BLG emerged victorious over T1 at the EWC, securing the top spot in their group and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Following the match, Park ‘Viper’ Do-hyeon shared, “Considering our hectic schedules and limited preparation time, I didn’t anticipate T1 or us to be in peak form.” He expressed his relief by stating, “Nevertheless, I’m pleased that today’s match unfolded according to our plans.”
In response to the unique single-game format against T1 in an international competition, he explained, “Given the single-game structure and absence of Fearless Draft, we approached the match with the intention of drafting the most reliable composition we had confidence in.”
Reflecting on the MSI runner-up title, ‘Viper’ admitted, “The loss was truly disheartening.” However, he found a silver lining by stating, “On the bright side, we have been continuously active since last December, so taking a moment to regroup, overcome the disappointment, and rediscover our motivation isn’t a negative thing.”
He reiterated his strong belief in his previous statement about it being a “time to prove myself.” Asserting, “Personally, I view the role of a professional gamer as one where you must constantly validate yourself until your retirement,” showcasing his unwavering determination to never settle for mediocrity.
By clinching the top spot in the group through the triumph over T1 and directly progressing to the quarterfinals, the team gained a significant advantage in managing their condition. ‘Viper’ remarked, “Had we lost today, we would have had to compete again this afternoon, making condition management extremely challenging. Winning has afforded us some breathing space.”
Addressing the surprise upset in another group where LION, a standout performer of MSI, was eliminated after a crushing loss to Brazil’s second seed, he analyzed, “I was taken aback as well. However, international tournaments are always rife with uncertainties, and I believe the flow of the game and the momentum on the day played a significant role.”
He expressed excitement at the prospect of potentially facing LCK’s Hanwha Life Esports again in the later stages of the tournament. ‘Viper’ expressed, “It would be incredibly engaging if we crossed paths once more. Given our familiarity and the absence of major meta shifts, I believe it would lead to another intense full-fledged battle if we were to meet again.”
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