Faker vs Chovy: A Historic Showdown at the 2024 LoL World Championship Semifinals

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[스포츠서울 | 파리=김민규 기자] “If you want a future as a ‘Chovy‘ player, prove it.”

This is the message from ‘Faker‘ Lee Sang-hyeok (28, T1) who appeared at the end of the semi-final teaser video between T1 and Gen.G for the ‘2024 LoL World Championship (Worlds)’. We are the new generation. This is the answer to the challenge of ‘Chovy’ Jeong Ji-hoon (23, Gen.G), who said, ‘I will open a new future.’ This video, which was released 15 minutes before the match between the two teams, sent the local area into a frenzy.

The result was a set score of 3-1 between ‘Faker’ and his team T1. ‘Chovy’ and his team Gen.G, who advocated ‘generational change’, swallowed their regrets and made plans for the next time.

He was known as ‘nemesis’. Recognized as the LCK’s biggest rival. ‘Rival’ can mean a competitive relationship, but it can also be a source of nourishment for mutual growth. I think ‘Faker’ and ‘Chovy’ are like that together. Players who encourage each other to grow.

The ‘statements’ written by both teams support this recently. If you look at the opponent’s record over the last three years, Gen.G has been terrible. Gen.G won four of the five LCK finals between spring 2022 and spring 2024. Notably, this year, T1 failed to win a single match against Gen.G. Until the semi-finals of this World Cup. It was a clear motivation for T1 to get revenge on Gen.G.

Lee Sang-hyuk, who met with Sports Seoul after confirming that he would advance to the finals, said, “I watched the teaser video and I thought it was beautifully done, and so I liked it a lot. “I think fans will definitely like it,” he said.

He also recognized Chovy as a “fantastic player” and said he was satisfied with being able to have a fun game with him.

Lee Sang-hyeok said, “We had a head-to-head match with ‘Chovy,’ and although we actually won, I personally did not have a good performance,” and added, “I think ‘Chovy’ did quite well. . Of course, ‘Chovy’ is also a great player, so I’m sure he’ll be able to win (Worlds) someday,” he said.

He said, “But I think it’s our chance to go up this time. “I think that’s why we were able to win like this,” he said, “Regardless of the win or loss, I’m satisfied just by having a good game fun (with ‘Chovy’).

Now, Faker’s attention has turned to London, England. He is the ‘defending champion’. Just by standing on the Worlds stage you become ‘stronger’. In addition, Lee Sang-hyuk once again proved why he is called a “living legend.”

This is already my ninth attempt to reach the top of the World Cup. To date, he has reached the finals eight times and won four times. The probability of winning is 50%. This figure is also possible because it is ‘Faker’. Winning the World Cup 5 times is a unique challenge. The focus is on whether T1 and ‘Faker’ can engrave ‘five stars (symbol of World Cup victory)’ on their uniforms. kmg@sportsseoul.com