IG TheShy: “I’ll prepare for each top laner and what champions they’re good at. It doesn’t matter what team they’re on.”
Q: Hello, sorry about all the tech issues. How has your time in Beijing been so far? How are you feeling about your practice and everything going into the best of five?
TheShy: Since I’m an LPL player, I’m familiar with the environment, so I’m used to it.
Q: I want to start with some fun questions before we get too much into the series. Are you and Rookie the greatest bromance in LoL esports history?
TheShy: I like Rookie, but I don’t get that close to people outside of the game. I think when I’m on a team with someone, our relationship naturally gets close, but on different teams, we don’t really contact each other much. When we’re on the same team, we’re good, but outside of that, we don’t stay in touch that much.
Q: Do you think that’s more because of you as a person, or is that just how a lot of LPL teams operate? In the West, people say that when players are close friends outside the game, they perform better. Is that something you’ve seen, or is this just how you approach teammates in general?
TheShy: I don’t mean that Rookie and I aren’t close — we are. We’re just not in constant contact. During the vacation period, I spend time with my friends and family from my hometown instead of other pro players. We don’t talk or meet up as much during breaks.
Q: Outside of the game, people see you and Doran as opposites. Doran is energetic and flamboyant, while you’re seen as stoic and serious. Do you see him as a contrast to you in personality and energy?
TheShy: I think he has a very good personality. Actually, I’m also outgoing in person — I just try not to be too energetic on screen. In real life, I’m a positive person, and I admire Doran’s personality as well.
Q: What’s your plan to defeat Doran when you face off against T1?
TheShy: First of all, for the top lane matchup, I’ll prepare for each top laner and what champions they’re good at. It doesn’t matter what team they’re on — whether it’s Doran or anyone else — I’ll just focus on doing what I can do and not worry too much about outside things.
Transcript edits by @delfidotwav
