DRX vs. T1: 2021 LCK Spring Split betting analysis

A match between two teams trying to reach the top of the LCK ladder is about to unfold when T1 takes on the young DRX squad. 

DRX and T1 are back on Summoner’s Rift after a solid break from the LCK. Both teams are currently fighting for the top positions in the LCK, with DRX sharing the third-position spot with Gen.G with a 5-3 record. Because of inconsistency, T1 is one game behind at a 4-4 record but went to break on a winning streak that should give them momentum going into this match. 

With a completely changed roster in 2021, DRX has given young players a chance to perform at the LCK stage and it’s going well so far. With only jungler Hong “Pyosik” Chang-hyeon remaining from the 2020 squad, DRX is showing a renewed energy and a big hunger to win. Even though DRX is still a huge underdog in the LCK, the team has already managed to take down the likes of Gen.G and Afreeca Freecs. 

This currently leaves DRX at the top of the standings and taking down T1 would further solidify that the young squad belongs there. Before the season, a playoffs spot for DRX seemed like a reachable goal, but right now it looks like DRX might be able to make a deep run.

So far in the season, the DRX rookies in bot laner Jeong “BAO” Hyeon-woo and mid laner Song “SOLKA” Su-hyeong are showing great promise. The young duo used to play together on DRX Academy and Ulsan, and are currently looking like a promising duo for the future. 

Another team betting on young talent this season is T1, who is fielding a 10-man roster with mixed results so far. T1 is sitting at a mediocre 4-4 record but has won its two recent matches. With good momentum, it’s time for T1 to take down teams above them in the standings, and DRX will be a great place to start. 

Overall, T1 has a really strong roster with a mix of experience and young mechanically skilled players. The problem for T1 has been to find the right starting lineup, after trying various combinations. In the last matches, T1 has fielded Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok in the mid lane, surrounded by the young players. This seemed to work well against Fredit BRION especially and might also be the key to beat DRX. 

DRX vs. T1 rosters

DRX roster: 

• Top – Hwang “Kingen” Seong-hoon / Yoon “Destroy” Jeong-min
• Jungle – Hong “Pyosik” Chang-hyeon
• Mid – Song “SOLKA” Su-hyeong
• Bot – Jeong “BAO” Hyeon-woo
• Support – Son “Becca” Min-woo

T1 roster: 

• Top – Kim “Canna” Chang-dong / Choi “Zeus” Woo-je
• Jungle – Moon “Cuzz” Woo-chan / Choi “Ellim” El-lim / Moon “Oner” Hyeon-joon
• Mid – Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok / Lee “Clozer” Ju-hyeon
• Bot – Park “Teddy” Jin-seong / Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong
• Support – Ryu “Keria” Min-seok

T1 as favorites going into the LCK match against DRX

Despite being behind DRX in the standings, bookmakers are predicting T1 to come out ahead in this best-of-three match. With experienced players on the squad, and the possibility to sub in young talent, T1 has a diverse roster that should be able to come out ahead.

With that said, DRX has proven time and time again that it can make upsets. Taking down T1 would be another upset to the resume and it’s by no means impossible. This could seem like a close match that will likely go to three games. 

While being close in the LCK standings, a win for T1 only gives odds 1.33. A win for DRX, on the other hand, will give a much higher odds of 3.05. 

The brawl between DRX and T1 kicks off on February 19.