Introduction: The S15 season is fully wrapped up, and it’s clear that the majority of players have been focused on the recent offseason period. The LCK has seen major shifts, with multiple teams reorganizing their lineups. Recently, after the official announcement of the K Cup, the event sparked widespread discussion online. Many teams sent their full-strength rosters, but notably, Gen.G’s core duo, Chovy and Ruler, were absent, meaning they will not participate in the Asian Games showdown. Meanwhile, Faker and Ryu are set to face each other again, with Ryu appearing on the LCK stage as Gen.G’s head coach.

Faker and Ryu Meet Again on the Competition Stage

Most players are quite familiar with the LCK, widely regarded as the world’s top region. Over recent years, they have delivered outstanding results, winning multiple World Championships. This season, many teams experienced extensive roster changes, including the champion T1, which replaced its AD carry. Although participation in the LCK’s fun tournament, the K Cup, was usually low, this time the organizers introduced a new rule: players must compete in the K Cup to qualify for the official Asian Games national team roster. As a result, many strong teams fielded their full rosters, all vying for spots.

Fans were surprised by Gen.G’s starting lineup, as mid laner Chovy and AD carry Ruler chose to rest, effectively forfeiting their chances at the Asian Games. Honestly, Chovy’s decision is understandable—whenever Faker is active, Chovy has no chance to shine; representing the country will only be possible after Faker retires. Ruler, on the other hand, would have a high chance of selection if he played. Despite Xiao Lu Bu having won three World Championships, overall, Ruler’s skills are considered stronger. In the S15 season, Ruler consistently outperformed Xiao Lu Bu in many matches. Perhaps since Xiao Lu Bu recently won a championship, he wants to give younger players a chance.

The funniest moment is probably the prominent appearance of Gen.G’s head coach, Ryu. Many may not recognize his English name, but once you hear his Chinese name, Yue Lun, memories instantly flash back over a decade. The legendary Faker vs. Ryu Zed duel is still vivid, where Faker, barely alive, pulled off a perfect combo to kill Ryu’s full-health Zed. Since then, Yue Lun became a popular subject of online jokes and remains the only player remembered for being solo-killed by Faker. Before his military service, Faker had a friendly interaction with him, ultimately ending with Ryu’s solo kill.

With the team rosters released, it seems the LCK Asian Games lineup is nearly finalized. Unless there are surprises, the team will likely include top laner Zeus or Kiin, jungler Oner or Canyon, mid laner Faker, AD carry Xiao Lu Bu, and support Keria. This lineup still revolves around the old T1 roster and might lead to a reunion of the classic T1 five-man squad. If that happens, the LPL region will be in serious trouble—it's hard to imagine any Chinese players who can withstand their pressure. Without Uzi, it feels like the LPL era is truly ending.

Farewell Thoughts

Who would have thought that Chovy and Ruler would voluntarily give up their Asian Games spots, perhaps to make room for younger talent. Although T1 and Gen.G are not in the same group this time, they are likely to meet in later rounds, allowing Ryu and Faker to compete on the same stage again. However, watching might be less smooth this time since LCK has started exclusive broadcasting.

What do you all think about this situation?