Gumayusi: The dream isn't just about winning a World Championship; it's about becoming the strongest player. I'll keep moving forward

After the conclusion of the 2023 LCK Awards, T1 players participated in a media interview.

Q: What are your thoughts on being chosen as the best player in your respective positions this year?

Zeus: "I've won this award among highly competitive top laners for two consecutive years. I aim to show an even better performance in the future."

Oner: "I'm really happy to receive the Best Jungler award again this year, following last year's win. To me, this signifies the need to perform even better next year, so I'll be working even harder."

Faker: "Ending this year on a high note with this award makes me happy."

Gumayusi: "Last year, missing out on the Best AD award was disappointing. This year, winning it brings me a lot of joy. I'm aiming for the Best Player award next year."

Q: Faker, could you reflect on this entire year?

Faker: "I've participated in all the competitions this year, and it's been rewarding. Despite facing challenges, I'm very glad to have overcome them and wrapped up this year on a positive note. Looking back, it's been an incredibly meaningful year."

Q: What was the most memorable moment for you this year?

Faker: "Getting injured during the summer split and going through a low point, we barely secured a spot in the playoffs. In that process, we kept pushing against tough opponents, and that progression was both interesting and continuously improving. That's the most memorable moment for me."

Q: Who was the most memorable opponent for you this year?

Zeus: "Facing JDG this year stands out. Since MSI, matches against them have been really challenging."

Oner: "I agree with Zeus. JDG poses a challenge aiming for a yearly grand slam, and they are acknowledged as an outstanding team. It was tough facing them, yet it was also interesting."

Faker: "We've had numerous matches against GEN this year. We lost to them many times and had games that were difficult to crack. Those matches left a strong impression on me."

Gumayusi: "The matches against KT are memorable. Going to the fifth game and making a comeback was unforgettable."

Q: Faker, Gumayusi, which opponents are you looking forward to facing next year?

Faker: "I'm most looking forward to facing GEN. They still have an impressive roster, and I'm also eager to see their teamwork."

Gumayusi: "I think GEN and HLE are strong teams. KDF has shown a fresh perspective, and I consider them a dark horse."

Q: Faker, you've consistently attributed your success to the team.

Faker: "My inner growth led me to naturally express it that way. League of Legends is a team game with many interdependencies. I don't believe individual prowess alone leads to success. So, I believe my teammates have a significant impact."

Q: Do you plan to compete next year with the same roster, and are there areas you want to improve?

Gumayusi: "While our performance in the spring and playoffs was good, our performance in MSI and the summer split was lacking. That's an area we need to improve next year."

Faker: "I think for us to perform well as a team next year, personal growth is necessary. I aim to manage myself better and display a better performance."

Oner: "League of Legends undergoes changes with updates, essentially becoming a new game. I'll focus on personal growth, playing well regardless of the game's version. Self-management is crucial for presenting a good performance."

Zeus: "While this year saw many achievements, I want to keep progressing next year, achieving even more. I want to enjoy the game in a more interesting way."

Q: What was different this year compared to last year that enabled you to win the championship?

Gumayusi: "Having the experience of being runners-up last year was crucial for winning this year."

Oner: "Experience is the most important. We learned a lot from being runners-up, allowing us to perform well and win awards."

Zeus: "After finishing as runners-up in the World Championship last year, we faced many crises and hardships. When the opportunity came, we persevered and seized it. That was crucial."

Faker: "Unlike last year, luck also played a part this year. Losing to GEN earlier had an impact. I think the team's growth during my absence due to injury was something that couldn't be achieved by strength alone."

Q: What led to your gratitude towards people and events around you?

Faker: "Most of my psychological insights come from books. Reading books in the field of neuroscience has helped me grow. Reading those books has assisted me in establishing my values. Everyone has different book preferences, so I recommend personally visiting a bookstore and reading books that interest you."

Q: What positive influence do esports athletes possess?

Faker: "When it comes to sports, we're used to enjoying the competition between teams. It's stimulating. What's more important is exerting a positive influence and continuous improvement. I'll keep thinking about these aspects and continue my career."

Q: What are your goals after winning the World Championship?

Gumayusi: "My dream initially was to win the World Championship, but my dream isn't just one World Championship. It's to become the world's strongest player. I'll strive towards that goal."

Oner: "While achieving the dream of winning the World Championship, I've developed bigger ambitions. Next year, my goal is to win all the tournaments possible, to avoid injuries, and achieve that."

Zeus: "My dream is to enjoy my professional career in an interesting way. I won't lose motivation and aim to enjoy the game more in the future."

Q: It's been reported that you're the lowest-ranked player within T1?

Oner: "Everyone has their own opinions; that's how they see it. Others know."

Q: Coach kkOma has joined T1.

Gumayusi: "Initially joining T1 wasn't just because of the team's prestigious image and players, I also wanted to work with Coach kkOma. But due to timing, it didn't happen. Now that the opportunity has arisen, I'm very excited. I hope we can win many championships together."

Faker: "I'm happy to work with him and looking forward to it. I believe the coach is someone who can guide players to perform well. I hope for good results next year."

Oner: "This is our first season working together, and I'm excited. Because he's been with T1 for a long time, I trust he can fulfill the coaching role well."

Zeus: "Working with Coach kkOma during the Asian Games taught me a lot and left a deep impression. I'm looking forward to what will happen in a year's time, hoping we can achieve good results together."

Q: Finally, any last words?

Gumayusi: "Thanks to everyone who created the stylish stage of the LCK Awards, allowing players to shine. I'll continue to work hard in the future."

Faker: "I've received many awards, including the Best Player of the Year. I wanted to make a stylish acceptance speech but messed it up. In the future, instead of being more stylish, I'll work even harder to do what I should."

Oner: "Thanks to the fans who have been with me through achieving dreams and going through lows. I won the championship because of them. To make the moment where fans' dreams come true, to become the strength of fans, I believe working hard is the best method. I'll strive to bring positive influence to everyone."

Zeus: "I'll work hard to make the end of the year warm for fans and many others."