Dplus KIA have knocked the LPL champions out of the EWC. A crazy win over BLG — one of the tournament favourites — sends DK into the semifinals, where Gen.G's unbeaten run awaits. Trixcity caught up with Dplus mid laner Heo "ShowMaker" Su after the upset to talk about the game-three turning point, a rookie-heavy roster that could now touch a trophy, and his role within the team.
What are your feelings about this game? Were there any moments when you felt it swing in your favour?
It was a really tough series, so completing the comeback felt incredibly thrilling, and I was genuinely happy. The moment I grew sure we'd won was during the last teamfight in game three. Siwoo started shouting, "Caitlyn! Caitlyn!" and then yelled, "We won! We won!" That's when I became certain.
BLG are considered one of the best teams in the world right now. What does beating them tell you about where this roster stands?
I think all of our players are showing good form right now.
Looking at the four teams remaining, I don't think there's anyone we can't beat.
So we'll do our best to win the tournament.
This is the first international event for this rookie-heavy roster. How do you approach a competition like this, and what are your clear goals now at EWC?
Before arriving at EWC, our mindset was that, whatever the outcome, we wanted to display the kind of play we were capable of and the potential we had — we wanted to compete without regrets. But now that we've made the semifinals
I think our mindset has changed to "We have to win" and I believe we can win the tournament.
Careful precision from Showmaker as he crushes BLG's key!
The current meta rewards ultra-aggressive, skirmish-heavy play, especially early. Do you think that suits the team well?
A lot of our players are very confident in small skirmishes and five-on-five teamfights, so I think it suits our team well.
This split, the team showed one of the highest mechanical ceilings in the LCK, but results against the top teams have been inconsistent. Is that something you've been actively working on, or do you see it as a natural phase for a young roster?
Unless you're an overwhelmingly dominant team that defines an era, I think every team goes through that kind of inconsistency — we're one of those teams as well. I don't think the ups and downs are simply because we have rookies. Every League of Legends player experiences them. The key is learning how to manage them.
You're the most experienced player on this team. How do you view your role — do you see yourself as an older brother?
I don't particularly feel that way. I just don't want the younger players to feel intimidated or uncomfortable around me, so I joke around with them as though we were the same age. I'm trying to help lead the team while keeping the atmosphere of a group of friends.
Syndra is very strong in the current meta, and she's also your signature pick. Do you think opposing teams have no choice but to ban her when they face you?
I'm very confident, so I'd love to say that — but we already lost a game with Syndra against AL at this tournament. Still, there's nothing stopping me from saying it.
Yes, you should ban her. Ban Syndra.
You face Gen.G next, and they haven't dropped a single game all competition. How do you view this matchup, and how are you preparing?
We've faced Gen.G many times in the LCK. If we prepare our strategy well and build our draft properly around their style, I think we can definitely beat them.
Rapid Fire Questions
A rapid-fire round to close out — yes/no answers, with optional context.
Second-best player in League of Legends after Faker? → That's difficult. I think it's Chovy.
Most underrated player in history? → Chovy again.
Best player you’ve ever faced in your role? → Chovy. [laughs]
The hardest loss of your career? → The 2021 Worlds final.
Is K'Sante still broken after the rework? → He's really bad right now, and honestly, that makes me feel relieved and very happy. I hope they keep him balanced exactly like this.
Syndra or Orianna? → Syndra.
Is this the most promising DK roster you've played with? → I hope it becomes that roster.
Will you win Worlds again before the end of your career? → Yes.
Do big stages bring the best out of you? → Yes.
My goat
My goat too