League of Legends' Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) is a battleground where legends are forged, and sometimes, where the unexpected happens. In a do-or-die scenario, with the series tied at 1-1 against Bilibili Gaming (BLG), T1's mid laner, Faker, decided it was time to shake things up. Digging deep into his champion pool, Faker brought out Zac—a pick that left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
The choice was unprecedented. According to Leaguepedia, this was the first time Faker had selected Zac in a professional match. The move was daring, a testament to Faker's willingness to innovate under pressure. Zac, known as the Secret Weapon, had seen days of glory in the mid lane, particularly as recent as Patch 13.3. However, subsequent adjustments by Riot Games had quashed his viability in that role, relegating Zac to a niche pick among the pros and a rarity in the broader player base.
Initially, Faker held his ground against Knight's Annie, showcasing the potential of Zac's disruptive capabilities. Yet, as BLG amassed their core items, the tide turned dramatically. BLG's execution was impeccable, their strategy unfolding with precision and leaving T1 scrambling to find footing. Notably, BLG's Bin on Twisted Fate and Elk on Senna delivered standout performances, propelling their team to a decisive victory in game three and eventually winning the series in a nail-biting five-game showdown.
Faker's Zac pick, his 83rd unique champion choice in professional play, underscores the depth of his skill set. Yet, it also highlights the inherent risks of unconventional drafting, especially against a team as coordinated and adaptable as BLG. The loss was a tough pill to swallow for T1, halting their MSI run and setting the stage for BLG's clash with Gen.G in the grand final.
The MSI loser bracket final was a reminder of the high stakes and razor-thin margins defining top-tier League of Legends competition. Faker's Zac pick will be remembered as a bold stroke, a moment of audacity that, despite not securing victory, reinforces the unpredictable and thrilling nature of esports. As the community looks ahead to future tournaments, one thing is clear: innovation and courage, even in the face of defeat, are qualities that define legends.
