This is a partially translated interview. Original article by Kenzi in Korean: https://www.dailyesports.com/view.php?ud=202409202237559701b91e133c1f_27
DFM were dominating the Japanese League of Legends scene for years. However, after 6 consecutive LJL titles and international appearances, it all changed in 2024. With superstar top laner Evi’s return to the LJL, a new era has started lead by SHG, the Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS gaming. Due to the LJL losing their direct spot to MSI, unfortunately the team couldn’t attend the event, however they are ready to take on Worlds after finishing 2nd in the 2024 PCS Summer Playoffs. The following interview was conducted by Korean reporter Kenzi with SHG Coach VicaL.
Return to Worlds after 10 years
“It’s been 10 years since I last went to Worlds, coaching LPL’s Star Horn Royal Club. Back then, the Group Stage was held in Taiwan and Singapore. Our group played in Taiwan, and I have fond memories of it. Even if it’s just a coincidence that this year’s PCS Playoffs were also held in Taiwan, qualifying for Worlds here was a really good feeling.”
“I’m used to [hard paths to internationals] personally. With SuperMassive, we kept reaching the Finals in TCL, but fell short and missed out on international tournaments. When I was with All Knights in LLA, we won the Opening (Spring) Split, but MSI was canceled due to the pandemic. This time, LJL’s integration to the PCS made the path to international tournaments harder again, but I stayed calm. I believed that if we had the skill, we would make it.”
Dethroning the DFM Dynasty
“When I first joined the LJL, I might have been concerned about [DFM being the only team winning]. But after being in the league for four years, I just saw it as data and nothing else. I focused on analyzing DFM’s weaknesses and figuring out how we could win. Since I had so much information about LJL teams, I didn’t worry about these narratives.”
“Having Evi is important, but after being in the LJL for a while, I felt confident that by having three Korean players on the roster, the victory would be ours. Previously [on RJ and FL], we kept losing just by a little. I thought I was being too stubborn, but I wanted to try having a roaster with three Korean players. Right around that time, SHG contacted me.”
Critical moments in the PCS Summer Playoffs
“Aurora was banned globally at the time, so our drafting had to be changed. Previously, Aurora could be played both top and mid alongside Rumble, but with the ban, she was no longer available. After that, the champion who came to our minds was Renekton. However, with him appearing, the jungle meta shifted towards AP champions too. We first picked red side for Game 1 [against DCG] to observe the game, but our performance was disastrous.”
“After losing to strong teams, you need to address the problems during feedback and continue to improve, but I felt like we had been stagnating for a while. Losing to PSG were not just close losses; it was a clear difference in skill. But instead of just accepting defeat, we had to learn from their strengths, and it seemed like through this series, the players’ views on that has changed too. So, I think we can still expect more from them.”
“I want to get to the Quarterfinals at Worlds”
“During an interview at the PCS Finals, I did mention I want to reach top 16 at Worlds. At that time, I wasn’t totally confident if we could do that, but the feedback I got from our players after the Finals was very positive. Seeing how they responded, I felt that if we could fix our weaker areas, the team could develop even further. Watching that, I realized I needed to set higher goals. Personally, I want to get to the Quarterfinals at Worlds. And if we make it to the Quarterfinals? I think we can go to the Semifinals. (laughs)”
