HLE Peanut: “I feel like this Worlds is that much more important […] I don’t want to leave with regret.”

Q: It must be very emotional for you knowing you’re starting your last ever World Championship after such a long career. Is that on your mind?

Peanut: Yeah, I think I’m trying my best to not think about it — I was actually even thinking about it last year during Worlds. Just thinking about this year’s Worlds back then was a little iffy, because I didn’t even know whether I would make it to Worlds.

Even last year, I went into all the matches thinking this might be my last, and the next one might be my last. In the end, we didn’t even end up too far. I feel like this Worlds is that much more important because this is the last one — I don’t want to leave with regret. So I really want to make sure that I can enjoy the moment as much as I can.

Q: I normally ask players who from other regions they’d like to do a jersey swap with, meet, or get a photo with. So I want to ask you that.

Peanut: I don’t think I have a particular player in mind, but just yesterday I was able to do a jersey swap with IG’s Wei. So right now, all I can recall is really Wei.

Q: Many junglers look up to you and see you as a role model. How do you feel about that legacy of being an idol that players look up to? 

Peanut: I’m so grateful. This is something that makes me feel great. Honestly, what I want to say about me being the one who used to look up to others — there’s a small correction. Regardless of role models, I think in the end, when it comes to any player, the most important thing is to believe in yourself. That’s really the key and the most crucial thing about being a pro player.

Q: For HLE at this tournament, the expectation or goal is to win Worlds. Who would you say are the main challengers that can stop you from winning Worlds?

Peanut: I think it’s going to be amongst those LCK or LPL teams, so I would probably pick AL, Gen.G, and the last spot is really open. It might be BLG, maybe TES, or maybe T1 — probably one of those teams.

Q: Many people think GEN, T1, and HLE, but none of the LPL teams, are the main title contenders. What do you think?

Peanut: Honestly, I kind of agree. But looking at how Gen.G won LCK, they went to full five games, and they honestly won with a slim advantage. I think the fact that Worlds is in China will make the Chinese teams a lot stronger.

Q: I’m from North America, so I want to ask you — do you think North America has any hope of doing anything at this tournament? And I want a real answer, not just hype. 

Peanut: My true feelings about FlyQuest is that even last year, they were definitely one of the most competitive teams from NA. Out of all the teams in NA, they were actually really good whenever we were practicing against them. So my honest thoughts on FlyQuest are that they’re very competitive. 

And also, I heard that this is the last year that 100 Thieves will be participating — [in a way], I honestly feel like I’m on the same page as them, so I’m just hoping that they step up and show up this year.

Transcript edits @rysaphine