Deft: Saying Goodbye with a Bang

League of Legends history is filled with legendary rivalries and iconic players, but few match the emotional weight carried by the series between Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu and Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok in their latest clash.

After an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Deft’s final professional series against T1, during the 2024 LCK Regional Finals, was not just another game—it was the culmination of a legendary story, potentially marking the end of Deft’s professional career before he departs for mandatory military service.

The Last Stand: T1 vs KT Rolster

The series between KT Rolster and T1 was a do-or-die battle for the last Worlds 2024 qualification spot. Both teams had faced ups and downs throughout the season, but this match carried personal significance for Deft.

With his military service looming, this best-of-five could very well have been his last chance to compete on the international stage. Facing T1, led by Faker—his longtime rival and former schoolmate—added another layer of drama.

In the end, the series delivered a thrilling goodbye, as KT Rolster and T1 pushed each other to the limit for the coveted spot at Worlds. The games swung back and forth, each team delivering moments of brilliance, but it was Deft who stood out, even in defeat.

Despite his team failing to get across the finish line and qualify for Worlds, Deft ended the series with the most kills out of any player, racking up an impressive 18 kills across five games. It was a display of his unparalleled skill and competitive spirit, a fitting performance for what could be his final bow.

An emotional farewell: Deft and Faker

Deft and Faker's history stretches back to their high school days. Both players have shared the stage in multiple LCK games and international tournaments, always on opposing sides.

Throughout his career, Deft has amassed numerous titles, though none bigger than the 2022 World Championship, which he won with DRX in truly shocking fashion, upsetting the very own Faker in an unforgettable grand final.

After nearly 10 years in its chase, Deft finally got to lift the World Championship trophy in 2022 with DRX, upsetting Faker and T1 in a historic grand final. (Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)

Faker, who is heralded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, has frequently stood in the way of Deft’s ambitions. Now, in what could have been their final match, the two players were hungrier than ever to walk away the victors.

Despite the personal history, there has always been immense respect between the two. Deft's individual brilliance was on full display throughout the series, but Faker and T1 proved to be the ultimate hurdle one last time.

Due to the incredibly high stakes of the series, the potential for it being Deft's very last set of games, and his long standing rivalry with Faker coming to an end one way or another, T1 vs KT for the final LCK spot at Worlds had a staggering peak viewership of 1,820,282. That is over 200,000 peak viewers more than the LCK Summer 2024 Finals.

Faker and Deft's long standing rivalry had to end some day, but boy did it put on a show. (Credit: LCK/Riot Games)

Deft’s impending military service casts a bittersweet shadow over his final games. While many fans hoped for a fairytale ending with another Worlds appearance, the nature of esports is often unforgiving.

What Comes Next?

For fans of the LCK and League of Legends as a whole, the departure of a player like Deft marks the end of an era. Few players have had the consistency, the impact, and the longevity that Deft has shown throughout his career.

As he prepares to step away from the professional scene for military service, there is a sense of both celebration and sadness. His rivalry with Faker, his inspiring run across Worlds 2022, and his sheer love for the game will be remembered for years to come.

Though Deft has announced his departure for military service, there remains a possibility that we will see him again after his service is complete. The road back to professional League of Legends will be long and uncertain, but if anyone has the dedication and skill to make a comeback, it’s Deft.

"If my skills don't decline when I come back, and if any team contacts me, I can always be a player again."
-Deft

In the meantime, his final performance serves as a fitting farewell to a storied career. While he may not have qualified for Worlds this time, there is no doubt that Deft's legacy is already cemented.

For the latest League of Legends news, follow Strafe Esports. To follow everything on Worlds 2024, check out our full guide. Also, follow the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews with players and coaches.

Image source:  Lance Skundrich/Riot Games

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