SHG have beaten Frank Esports in the PCS Playoffs, and successfully punched their ticket to Worlds! Here is the translation of their press conference!

Q: For coach and Evi, how do you feel about qualifying for Worlds?

SHG Evi: It has been two years since I last qualified for Worlds. This is a significant achievement not only for me personally, but also for the entire LJL region. If we hadn’t won today, the LJL wouldn’t have been able to send a team to Worlds. So, securing a spot proves the strength of the LJL.

SHG VicaL: I have a special connection with Taiwan. 10 years ago, we came to Taiwan to participate in the Group Stage [VicaL was coaching Star Horn Royal Club during Worlds 2014]. For me, it’s a great feeling to finally return to Worlds.

Q: Evi and DasheR, how do you feel about the offline event’s atmosphere here? Do you feel more nervous or excited?

SHG Evi: Although I am quite familiar with the atmosphere of offline events, compared to online competitions, knowing that there are many fans in person does make me a bit nervous.

SHG DasheR: Before the pandemic, we had offline matches in the LJL, but after that, everything went online except for the Grand Final last year. It was then that I felt the offline atmosphere again. I personally enjoy it much more than online events, but it does make me more nervous as well.

Q: FAK’s coach said PSG would defeat you 3-0 tomorrow. Any response to that?

SHG VicaL: Esports is a form of sport, and in sports, results are never certain—otherwise, it would be boring. We’ve also prepared well, and if we can perform well tomorrow, we definitely won’t lose 3-0.

Q: The League of Legends World Championship is the ultimate dream for all players. What goals are you aiming for on that stage?

SHG Vsta: Of course, it’s exciting to have achieved this dream today, but it’s hard to say how far we can go. With our current strength, we might end Worlds with a bad result.

SHG VicaL: We certainly have more ambitious goals. Based on our current strength and preparation, we should be able to make it to the main event.

SHG Evi: I’ve reached top 16 at Worlds with DFM before, so this time my goal is to reach top 8! To be specific, I don’t think the North American LCS or the European LEC are unbeatable. If we can reach top 8, the strength of the Japanese region can be considered on par with top regions like the LPL or the LCK.

Q: Vsta, the last time you went to Worlds was in 2021 with the LCK. Is there any special meaning in that you will be competing with the LJL this time around?

SHG Vsta: Returning to the World Championship after three years is very exciting. However, since I made it to the top 16 last time, like Evi, I hope to reach at least top 8 this time.

Q: For coach and Evi, you had good responses to Rumble, a very strong champion in the current meta, like Galio in Game 3. Was this pick specially prepared?

SHG VicaL: Rumble is indeed very strong in the meta, but Evi suggested that Galio might be a good counter. The main reason we chose him today was that Kennen got banned. Since Galio was a pick we had prepared, we decided to play him.

SHG Evi: Although Rumble is strong, we knew if we could find a way to counter him, it would be a massive advantage. FAK’s top laner, 1Jiang, is a Riven main, but she isn’t currently in the meta. So our plan was to take advantage of making him play meta champions, on which he might not be as good. The inspiration to pick Galio came from watching G2 BrokenBlade in the LEC and seeing similar strategies in the LCK. We decided to give it a try ourselves.

Q: Will there be any celebration when you return to the hotel? Maybe Evi will order some Fat Daddy Fried Chicken [popular chain in Taiwan]?

SHG Evi: I’ll have to check with the team, but that sounds like a great suggestion! Maybe we’ll get Uber Eats!

Q: DasheR, you performed well in today’s series, but tomorrow you’ll be facing the legendary PCS player, Maple. What kind of strategy do you have prepared?

SHG DasheR: I know Maple is a very strong player and is constantly improving. So, I will try to keep up with him in lane. And if I can do a good job in the side lanes, I will definitely be on par with him.

Q: Marble, today’s bot lane matchup against FAK’s Wako was quite exciting, with both sides showing off. How would you rate your opponent today?

SHG Marble: I think Wako is a very talented player with great mechanics. I feel like the reason we couldn’t close out the games faster today, was because of Wako’s performance.

Q: Forest, how did you feel about your Vi carry performance in the last game?

SHG Forest: I think I got a bit lucky, but I was also very confident in my Vi mechanics.

SHG Evi, DasheR: This pick made us quite nervous during the laning phase (laugh).

Original article in Chinese here