CFO Junjia: “I think Vietnam joining the LCP has been a big advantage for us”

After taking second place in the group stage of First Stand 2025, CFO Junjia spoke to us about the match against Top Esports.

CFO Junjia – First Stand Interview, Day 5

The interview was done in Chinese and later translated into English.

Hello, Junjia. First of all, congratulations once again on your victory today. Could you share your thoughts on this match and also pick an MVP?

Junjia: I think today maybe TES felt a lot of pressure, which affected their performance. As for us, I think we did quite well, which is why we managed to win today. For MVP, I would say it’s our mid-laner, HongQ. He’s only 17 and already performing so well on the international stage—I think that’s really impressive.

Alright, let’s talk about the match itself. After your game yesterday, did you prepare a special strategy targeting Top Esports? Or was it more about just playing normally given the short time?

Junjia: We had a meeting after the match where we mainly discussed the draft. Today, it went pretty much as we expected in terms of champion picks and matchups.

Speaking of the draft, you have always been a jungle player who focuses on tempo. However, today, the champions you played against TES were quite different from previous games—you picked Skarner and Sejuani. Interestingly, these were also used by Karmine Corp’s jungler, Yike. Did you take inspiration from KC or think that their read on the current meta is better?

Junjia: Since this patch hasn’t been out for long, everyone is still figuring out which champions work best. For us, it’s about picking the five champions that give us the highest chance of winning, whether that’s a carry jungle or a more utility-focused style.

Junglers rating, the rise of the LCP region

Speaking of junglers, could you briefly evaluate the junglers at this event one by one?

Junjia: First, TL’s jungler (UmTi) —I think he’s more of a supportive jungler who focuses on helping his teammates rather than prioritizing his own scaling. As for Peanut, after playing against him again this year, I feel like he has improved a lot compared to last year. Then there’s Kanavi—he’s a jungler who prefers to farm and let his teammates absorb pressure so he can carry later. Last is Yike, who I think is the one who plays more similar to me. He can carry the game himself but also enables his teammates.

Now that your team has secured second place and will advance to the knockout stage, what do you think are the key differences in drafting between a Bo5 and a Bo3?

Junjia: In a Bo5, if the series goes to Game 4 or 5, it becomes more about individual skill because champion pools start to be tested. In a Bo3, the champion difference isn’t as big since teams usually stick to their comfort picks.

Over the past two years, PCS teams have achieved strong results internationally. For example, last year, you made it to the top 8 at MSI with PSG Talon. Do you think the addition of new regions in the LCP has raised the overall competitive level of the region?

Junjia: I think Vietnam (VCS) joining has been a big advantage for us. They are very aggressive teams, and we’ve learned a lot from playing against them, especially in terms of skirmishing.

Your LCP split ended earlier than other regions, finishing around mid-February. Do you think having an early break gave your team an advantage?

Junjia: Finishing early had some benefits, like allowing us to rest more before preparing for the next stage. I saw that LEC and LPL finished around March 3rd, so their players didn’t have as much time to rest. Plus, they had to do media shoots after arriving in Korea, so they barely had time to practice. I think our schedule worked out really well for us.

There are three international tournaments this year—do you think that’s too much?

Junjia: I think it makes things more interesting. Competing against teams from different regions is a great learning experience.

Let’s talk about your teammate, HongQ. How would you evaluate him and what are his biggest strengths?

Junjia: I think everyone has seen his amazing performances. His raw talent for the game is really high, and I envy that.

Yesterday, there was a video where you were talking to HLE’s Viper and it looked like you called him “hubby.”

Junjia: I wasn’t calling him “husband.” I think I was saying something like “he’s so strong” or “he’s going to win the championship.”

NOT JUNJIA CALLING VIPER “老公 (HUBBY)” STRAIGHT TO HIS FACE 😭😭

(cr: https://t.co/mrSWnczT40) pic.twitter.com/syx9Z3JF6J

— Linda Pro League 🦦 (@iCrystalization) March 14, 2025

Oh, okay! That clears things up. Last question—this is your seventh year as a pro player. Do you think your personality has changed over the years?

Junjia: If I weren’t a pro player, I would’ve just graduated from university by now. I think playing professionally has helped me mature in many ways, especially in handling different situations.

Alright, we’re nearing the end of the interview. Do you have any message for your fans and KC fans?

Junjia: Whether you’re CFO fans or KC fans, thank you for your support. I’ll do my best to reach the finals.