As the excitement from the Western Clash is still alive and well, the Eastern Clash is just a week away. In case you missed it, the first half of the Phase One HGC KR concluded with the match between two Korean giants, L5 and MVP Black, to decide the top dog in the region. It’s safe to say that every game in the series is well worth rewatching, but in the end, L5 emerged victorious over Black 3-0, placing themselves in the first place.

Since their breathtaking performance in winning Super League Season 3 last year, L5 carved a name for itself by taking home both BlizzCon and Gold Series trophies and has managed to keep up its form in the first half of Phase One. As the Eastern Clash draws near on March 17th (KST), we got a chance to sit down with L5 to hear their recent stories.

First off, congratulations on claiming the first place in the first half of HGC KR Phase One. You guys have been at the top of the food chain since Super League Season 3. What’s the secret?

Do Jun “Noblesse” Chae: We were able to reap good results last season because we decided to play without much pressure. I think we’re doing well this season since we have the same roster, unlike other teams that went through rebuilding. Working with a meta that uses heroes like Tracer and Alarak has also been a positive factor.

It wouldn’t do justice without saying something about Noblesse’s drafting insight. Would you care to comment on your know-how?

Noblesse: I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I have some special know-how. I think a lot about how to respond to the opponent’s tricky picks in scrims, but I usually just go with my gut depending on the day of the match. Sometimes there are no obviously good picks, then I choose a hero that fits a member’s characteristics or have them choose what they want to play. Jeongha’s Artanis and Alarak were played because he wanted to play those heroes.

Whose idea was it to come up with the team’s signature sCsC all-in comp?

Jin Su “NaCHoJin” Park: It wasn’t so much one person’s idea but rather a natural progression that happened through the draft stage. We already made up our minds about picking either Valla or Tracer, who both need a secondary support.

Do you have any comps, heroes, or players you struggled playing against?

NaCHoJin: Not particularly in the first half of the season. We won if we played well and lost if we made mistakes. I wouldn’t say any specific parts of a match were difficult. Instead, we had to make sure that our coordination was up to snuff and that mistakes were minimized. If I had to pick, it would be MVP Miracle’s Void Prison-Ring of Frost combo. We were fully aware of what they were going to do, but those thoughts happened after the fact.

Are there any foreign teams you keep a close eye on?

Seung Chul “sCsC” Kim: In the Eastern Clash where we’ll be competing, we should pay close attention to Chinese teams, but I don’t have much data since there haven’t been any matches since Gold Series. eStar was on point when it came to teamplay after signing on a new support, and I’m excited to see how they’ll fare in the Eastern Clash.

NaCHJin: I would like to play against Europe’s Misfits, which placed on the top of HGC EU with an undefeated record. I think they didn’t play at their full potential last BlizzCon.

Many people voiced their opinions that the Korean and foreign metas are closely resembling each other since the last BlizzCon. What would you say are differences between Korea and the rest of the world in terms of game meta?

NaCHoJin: I guess they prefer different maps. Korean teams like to play on maps like Sky Temple and Infernal Shrines, as well as Battlefield of Eternity to some extent nowadays. NA and EU teams have traditionally preferred Battlefield of Eternity, and we get to see Tomb of the Spider Queen more and more. Europe also seems to like Braxis Holdout. Regarding hero choices, I guess Europe tends to use more Jaina and Leoric.

What meta or hero will be highlighted in this Eastern Clash? Do you have any strategies prepared?

Noblesse: Tychus, Varian, and Malfurion were nerfed in a recent patch. Since there aren’t that many viable assassins left now, I think triple tank comp may become a thing again. That kind of comp complements our playstyle well, so we’ll work on it to be able to use it at any time.

All L5 players have iconic heroes or unique personas, except for Swoy. What would you say about his character or strength?

NaCHoJin: I think it’s Malfurion. Some people may think of GG Jaehyun when Malfurion is mentioned, but Swoy’s Malfurion is an aggressive one who excels at using Twilight Dream. His Malfurion often reminds me of MVP Black merryday’s Kharazim.

sCsC: I’m not sure yet. I do know that he did a phenomenal job on Auriel covering for my Valla in Gold Series.

What do you think of the newest support hero, Lúcio?

Seung Won “Swoy” Kim: I think his effectiveness depends on the type of comps and the kind of maps. His survival drastically changes on how frequently he can use his Wall Ride. I believe people need more time to experiment with him.

Ranked Season 3 has almost run its course. Do you have any recommendations for heroes or comps?

NaCHoJin: I strongly recommend Nazeebo, who can turn the tides of battle as long as he gets to level 20.

Jeong Ha “Jeongha” Lee: If I have to give a recommendation, Tyrael would be a well-rounded choice. He provides the most legroom when it comes to comp or draft.

Swoy: Rehgar specced in Lightning Shield would be a flexible pick among support heroes. Wave clear is the most important aspect in Hero League, and he can further the experience gap as a support.

Noblesse: I would recommend Muradin or ETC if you’re the type who likes to carry, and Johanna if you like to play on the safe side and get carried.

sCsC: I’d recommend Li-Ming who goes along with any comps. If it’s a game you seriously have to win, ask a teammate to pick Tassadar and play Valla.

If you think back to a year from now, MVP Black seemed invincible. Still, every season crowned different champions. Any thoughts?

sCsC: Back then, I thought Black was in a class of its own. Just as Tempest lost in semifinals and clawed back from the lower bracket to win the Summer Championship, we did the same. I think Black was under a lot of pressure in the finals. Likewise, we’re a team that can lose to any other team at any time. That said, we’re trying our best to not let the fear of defeat get the best of us. I always tell my teammates before a match that it’s okay to lose, in order to lighten the mood.

What’s your end goal for 2017? Now that you’re going to the Eastern Clash after claiming first place in HGC KR Season 1, do you think you’re close to your goals?

Noblesse: My goal is to participate in every international tournament this year. I think we’re one-quarter of our way there starting with the Eastern Clash. I also hope to win about two trophies, one of them hopefully being BlizzCon.

Would you like to say a few words about your mindset going into the Eastern Clash with such momentum?

sCsC: I’m glad to have placed first in arguably the best league in the world. I would also like to thank our manager Minwoo “Nameless” Ahn, who works tirelessly behind the scenes.

Jeongha: I want to thank the fans who cheer us on. I’ll repay you with even better plays.

Swoy: It feels good to end on a good note in the first half of HGC. A huge thanks to all the fans. As usual, I’ll do my best in China.

Noblesse: Since we’re going to the Eastern Clash with the top spot in the league, I’ll try my best to win it.

NaCHoJin: I guess other people already said everything that can be said about our mindset. I wish to treat this tournament as a leisure journey to get a load off.