Preface: The S15 season has ended, and it’s believed that the majority of players have been paying attention to the recent clashes. The LCK region's competition has been fierce. With the double-elimination system, NS has been eliminated, and now only three teams remain: HLE, DK, and T1. These squads will compete for the final LCK K Cup title. Surprisingly, all three top AD carry players are from T1: Little Lu Bu, Smash, and Peyz. Could this mean the rise of LCK AD carries? After all, this title once belonged to the LPL region but now seems to have shifted.

T1 Claims the Top Three LCK AD Carry Spots

Most players are quite familiar with the LCK region, recognized as a world-class league. Over recent years, LCK’s overall growth has been rapid, with outstanding results. They have won the World Championship multiple years in a row, and T1 has become undisputedly the world's top team. During this season’s transfer period, T1 underwent many roster changes, especially the departure of AD carry Little Lu Bu, which many fans viewed as the worst decision by management. They also sold Smash and transferred two developed players to other teams, while acquiring Peyz from the LPL region.

This entertainment showdown has drawn huge attention, mainly because the LCK organizers added a rule that only players participating in the K Cup are eligible to represent Korea at the Asian Games. Therefore, many top professional players joined. As the tournament progresses, only three teams remain: HLE, DK, and the loser’s bracket T1. Two matches remain: the winner between HLE and DK goes straight to the final, while the loser faces T1 for the other final spot. Fans have noticed a common thread: all three AD carries come from T1, and surprisingly, these three players show very strong overall abilities.

First is Peyz, who has gained recognition after several exciting matches. Although many doubted him before the season, Peyz has gradually integrated into T1, especially during the match against HLE where his Kai'Sa even achieved a pentakill. If his form continues to improve, T1 has a strong chance to claim the championship. Next is former substitute AD Smash, who joined DK and has maintained very stable performance, much stronger than previous ADs. Had he been a starter last season, DK might have had a better shot.

Finally, the well-known AD carry Little Lu Bu, after joining HLE, has led the team on a winning streak to reach the winner’s bracket final. His aggressive playstyle dominated Peyz in their matchup. If not for the erratic performance of jungler Kanavi, HLE could have easily defeated T1 2-0. The top three LCK AD carries all have close ties to T1, which highlights T1’s current stability and the strength of their youth training system. The cradle of AD carries may be shifting—LPL might need to hand over that title to T1.

Farewell Thoughts

Unexpectedly, T1 appeared scattered like stars across the sky. People were debating the strength of Little Lu Bu and Smash. Looking at their separation now, both are top-tier AD carries. Leaving T1 to avoid internal management conflicts was probably the smartest choice. It seems likely these two teams will compete in the finals, as T1’s top lane and AD roles are less stable than before, and even if DK falls to the losers bracket, they have a strong chance to return to the finals.

What do you all think about this situation?