On the 10th, the ‘2023 LoL Season Kickoff’ was held at LoL Park in Jongno, Seoul. An unfamiliar picture unfolded in the press room. Kim “Deft” Hyuk-gyu (Dplus Kia) and “Faker” Sang-hyeok (T1) sat side by side for the interview.
Although 메이저사이트 they have been professional for more than 10 years, they have never worn the same team uniform. On this day, the two also met as enemies. Hyukkyu Kim was the captain of ‘Team Deft’ and Sanghyuk Lee was the captain of ‘Team Faker’.
Season Kickoff is an event held around the world to commemorate the start of LoL’s 13th season. In Korea (LCK), players representing 10 gaming teams were divided into Team Deft and Team Faker. After a fierce battle, Team Deft won 2-1.
After the game, Kim Hyuk-gyu and Lee Sang-hyeok took part in a group interview with reporters on behalf of each team.
Kim Hyuk-gyu said, “It was fun because there were a lot of players who were close to me on our team and the opposing team. It feels better to win. I always played in a heavy atmosphere, but this time I had fun with a light atmosphere.”
Lee Sang-hyeok said, “It was a good experience to play against players from various teams. He was satisfied that he was able to show the fans a good game before the season. I did my best to show a winning image.”
Below is a Q&A with the two players.
What was your first thought when the team was decided?
Kim Hyuk-kyu: Lee Sang-hyeok selected ‘Beryl’ from DRX, so the first idea was wrong, but I was satisfied with the fact that I picked very good players.
Lee Sang-hyeok: It was composed of players that fans would like. I was satisfied with the players who represented the team.
Please explain the 3rd set ban pick situation.
Kim Hyuk-kyu: First of all, we agreed in advance to do without Caitlyn, Lucian, and Yumi at the bottom. Then, an unexpected champion came out and it was fun.
Lee Sang-hyeok: Beryl took the lead in coordinating the bottom pick. He chose as many picks as he could each.
Who has the role of brain within the team?
Kim Hyuk-kyu: Me and ‘Morgan (Park Lu-han)’ and ‘Chobi (Jung Ji-hoon)’ had experiences of being on the same team, so we all talked naturally.
Lee Sang-hyeok: Beryl took the lead in giving opinions on picks and strategies. later we did it all together.
How do you feel sitting down and watching a 1v1 match?
Lee Sang-hyeok: It was fun watching the game from behind.
Why did you choose Curze for your 1v1 opponent?
Kim Hyuk-gyu: I picked ‘Curz (Moon Woo-chan)’ because he thought he would do better, but he was also a good player, so he was rejected. I was not taken aback because Curze’s ‘deal’ was expected. Aside from his mental attack, he played the game pretty well. 메이저사이트
How do you feel sitting side by side and interviewing each other?
Kim Hyuk-gyu: We met as enemies for a long time, and I lost a lot. As a result, he was not a good player for me (laughs). Still, he is a player who is cool and had a good influence, regardless of his enemies. respect. I know you signed a 3-year contract this time, but I hope you will continue to show a great image.
Lee Sang-hyeok: (Deft) is a very steady and persistent player. We have been doing professional activities together for a long time, and I hope that we will continue to play for a long time while showing good sides of each other.
What are your resolutions ahead of the start of the spring season?
Kim Hyuk-gyu: I joined Dplus Kia, and since it’s a good team even before I came, I’ll try to achieve satisfactory results because it’s made up of good players.
Lee Sang-hyeok: It’s a pity that we lost from the first game of 2023. I will use this loss as my experience and try to produce good results in the spring.
Worlds is being held in Korea?
Kim Hyuk-gyu: Every time it was held in Korea, I participated, so I have a lot of fun memories. However, it seems that the results were not satisfactory. This time, I will try my best so that I can go to a higher place.
Lee Sang-hyeok: I think it will be more meaningful as it is an international competition held in Korea. However, I will do my best by focusing on the tournament itself, Worlds, without dwelling on the venue.
Do you have any goals other than grades?
Kim Hyuk-gyu: For a long time, I have divided what I can and cannot do. Lately, I’ve been trying to do things that I wouldn’t be able to do. I’m trying to get closer to my fans, so I hope it goes well.
Lee Sang-hyeok: My goal this year is to learn and practice many things. I hope it will be a year where you learn a lot, grow, and put things into practice, apart from the in-game stuff.