LCK Player of the Split Award Goes to Gori
Nongshim RedForce’s Gori has been named the Player of the Split for the 2021 LCK Summer Split. Gori accumulated an impressive 1,100 points throughout the season, narrowly beating out DK’s Canyon with 1,000 points. Other top contenders included Chovy, Faker, Kiin, and Lava, all with 900 points. This award is a testament to Gori’s outstanding performance, especially considering his team’s sixth-place finish in the Spring Split.
In addition to Gori’s achievement, DK’s coach, kkOma, was recognized as the Best Coach with 152 points, narrowly surpassing sBS, the coach of Nongshim RedForce, who had 130 points.
Gori’s Gameplay and Strength
Gori faced challenges in his laning phases throughout the split, often falling behind in creeps. On average, he was 11 creeps behind at the 15-minute mark, which meant he had less gold and experience compared to his opponents. However, Gori made up for this with his exceptional teamfighting skills and split push presence.
While Gori may not lead in individual stats when compared to other mid laners in the league, his focus is on leading his team to victory. Rather than focusing on getting kills, he sacrifices his own stats to prioritize strategic plays. For example, Gori’s most picked champion, Ryze, boasts a 100 percent win rate out of five games. He often dives into melee range to eliminate priority targets, demonstrating his dedication to team success.
DK’s Journey and Triumph
DK had a strong start to the year, winning the 2021 LCK Spring Split and showcasing their skills at MSI. Although they fell short in the finals against Royal Never Give Up, DK returned with newfound determination. They experimented with role swaps and strategies, ultimately finding success when players returned to their main roles. This allowed DK to climb the rankings and secure first place in the regular season with the help of coach kkOma.
Upcoming LCK Summer Split Playoffs
Both Nongshim RedForce and DK have secured their spots in the 2021 LCK Summer Split playoffs after an impressive regular season. The first round of playoffs will kick off with a match between Nongshim RedForce and Afreeca Freecs, scheduled for tomorrow at 3am CT.