Gumayusi talks about the MSI run of T1, performing with Keria

T1’s AD Carry Gumayusi talked with Gamelevate after Day 4 of the 2022 MSI Rumble Stage to discuss T1’s performance during the Rumble Stage, performing with the support, Keria, and living up to and exceeding the expectations of T1’s history.

T1 has had a storied history on the international stage. With 3 World Titles, two MSI titles, several Worlds and MSI finals as well as countless other appearances, the organization is looking to continue its storied history. Even in losses, T1 is looking to be a title contender at MSI 2022. T1’s roster includes Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong – a breakout AD Carry star who is continuing to prove why he is one of the world’s best.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. We would like to thank the team at Riot Games who provided translations for this interview.

Gumayusi, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. I first want to ask you about T1’s performance this year at MSI. Can you give me a little bit of insight on how you think you guys are doing?

It’s hard to say because it changes a lot but I do think that we’re recovering right now.

Today, you guys went 1-1 against EG and G2 and both games were rather close. When games are closer like that, how do you put yourself in a positive mindset to perform as best as you can?

I wouldn’t say either of the matches against G2 and EG weren’t that close. But when we were playing against EG, I think we were all kind of anxious. And after the loss, we weren’t too happy. But a few minutes after the loss we came to think that it’s like we can lose to every team and it’s not that weird or strange for us to lose. And that actually kind of came back to us to have a very calm mindset going into the match against G2.

How do you feel about your match against G2?

So I think it was similar to our Spring Split back there. Even if we were to die a bit in the early games and start off at a disadvantage. I think the image that we had was a team that would never lose even despite those disadvantages. So I think that’s what we showed today against G2.

Speaking of that game versus G2, you played one of your signature champions in the Aphelios today. I know he got indirect nerfs because of Galeforce, but I still want to know what made you decide to pick him today? Why do you think he’s still good despite having these nerfs?

So I think I just picked it because a lot of the other ADC champions were banned. And to give you a review of what I think about the Champion after using it, if the situation is that bad, it’s very possible to use it.

I want to ask a little bit about the relationship between you and Keria. You two are considered one of the best performing bot lanes in the world. Without giving anything away, how do you two make sure that you keep your comms and your synergy perfect together to help you win such high-pressure games?

I would say that you know there are obviously some synergies between Keria and myself. But even more than that, I think it’s just that the two of us want to be the best and the two of us put the effort in to be the best. I think we’re just two very good players and that’s what makes us the best in the world.

Speaking of other ADCs, you are no stranger to the international stage. You’ve played against some of the best ADs in the world including EDG’s Viper. This MSI, you’ve played against RNG’s GALA and EG’s Danny. I know there’s a lot at stake when you play against these players but I still want to know is there anything that you’ve learned against facing off against some of the greatest ADCs in the world?

So to go against strong opponents, of course, has some add some kind of pressure sometimes. But it’s always a fun experience. We can prove to ourselves, by going against them that we are the best in the world, or we can prove to ourselves that we still have to learn a lot. So I would always have a positive take on going against such good players.

Speaking of this international pressure, obviously, you are wearing the T1 Jersey and T1 has such a storied history on the international stage. I want to know do you feel like there is pressure on yourself as a player to live up to the expectations of T1 rosters from the past?

I think I’m used to being compared to someone so good because of my sub-life back in 2020 and 2021. So I think I’m a little immune to that kind of pressure from comparison. And right now I kind of feel like it’s better for you to feel the pride and the confidence of being in the spotlight rather than getting the pressure from being compared. So I think I’m on a more positive note now.

Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to fans of T1 who are reading this article?

I know that a lot of our fans would be disappointed and sad about us losing to EG but I hope us winning against G2 gives them more high hopes for tomorrow’s matches. And I will win against RNG tomorrow as well so that they can have the confidence that we will win MSI in the end.