T1 have beaten the MSI champions. A 2-0 over Hanwha Life Esports at the Esports World Cup marks a statement result for a team still rebuilding confidence after a disappointing MSI exit. Kim "Peyz" Su-hwan — in his first year with the organisation — spoke with Trixcity about the reflection that followed, adapting to his new teammates, and what winning this tournament would mean heading into the final stretch of the year.
Congratulations on beating HLE, the MSI champions. Does this show T1 can beat anyone, or is it more a sign that the team has improved since MSI? How would you assess the series?
We kept looking back on what we were missing at MSI, both individually and as a team, and worked to fix it. Our form still wasn't fully steady coming into this event, but beating Hanwha Life 2-0 today gave us more belief in ourselves. I think it'll also give us plenty of confidence for the rest of the matches.
About MSI — although T1 were eliminated, your individual performances received a lot of praise. Were you proud of the level you showed at your first international tournament with T1?
Because the tournament result was so disappointing, I wouldn't say I felt proud.
I also don't feel my MSI showing was the best I'm capable of, so I spent a lot of time thinking about what I needed to do to play better.
How has adapting to T1 been? The organisation is known for taking good care of its players, but it also comes with a lot of pressure and very high expectations. What helped you get to the confidence you're showing now?
The team's facilities and the staff surrounding the players are excellent, so I didn't run into any major trouble adjusting away from the game itself.
In terms of gameplay, though, I needed time to understand what kind of players my teammates are, how they play and what styles they prefer.
I think that's why we had a bit of a rough start. As I got to know them better and adjusted, I grew able to play with more confidence, the way I do now.
If you reach the final, who do you expect to face?
I think we'll face Gen.G.
If you win EWC, how much confidence would it give the team for the second half of the season, ahead of the LCK and Worlds?
The LCK regular season starts right after EWC. If we come back having won EWC, I think it would give us huge confidence for the regular season and also deepen the trust among the players. That's why I really want to win EWC.
