T1 Smash | First LCK Post- Match Interview!
T1 Smash: A Calm Debut Amidst a Storm of Expectations
The LCK Cup opener for T1 came with unexpected changes, as Shin Geum-jae (Smash) stepped into the bot lane in place of Gumayusi, sparking surprise and concern among fans. While many speculated about the implications of this sudden lineup shift, Smash made his LCK debut with quiet determination, letting his performance speak for itself.
Debut Reflections
In his post-match interview, Smash shared his initial mindset:
"I just aimed to play steadily without making mistakes. Winning was all I focused on."
He expressed surprise at being awarded Player of the Match after Game 3, admitting he hadn’t expected the recognition. "It felt like a pleasant bonus after my play."
Preparing for the Unexpected
Smash revealed that his call-up to the main roster came just last weekend before the tournament, catching even him off guard. After a few scrims with the team, he stepped onto the stage, trusting in his preparation and his teammates’ guidance.
When asked about pre-game advice, Smash shared:
"The team told me to play without pressure and focus on doing my part."
The Match: Chemistry and Style
Reflecting on his performance, Smash credited his teammates for their support, particularly Keria (Ryu Minseok):
"Minseok hyung made things easier for me. His skill and experience let me focus on my own play. Given that I’m the ADC, I rely on him the most."
As for synergy, Smash noted his aggressive play-style fits well with the current hyper-carry ADC meta. He added:
"I play assertively, and my teammates accommodated that, which helped me feel comfortable on stage."
The Stage Experience
Smash described the difference between playing in LCK CL and the main league, particularly the overwhelming presence of fans:
"The crowd’s cheers were so loud that I was taken aback at times. It didn’t necessarily motivate me, but it was nice to hear and reminded me to play well for them."
Despite the pressure, Smash stated how he remained remarkably calm:
"I thought I’d be nervous, but even in the first set I felt at ease."
Dream Matchups and Looking Ahead
Smash also shared his excitement about the chance to face Ruler, one of the most renowned bot laners in the world:
"Last year, I personally messaged Ruler, saying I hoped to play against him someday. He told me that opportunity would come, and now it has."
Looking to the future, Smash expressed a desire to establish himself as a top ADC while contributing to T1’s success:
"I hope T1 becomes the strongest team in the LCK, and I aim to be the best bot laner in LCK."
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
Smash thanked his CL teammates, who attended the match to show support.
"I told them not to come, but they became a huge mental support for me. I’m grateful for their encouragement."
He also acknowledged former coach GBM (Lee Chang-suk) for his continued praise:
"He took great care of us in the past, and I’m still thankful. It feels good to hear him say positive things about me in his stream."
Conclusion: A New Chapter Amidst Uncertainty
His calm demeanor, backed by the team's support, set the stage for what could be a promising journey—both for Smash as an individual and for T1 as they aim to reclaim their dominance.
During post match interview, kkOma has stated his reason for calling up Smash that he would like to obtain as much data as possible during LCK cup period (before the regular season) by trying different tactics.
While fans were somewhat shocked over the sudden lineup change, Smash's debut hinted at his potential as T1 navigates the early stages of the LCK cup.
What are your thoughts on Smash’s debut? Share your perspective in the comments below!
Comments
Post a Comment