T1 Faker: “During my time with SKT, I had many wonderful memories and experiences; with T1, I experienced a lot of personal growth.”

The interview of a lifetime. With T1 heading to Chengdu to yet another Worlds final, I had the opportunity to talk to Faker after the series against Top Esports.

Editor’s note: Tried to keep my excitement in check during the interview — probably came off a bit less natural than usual. 

Davide: First of all, congratulations on the win. It’s an honor for me to have a chat with you. This is the fourth final in four years.

What does this mean to you?

Faker: Reaching the finals four times in four years — I’m really grateful for being given so many precious opportunities, and I’ll make sure to seize them well.

Davide: Gumayusi the other day mentioned he thought you guys had some aspects of the game that you still wanted to improve on.

When you have such a short time between official matches, how do you try to find the best form?

Faker: I think the preparation time for this tournament is quite short, so I’m focusing as much as I can on managing my form. As for my weaknesses, there are still some. While thinking and reflection are important, I believe it’s even more crucial to showcase the parts I’m good at — that’s the attitude I’m bringing into this competition.

Davide: Talking about the series against Top Esports, we’ve seen you guys pull out some more interesting picks. Obviously, we’ve seen the Mel, Ashe, Seraphine and Renata as well.

How does the team always come up with a way to crack the meta at such an important time of the year?

Faker: Because this tournament is using the Fearless Draft mode, there are many different possible picks, and we’ve prepared various combinations for that. So, some choices might seem a bit random.

Davide: Some people, including MKOI mid laner Jojopyun, still think you are in your prime.

Do you feel personally that you’re still performing at your peak right now?

Faker: There are still areas I can improve, but overall, I think I’ve done quite well.

Davide: With today’s win over Top Esports, you’ve officially earned more victories under the T1 name compared to when you were on the SKT years.

When you look back, which chapter of the career feels more special to you?

Faker: Personally, I think both periods were very special. During my time with SKT, I had many wonderful memories and experiences, and during my time with T1, I experienced a lot of personal growth. So, both stages are meaningful to me.

Davide: Speaking of the finals, you’re going against KT Rolster and Bdd. This is probably what will be the most important Telecom War in LoL esports history.

How does it feel to compete for your third consecutive world championship against a player like BDD who’s admired and looked up to you for so much of his career?

Faker: Honestly, I didn’t expect to face KT in the finals. To have such a classic matchup again is really exciting and something I’m looking forward to. I also appreciate Bdd’s kind words about me and hope he delivers a great performance in the finals as well.

Davide: Do you think this will be the golden chance to give BDD your phone number?

Faker: I’ll do my best.

Davide: You previously said that your goal is to continuously improve and develop yourself.

How did you become so self-disciplined? Did anyone in particular influence your approach and your mind?

Faker: Throughout my career, I’ve read many books. The wisdom I gained from them made me realize how important self-improvement and growth are — that’s what keeps driving me to progress in my career.

Davide: Speaking of books, some fans were asking you some more book recommendations.

Do you have anything you want to share with the fans?

Faker: I haven’t been reading much lately, so I don’t have many recommendations right now, but I’ll share more book suggestions with my fans in the future.

Davide: Going back to self-discipline, I’m going to kind of make the topic a little more philosophical.

If self-development doesn’t have a final destination, how do you find satisfaction in a journey that never truly ends?

Faker: I believe that in living one’s own life, there is no such thing as a definitive answer. The truths and directions in life are things each person must pursue and define for themselves. As long as we keep moving forward and exploring, we can find fulfillment on this endless journey.

Can you share any message to the fans? Possibly in English?

Faker: Thank you.