I z z i e ˚࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

I watched T1 since 2019 but only became a fan since 2023 -- but I didn't really love the team that much at first, I loved Faker's story and what he stood for. I admired him, but I was just a softcore fan then--what truly got me into T1 was Doran. I don't what it was, I think it was curiosity at first because Zeus left so suddenly-- I didn't usually watch live streams, just the edited stuff on YouTube, but I watched Doran's first stream when he joined T1 and I instantly liked him and became a fan. I only knew little bits about him like from his time at GenG and DRX but after I got to really see more of him and read up on him, I was moved. He has faced harshness from Griffin all the way until T1. But yet he stays resilient, trying his best, putting in more practice hours than anyone else. He is humble, caring and kind, he works hard, he is passionate. His peers had always good things to say about him. It made me reflect on my own life and passions, and working in creative arts, I felt inspired to work harder and endure the harsh feedback from my work, which has been the source of my own creative slump. I have constantly been plagued by the question: "am I not good enough?" I got severely stressed from the criticism of my work, and I lost confidence in doing something I loved. But everytime I hit a low, I see Doran and see he can endure such pressure and yet still stay so kind and considerate and hardworking, and I think to myself, I have it easy compared to this kid. It really is very easy to become bitter and point those emotions down a dark path. But I have changed my mindset thanks to him and I these days I tell myself, "You know what? I can think I can try harder." He inspires me to keep going. He has truly been a joy to watch and cheer for throughout the past 2 years. Tbh I expected today's result and had been preparing myself for it. I am not too sad about the loss, T1 has 6 trophies and I have no doubt they will win more in the future. I am just sad that nobody appreciates the process, appreciate that even the semi-finals is an achievement. We no longer appreciate the inside workings of someone's effort and only see results. Results are important, but T1 and Faker has always emphasized the enjoyment of the process is just as important. Doran deserved more appreciation and credit for his roles on the map and I studied really hard (I never studied a game so much as LOL seriously) so I could stand up and speak for him against his enemies. Doran fans know that he worked as an invisible pillar for his fellow teammates, sacrificing his lane and kills so they could get the space to scale and push. He has never been the type to force his opinions and always accepted what his job was. His role on the map has since changed a bit with the meta, although fundamentally the same. I think T1 had a difficult time to adjust to the meta and to find teamwork with 106 days of scheduled events (mostly compressed in the first half of the year), and on top of that we had an early Kespa Cup and the Asian Games, I think the team did not have enough time to sync with each other and get a proper feel for this year's meta. Doran doesn't deserve the hate he is getting. Criticism and hate are two different things. NOBODY deserves the hate he is getting and I would never wish it on any player. But knowing the toxicity of this fandom, I think we know that hate will point to someone else when he leaves, and I am saddened by the vicious cycle. Faker endured and found redemption -- he faced a rough 4 years in between that I know were not the kindest to him either. I hope Doran can, and has learned from him. Although he has hit his lows, I know he will pick himself and move forward. That is the Doran I know and love, and I will cheer his story on no matter what.