David contra Goliat - El legado de Deft

The Rise of DEFT and FAKER in League of Legends

Introduction to the Competitive Scene

• The narrative begins with a dramatic setup, indicating that a significant moment in esports history will unfold within an hour.

• The context is set around the Korean League of Legends server, which launched in late 2011 amidst the popularity of MOBA games, particularly following the success of DOTA.

Early Days and Rivalry

• The establishment of a competitive environment for League of Legends in Korea is highlighted, referencing its roots in earlier games like Starcraft.

• Kim Hyuk-kyu (DEFT) emerges as a top player at Mapo High School but faces rivalry from Lee Sang-hyeok (FAKER), who quickly surpasses him on the ladder.

Aspirations and Challenges

• DEFT's initial goal was to be the best player at his school; however, he soon aspired to become the best globally after recognizing FAKER as a formidable rival.

• Both players debuted professionally around the same time: DEFT with MVP Blue and FAKER with SKTelecom T1.

Professional Debut and Team Dynamics

• MVP Blue and MVP Ozone are introduced as sister teams allowing for strategic exchanges between rosters to enhance competitiveness.

• DEFT's rookie season saw him struggle against FAKER’s team during their first encounters in LCK Spring Split 2013.

Growth and Recognition

• Despite early setbacks, including finishing last in their group, DEFT witnessed FAKER win his first World Championship title later that year.

• DEFT faced challenges as an ADC due to poor laning phase performance but excelled during team fights.

Transition and Success

• Following changes within his team structure under Samsung branding, DEFT began to shine as one of the league's top players by spring 2014.

• Samsung Blue advanced through playoffs successfully but faced defeat against FAKER’s SKTelecom T1 in winter 2014.

Climbing to Worlds

• By summer 2014, both Samsung teams qualified for Worlds directly while reigning champions SKT failed to qualify unexpectedly.

The Rise and Challenges of DEFT in Esports

Quarterfinals and Semifinals Showdown

• In the quarterfinals, DEFT's team eliminated the last two North American teams, leading to a semifinal matchup against each other. This scenario is often referred to as an "early final," with the winner poised to become the next world champion.

Emotional Moments Post-Semifinal

• DEFT faced a devastating 3-0 loss in the semifinals, with the third map concluding in under 23 minutes. Despite this setback, it became one of the most emotional moments in esports history as players from Samsung White (SSW) consoled him after witnessing his devastation.

The Korean Exodus: A Turning Point

• The year 2015 marked significant changes for DEFT and Korea due to "The Korean Exodus," where top talent left Korea for better financial opportunities abroad. Korea was recognized as having superior talent but struggled with sponsorship revenue compared to larger regions like the U.S., Europe, and China.

Financial Disparities in Esports

• Sponsorship earnings are crucial in esports; brands pay more based on audience reach. With Korea's population at around 51 million versus over 1 billion in China or nearly 750 million in Europe, Korean players earned less despite their skill level.

Impact of Sister Teams' Dissolution

• The end of sister teams allowed many players to seek new opportunities. This situation combined with "The Korean Exodus" led DEFT to join Edward Gaming (EDG), a promising team that had just entered China's LPL league and had already won championships.

EDG's Dominance and DEFT's Role

• Upon joining EDG alongside notable players like PAWN, KORO1, CLEARLOVE, and MEIKO, DEFT quickly showcased his skills by dominating the spring regular season. EDG finished first with an impressive win rate of 86%.

Championship Victory at MSI

• After a challenging playoff series against Team WE and a swift victory over Invictus Gaming (IG), EDG reached the finals where DEFT achieved his first career PENTAKILL. This victory secured them their first title in China and qualification for Riot’s Mid Season Invitational (MSI).

Worlds Aspirations Amidst Challenges

• Winning MSI was significant but not equivalent to winning Worlds; adapting to different patches can allow non-league champions to excel internationally. Both EDG and Royal Never Give Up (RNG) were known for high expectations yet frequent disappointments at Worlds.

Setbacks Leading into 2016

• Despite finishing first during summer split play, EDG fell short again at Worlds by losing in quarterfinals against Fnatic while Faker claimed his second championship title.

Unprecedented Achievements by EDG

• Following mixed results from previous tournaments, expectations were high for EDG after maintaining their roster intact. They made history by finishing the regular season undefeated—a feat never accomplished before—while DEFT also became one of the first LPL players to reach 1,000 kills.

This structured summary captures key events surrounding DEFT’s journey through competitive esports while highlighting pivotal moments that shaped both his career and broader trends within professional gaming.

PAWN's Health Issues and Team Changes

Transition to SCOUT and Performance at Worlds

• PAWN, the starting Midlaner, faced serious health issues leading to frequent hospitalizations. In his absence, SCOUT was signed as a substitute from SKT (T1).

• The team performed exceptionally well against RNG during this period.

• DEFT emerged as the third-best player at Worlds, trailing behind renowned players SMEB and FAKER.

DEFT's Struggles Against ROX Tigers

Quarterfinal Losses and Regional Dominance

• DEFT's team faced ROX Tigers in the Worlds quarterfinals, representing their respective regions.

• Despite previous success at MSI, Korea maintained dominance with only Korean teams winning since 2013.

• DEFT was determined not to accept another quarterfinal loss after a roster built for victory failed again.

The Evolution of KT Rolster

Historical Background and Rivalries

• KT Rolster was founded in 1999, initially known as "KT F n016 PROGRAM TEAM," evolving through various names until settling on "KT Rolster" in 2009.

• Originally a Starcraft team, KT brought global recognition to players like FLASH, one of the best Starcraft players ever.

• Their main sponsor is KT Corporation, a major telecommunications company in Korea. This led to intense rivalry with SKTelecom (T1), known as "The Telecom War."

KT Rolster's Ambitions and Challenges

Roster Composition and Initial Goals

• Despite ambitious projects over the years, KT had only won LCK once against Samsung Blue (SSB).

• The roster included top talents: SMEB (Top lane), SCORE (Jungle), PAWN (Mid lane), DEFT (ADC), and MATA (Support).

• Their goals were clear: defeat SKT (T1), win LCK, and secure a Worlds title.

Struggles in Competition

Playoff Failures and Resource Allocation Issues

• The first year did not meet expectations; they reached the LCK final but lost to SKT.

• A conflict arose between SMEB wanting resources funneled towards him versus DEFT needing attention too.

• By year's end, more focus was given to DEFT despite ongoing struggles with resource allocation.

Health Issues Impacting Performance

PAWN's Replacement by UCAL

• For the first time since his debut, DEFT did not qualify for Worlds due to team performance issues.

• In 2018, UCAL replaced PAWN due to his health problems stemming from obsessive-compulsive disorder that hindered his gameplay.

A Turning Point for KT Rolster

Achievements Against SKT T1

• Surprisingly, they managed to defeat SKT during regular season play—an important symbolic victory despite subsequent losses.

Pathway to Worlds Qualification

Final Matches Leading Up To Worlds

• They finished first in the regular season which granted them direct qualification for finals against Griffin (GRF).

What Led to One of the Closest Finals in Korea's History?

Overview of the Korean Cup and Worlds Qualification

• The finals were unexpectedly close, marking a significant moment in Korea's esports history.

• The team achieved their second objective by lifting the Korean cup, which automatically qualified them for Worlds.

Shifting Favorites: A New Narrative for Worlds

• Unlike previous years, this World Championship had a different narrative; Chinese teams were favored over Koreans.

• RNG emerged as the only favorite after winning MSI and the summer LPL, aiming for a "Grand Slam" victory.

Meta Changes Impacting Playstyles

• The year’s meta did not favor traditional Korean playstyles that emphasize precision over action.

• In contrast, Chinese teams prioritized aggressive plays and tight fights due to their confidence in mechanical skills.

Performance of Korean Teams at Worlds

• Afreeca Freaks (AFS) faced a shocking 3-0 loss against Cloud 9 in quarterfinals, while Fnatic defeated Edward Gaming.

• KT Rolster had an opportunity to achieve their goal but faced Invictus Gaming (IG), who surprisingly won against them.

Historical Turning Point for Korean Esports

• For the first time since 2012, no Korean team made it to the World Final, marking a significant turning point in competitive League of Legends.

The Aftermath: DEFT's Career Shift

Transition from KT Rolster to Kingzone Dragon X

• Following poor results, DEFT left KT Rolster and joined Kingzone Dragon X (KZ), which aimed for moderate success rather than championships.

DEFT's Changing Role and Challenges Faced

• This marked DEFT’s first experience outside projects designed to win Worlds since his debut in 2013.

• Despite finishing third in spring, health issues with teammate PAWN led to struggles during summer split.

Struggles with Team Dynamics and Emerging Competitors

• With PAWN retiring due to health issues, KZ failed to qualify for playoffs or regionals after losing to DamWon (DWG).

Rebranding and New Aspirations: DRX Emerges

Formation of DRX and Focus on Development

• Kingzone rebranded as Dragon X (DRX), shifting focus from immediate wins to developing young talent for future dominance.

Key Players Joining DRX

• The roster included promising players like Doran and Chovy alongside academy promotions Pyosik and Keria.

DEFT as Mentor: A Long-Term Project

• DEFT took on a mentorship role within this young squad while also serving as team captain.

Challenges Faced Before Reaching Worlds

Close Series Against GenG

What Does Winning Worlds Mean to DEFT?

DEFT's Journey and Aspirations

• DEFT expresses that reaching the World Championship feels surreal, especially after believing his career was over following a disappointing 2019.

• KERIA, a rookie, confidently promised DEFT he would take him to a World Championship final, surprising DEFT who felt pressured by perceptions of his age.

• Despite being determined to win Worlds, DEFT admits he doesn't fully understand why it is so crucial for him; it's simply something he must achieve.

• The looming threat of mandatory military service in South Korea adds urgency to DEFT's goal as he has limited time left before retirement.

• Facing humiliation in the quarterfinals against DamWon (DWG), DEFT’s motivation dwindles, prompting him to seek change.

Transitioning Teams and Mental Struggles

• KESMAN, head coach of Hanwha Life (HLE), valued DEFT highly and sought to build a project around him despite younger ADC players gaining attention.

• Although DRX had been centered on him with long-term goals achieved early on, DEFT struggled with leadership roles due to mental strain from losses.

• His competitive journey was marred by frustration at not winning a World Championship while contemporaries succeeded significantly.

• Suffering from severe back pain due to a herniated disc led DEFT to question his future in professional gaming amidst viewer criticism about his performance.

• This mental toll contributed heavily to his decision to join Hanwha Life (HLE), where he aimed for personal happiness alongside competitive success.

Performance and Team Dynamics

• With HLE, DEFT adopted a new mindset focused on enjoying the game rather than solely pursuing victory; this shift marked an important evolution in his approach.

• HLE had mixed results during their seasons but managed to qualify for Worlds as the last Korean seed after finishing second in their group.

• In the quarterfinal match against T1, KERIA eliminated HLE from the tournament with a decisive 3-0 victory, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.

The Rise and Challenges of DEFT in Competitive League of Legends

Introduction to Key Players

• The Midlaner is "ZEKA," a Korean player with experience in lower ranks in China.

• The ADC, known as DEFT, has a significant reputation, while the Support player "BERYL" is noted for his unique profile.

• BERYL has participated in two consecutive World Championship finals with DamWon (DWG), winning one in 2020 and losing another in 2021 against Edward Gaming (EDG).

BERYL's Unique Profile

• Despite being a three-time Korean champion and MSI finalist, BERYL is more recognized for his investment in "Genshin Impact" than his League of Legends skills.

• Unlike mechanical prodigies like KERIA, BERYL excels at leading and managing games independently.

DEFT's Perspective on His Career

• DEFT expresses reluctance to take on leadership roles within the team but acknowledges faith in their roster despite doubts about winning titles.

• He reflects on playing with less fear this year, indicating that he might retire based on Worlds' outcomes due to fatigue from losing.

Evaluating DEFT's Career Achievements

• Over nearly nine years, DEFT has achieved notable success: two LPL championships, two LCK titles, one MSI win, and six Worlds appearances with five different teams.

• Many consider it unfair to label his career a failure given these accomplishments; most players never achieve such milestones.

Recent Team Performance and Challenges

• In Spring LCK, the team finished fourth but performed poorly during playoffs against Kwangdong Freecs (KDF).

• Summer LCK saw further decline; they barely qualified for playoffs but were eliminated by LIIV Sandbox (LSB), leaving them reliant on Regional Qualifiers for Worlds qualification.

The Journey to Worlds Qualification

• Against all odds, DEFT’s team won the Regional Qualifier against KT Rolster (KT), securing a spot at Worlds as Korea's fourth seed.

World Championship Structure and DRX's Performance

Overview of Worlds Format

• This year's Worlds consists of three phases: Play-in stage in Mexico City, Main Event in New York/Canada/San Francisco.

• Teams play Single Round Robin matches during Play-ins; top teams advance directly to the Main Stage while others compete for remaining spots.

DRX’s Group Stage Journey

• DRX entered Group B as Korea’s fourth seed but was expected to perform well despite being underestimated initially.

Group C Dynamics

• In Group C alongside Rogue (RGE), TOP Esports (TES), and GAM Esports (GAM), DRX managed to secure first place unexpectedly.

Quarterfinal Matchup

• Facing Edward Gaming (EDG), who had recently won a World Championship title. DEFT faced off against VIPER from EDG—one of the tournament's top ADC players.

Preparation Challenges

The Journey of DRX in the Worlds Tournament

Overview of Mental Strain and Preparation

• The tournament spans from October 7 to October 17, lasting 10 days, with teams training at least a week prior to adapt to the local time zone. DRX had been present since September 29 for the Play-in stage, giving them over a week more preparation than other teams.

• Starting from the Play-in is often seen as a disadvantage due to mental endurance challenges. However, DRX utilized this time for early practice to understand game meta and develop strategies, allowing them to approach later matches with greater calmness.

Key Matches Against Edward Gaming (EDG)

First Game Insights

• The first match occurred on DEFT's birthday, marking his eighth year without advancing past quarterfinals in Worlds. BERYL showcased "Heimerdinger" Support as his signature pick during this match.

• BERYL's choice allowed him flexibility against melee supports like "Nautilus" or "Thresh," enabling lane priority through turret placement while DEFT played a secondary role with "Ashe."

Game Dynamics and Outcomes

• EDG aimed for scaling abilities and defensive plays; after securing Baron Nashor, DRX lost two inhibitors leading to their defeat in the first game.

• In the second game, DRX again positioned DEFT less prominently while focusing on top-side strategies. Despite an initial advantage, poor execution led to unfavorable fights against EDG.

Dramatic Moments in Second Game

• A critical moment arose when SCOUT teleported back into play while DEFT recognized that both SCOUT and FLANDRE were vulnerable due to lack of teleportation options.

• As EDG attempted Baron Nashor again, DEFT made a bold move towards their base but faced unfortunate timing with respawning inhibitors preventing victory despite his efforts.

Emotional Impact on Players

• Following their loss in the second game, morale was low among DRX players. DEFT reflected on his career struggles but expressed determination moving forward: “I’ve been thinking that this might be my last year. I’m playing with less fear.”

Adapting Strategies for Success

Reverse Sweep Achievement

• After losing two games initially, DRX adapted their strategy by focusing resources towards DEFT and successfully forced a fifth game—a rare achievement known as a "Reverse Sweep."

• Historical context shows that only one reverse sweep had previously occurred in Worlds history (FNC vs TES). This added pressure highlighted the significance of their comeback effort.

Final Game Highlights

• In response to EDG’s picks like "Jax," which countered their champion selection of "Fiora," DRX struggled initially but maintained a gold lead despite objectives favoring EDG.

• ZEKA emerged as a standout player during intense moments of gameplay—his performance included multiple kills against SCOUT showcasing his skill level at just 18 years old.

Conclusion

Dragon Fight and DEFT's Journey

The Epic Dragon Fight

• Edward Gaming (EDG) had a chance to secure the dragon, but PYOSIK managed to steal it, leading to a risky four versus five fight.

• ZEKA showcased impressive skills during the fight, with casters highlighting his performance as "ZEKA magic" as he secured multiple kills.

DEFT's Birthday Surprise

• ZEKA achieved a quadra kill, surprising everyone and marking a significant moment in the match.

• DEFT celebrated his birthday amidst this victory, reflecting on his long journey since last reaching the semifinals of Worlds.

Emotional Reflections from DEFT

• In an emotional moment, DEFT expressed gratitude for finally being back in the semifinals after 2942 days.

• He emphasized that regardless of outcomes at Worlds, he felt he was making progress and improving as a player.

Facing GenG: A Tough Challenge

The Road Ahead for DRX

• DEFT faced formidable opponents in GenG (GG), including former teammates DORAN and CHOVY, along with ADC RULER.

• Despite EDG's weakened state throughout the year, DRX managed to defeat them in a close fifth game.

Struggles Against GenG

• As GenG advanced convincingly in their first match against DRX, it became clear they were strong contenders for victory.

DRX's Historic Achievement

Overcoming Expectations

• DRX accomplished an epic feat by eliminating both reigning world champion EDG and Korean champion GenG from the tournament.

Final Push Towards Glory

• With PYOSIK securing an Ocean soul for DRX during crucial moments of gameplay, they swept through their opponents towards the finals.

The Final Showdown Against T1

Anticipation Builds for November 6th

• The final opponent was set to be T1, featuring young prodigies like ZEUS and ONER alongside veteran players like KERIA and FAKER.

Personal Rivalries Resurface

• DEFT reflected on his history with FAKER; despite past losses against him over four years, this World Championship presented a new opportunity.

DEFT’s Determination

A Chance to Catch Up

Game Analysis: T1 vs DRX - Grand Final Highlights

Early Game Dynamics

• The game commenced with T1 holding a slight advantage, having secured two dragons. A third dragon would put them on soul point, forcing DRX to contest future dragons.

• In an attempt to prevent T1 from gaining further advantage, DRX engaged in a fight for the dragon but lost key players DEFT, BERYL, and KINGEN.

Mid Game Turning Points

• Following the initial skirmish, T1 snowballed their lead by securing Baron Nashor and the dragon soul. The game saw back-and-forth exchanges but remained tense due to dragon control.

• An intense team fight led to an Ace for DRX after they capitalized on scattered T1 members. This shift allowed DRX to take control of the game momentarily.

Late Game Climax

• As the match approached 45 minutes, both teams were vying for Baron Nashor again. Despite being outnumbered (4 against 4), DRX executed a strategic play that resulted in significant kills against T1.

• With FAKER down and high death timers for T1 players, DRX pushed aggressively towards victory. They aimed to end the game quickly as they had gained momentum.

Series Outcome

• The series was tied at 1-1 after a thrilling match filled with ups and downs. Both teams displayed resilience and skill throughout this pivotal game.

DEFT's Historic Moment

Pre-Match Sentiments

• As the finals progressed into a decisive fifth map, DEFT reflected on his career achievements regardless of the outcome of this match.

Strategic Picks and Decisions

• DEFT proposed an unconventional pick of Bard for BERYL despite concerns about its effectiveness against Karma. This choice highlighted their willingness to innovate under pressure.

Early Game Developments

• The first Herald engagement turned disastrous for T1 as PYOSIK successfully took it while also eliminating FAKER, showcasing effective teamwork from DRX early in the match.

Tactical Maneuvers

Game Highlights and Key Moments

Dramatic Plays and Turning Points

• PYOSIK's shutdown on ONER leads to a critical moment where KINGEN survives against the odds, showcasing resilience in gameplay. The "Onslaught of Shadows" ultimate play is highlighted as a game-changer, erasing T1's gold lead.

• DRX prepares to secure Baron Nashor, but ZEUS and GUMAYUSI attempt to contest despite being outnumbered (2 vs 5). The lack of vision complicates their efforts, emphasizing the importance of map control.

• Caster expresses disbelief at the unfolding events, repeatedly stating that DRX players are like robots due to their consistent performance under pressure. This highlights the team's mechanical skill and strategic execution.

Skirmishes and Objectives

• DEFT reassures his team about their skirmishing capabilities as both teams vie for the fifth dragon. KERIA’s facecheck into a Caitlyn trap results in an early disadvantage for DRX.

• A chaotic fight ensues around the Dragon pit with multiple casualties on both sides (2 for 2), but DRX secures the dragon. This illustrates how crucial objective control can shift momentum in matches.

Baron Control and Strategic Decisions

• Following intense exchanges, KERIA and FAKER fall during a pivotal fight near Baron Nashor. Despite losing key players, DRX remains focused on securing objectives amidst high tension.

• T1 manages to secure Baron Nashor but struggles to capitalize fully on this advantage. The ongoing battle for control emphasizes how quickly fortunes can change in competitive play.

Final Showdown at Elder Dragon

• As T1 pushes towards breaking the BOT inhibitor with Super Minions applying pressure, they prepare for a decisive encounter at Elder Dragon which could determine the match outcome.

• With T1 starting Elder Dragon while KINGEN attempts a flank, DRX uses traps effectively to deny access to T1. This showcases tactical positioning as vital in high-stakes moments.

Climax of Competition

• In a last-minute effort involving teleportation, PYOSIK secures Elder Dragon amidst chaos. The ensuing fight sees FAKER and ZEUS eliminated by KINGEN’s defense strategy leading to victory for DRX.

• With key players from T1 downed, DRX seizes an opportunity to push through mid-lane solidifying their win—marking an iconic upset reminiscent of David versus Goliath narratives in esports history.

Post-Match Reflections

Deft's Emotional Victory Speech

• DEFT expresses overwhelming emotions after achieving his long-time dream of becoming a League of Legends world champion—a testament to perseverance over ten years filled with challenges.

• He reflects on his journey since debuting in esports; standing here represents not just personal achievement but also collective success alongside teammates and coaching staff who supported him throughout this journey.