IG Rookie on the major difference between Worlds 2018 and 2025: “I think it’s looks!”

Ahead of his decisive series against T1, we managed to chat with IG Rookie as he makes his return to the Worlds stage since 2019.

How does it feel to be back on the Worlds stage after 6 years?

Rookie: It’s been a while. Being back here on stage, I’m both excited and anxious.

Davide: IG has been regarded as the underdogs in this matchup when facing T1.

What did you guys work on the most during the bootcamp to prove people wrong?

Rookie: To beat T1, our bootcamp is a small part of the process, but it’s not crucial. I think the main focus would be on us showing up in our best form to face T1; this is the first step.

The second one is that our gameplay must not be too messy, so we did a bootcamp for these two reasons: let everyone relax a little bit, scrim together there, and eat good food together.

So far, I think we’re doing fairly well; I think our synergy is getting better and better and I’m quite excited for the match against T1.

Davide: Kkoma (T1 head coach) mentioned in an interview GALA as IG’s main threat due to his recent performance.

Who do you view as T1’s main threat for this upcoming matchup?

Rookie: The main threat is the mid lane (Faker).

I think when Faker plays at Worlds, his gameplay is unpredictable and suddenly, whether it’s playing from behind or getting ahead, he will have very surprising gameplay, so I think this is something we must be careful.

The other one is the bot lane duo of Gumayusi and Keria, due to their combinations and overall synergy: T1’s core strategy starts with the bot lane matchup getting a lead, so we also have to think about how to solve it with the coaching staff.

Davide: When you think about the Rookie of 2018 and the Rookie of 2025,

What’s changed the most in how you approach the game and competition?

Rookie: I feel like the biggest difference between 2018 and now is my look (laughs). Game-wise, whether it’s gameplay or mental, I don’t think there’s much of a difference.

Maybe I’m getting old so there are and there might be fewer “Rookie” performances, but I don’t know how I will perform at Worlds because I haven’t been for too long.

I feel this Worlds is also a challenge for me, so I’m ready to enjoy the stage fully and at the same time, how I can show up now.

Davide: A question not related to pro play. There will be fans flying from all over the world to watch Worlds in China.

As someone who has been living in China for a long time, name one thing or one food these fans must try out.

Rookie: Honestly, when I come to Beijing, it’s usually for work (laughs), so I don’t really know what places or food to recommend but I think there are quite a few places I want to go, like Universal Studios, and I also think it’s worth finding a good place for Peking Duck. I think you should all enjoy Beijing like me, I’m also a newcomer (rookie) here, so let’s do it!

One last message to the fans?

Rookie: Thank you for always supporting IG and all my fans. It’s a live-or-die match so please support us all and enjoy our match with T1. It should be a great game, so see you all on the (October) 14th!