Q: Have you perhaps watched the Play-In matches? What are your thoughts on them? And how do you feel after arriving in Berlin?
Elk : The Play-In matches are around the same time as our regular training, so we watch them whenever we have time. But I remember that last year's Swiss Round and Play-In were somewhat different; the main thing is to observe the gameplay styles of the Play-In teams. Currently, after arriving in Berlin, I feel pretty good, everything seems great.
Q: I'm curious about the change in mindset from last year to this year. Last year, you regrettably didn't make it to the finals. This year, do you feel any pressure about the journey ahead? Last year, before you defeated GEN, many people didn't consider you a championship contender and focused more on JDG, thinking they were the favorites. This year, many people think you are very strong and a favorite to win. How does this affect you?
Elk : I don't feel any pressure, and I don't think we need to put pressure on ourselves or achieve anything specific. Our goal has always been to win the championship, and we hope to maintain our form throughout. I think reaching the finals requires a bit of luck. We just need to perform better in our regular training and matches, and be more serious during training to avoid any regrets.
Q: This year at MSI, you were seen as favorites to win. You made it to the finals but didn't win. Did you feel any regret at that time?
Elk : It was a pity to reach the finals but lose, and not being able to win a trophy on our home turf.
Q: This year, with the addition of knight, do you think his playstyle is different? How would you evaluate his style? Also, you changed your jungler in the summer, with Wei joining your ranks. How did you adapt and integrate during this process?
Elk : Regarding knight's addition, the other players in our team had played together in last year's Asian Games, so we were already familiar with each other's personalities and gameplay styles. We were very happy to have him join this year. I think knight is very good at finding opportunities and has excellent carry potential. The roster change in the summer was a bit surprising because new rules allowed for mid-season additions. I think Wei makes our team more stable, and our communication off-stage is also very good.
Q: Can you compare Xun and Wei, who sings better?
Elk : Singing... since I haven't heard Wei sing, I'll choose Xun.
Q: Have you watched this year's Worlds theme song MV, and Bin made an appearance. Do you like this year's theme song?
Elk : I watched it immediately, and I laughed within the first few seconds. Our whole team keeps teasing him about it. I think the theme song is very good.
Q: In the first round of the Swiss Round, you will play against MDK. If you could choose your opponent for the second round, who would you pick?
Elk : I don't fear any opponent, but I hope the strong matchups are left for the top 8 and beyond, where we can play BO5 against strong teams. I prefer to secure advancement in BO1 and successfully advance.
