Today, H2K secured the last semifinal spot in the 2016 League of Legends World Championship after decisively defeating ANX 3-0 at the Chicago Theatre. Ryu has been a linchpin of the team since the tournament began, and his showings today were no exception. In the first two games, Ryu utilized Vladimir to categorically shut down Kira's Syndra; in Game 3, he shook things up by picking Syndra himself and scoring multiple solo kills, taking over the Rift completely.
Inven sat down with Ryu to hear his thoughts about today's game and his goals moving forward.
Congratulations on today’s victory. How are you feeling?
We did expect a win heading into the match, but I feel especially good because it was rather easy. I’m very pleased to have advanced to the semifinals.
In the group stage interview, you said you wanted to play against ANX because you know them well. How did your plans work out?
Based on the games I’ve seen, I’ve noticed that ANX heavily favors Poppy and Anivia. So we instabanned Poppy every game, which worked out for us.
Only Korean teams remain on the home stretch ahead. I’m sure many of your Korean fans are excited to see you play against LCK teams - what are you hoping to achieve?
We’ve had a relatively easy road to the semifinals; we've been quite lucky in terms of draws. I'm now ready to pit myself against stronger teams and pull off thrilling, nervewracking victories.
ANX’s form today wasn’t as stellar as in the group stage.
We do well against teams with weak laners. As ANX didn't look to be particularly strong in lane, we reckoned it would be hard for us to lose. It was a favorable stylistic matchup for us.
You will play against Samsung Galaxy next. What do you think about their performances so far?
SSG is a team we’ve never scrimmed with, so there isn’t much to talk about. From what I’ve seen, they’re definitely a strong team, but I think we have a good chance.
Crown has been very impressive as of late. How do you plan to lane against him?
Crown is an excellent player. I don’t have a clear plan on hand yet, but I will try to come up with something by watching tape.
Odoamne's Jayce dominated all three games. How confident was your team of his Jayce?
After banning out Poppy, we had the confidence to win every lane regardless of draft. Even if ANX banned Jayce, the outcome would have been the same.
H2K’s form has continually improved since the summer LCS playoffs. What changed?
Although we've always been a decent team, we kept crumbling under pressure in big games. We’re overcoming that shortcoming quite well this Worlds, however. I think our hard work is finally paying off. You probably saw some traces of the problem in today's Game 3 - I was starting to play overly passive yet again due to nerves. I was starting to get quite frustrated at myself because of it. [laughs]
Are you usually the one who tries to keep everyone's confidence levels high?
I would say so. When everyone's too scared to be proactive, someone in the team has to take the initiative; lead the charge; just go for the play. Sometimes I end up throwing, but it's better than slowly drying out towards a guaranteed loss.
Every team in the semifinals has a formidable midlaner. Ready to prove your mettle?
Of course. I am confident of my chances. They all are worthy opponents.
Your performances on "harder" carries such as Vladimir and Ryze have been particularly impressive. Does the team ask you to play certain champions?
Vladimir and Ryze were the best choices in those particular drafts. I have a huge say in what we draft for mid, and I tend to pick for teamfights more than most else.
Besides the championship trophy, is there anything else you hope to take home from Worlds?
My initial goal was making semis, so I'm already satisfied on that front. We do desire to go all the way and prove ourselves as the very best, of course. Personally, I want to put up some great performances and leave everyone impressed with my level of play.
Would you like to say a few words to your fans?
Thank you so much for all your support. I will not let you down.
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