T1’s Quest for the Next Valorant Superstar
T1’s Strategy to Find the Next Faker in Valorant
T1’s approach to cultivating talent in Valorant mirrors its successful strategy in League of Legends, which brought the world Faker. In recent discussions, T1’s CEO Joe Marsh elaborated on the organization’s future plans for Valorant, emphasizing a focus on youth development. The same program that identified Faker will now be applied to Valorant, aiming to build a team of young, homegrown talent.
The Origins of T1’s Talent Development
In the early 2010s, T1 discovered Faker and nurtured him on their B-team until he rose to greatness. This youth academy has since expanded, producing stars like Zeus and Gumayusi. Now, T1 is setting its sights on Valorant, determined to replicate their League of Legends success. The organization plans to have an 11-member, all-Korean roster, focusing on players who have dedicated their careers solely to Valorant.
Investing in Youth: The T1 Esports Academy
T1’s esports academy currently has around 250 students, half of whom are training in Valorant. According to Marsh, the best Valorant player will likely be someone who has only played Valorant, not a castoff from other games like CS:GO or Overwatch. This significant investment in youth aims to find and develop raw talent from the ground up.
T1’s Journey in Valorant
T1 was an early adopter of Valorant, initially signing a North American team composed of former CS:GO players in 2020. However, these teams failed to achieve significant success. Since switching to the VCT Pacific circuit and recruiting Asian and international talent, T1’s prospects have improved, though they have yet to secure major victories.
Challenges and Changes in VCT
Despite their efforts, T1’s Valorant teams have not yet won any major VCT events. They achieved a third-place finish in the 2023 VCT Pacific League but have struggled to secure top placements. Marsh indicated that T1 will reveal their Valorant lineup for the 2025 season in October, showcasing their new strategy before the VCT campaign begins.
Success Stories and Future Aspirations
Other teams have found success by scouting unknown talents from Valorant solo queue. For example, Evil Geniuses discovered Demon1, who helped them win a Champions trophy, and Gen.G scouted Karon, leading to a Masters title in 2024. T1 hopes to find similar success with their new approach, aiming to discover the next Valorant superstar reminiscent of Faker’s impact on League of Legends.
Conclusion
T1 is committed to building a formidable Valorant team by investing in young, dedicated players. With their proven track record in League of Legends, there’s a strong possibility that T1 will uncover the next big talent in Valorant. Fans eagerly await the unveiling of T1’s 2025 lineup, hopeful that the organization’s new direction will bring them the success they seek in the VCT circuit.
