BLG swept Dplus KIA 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 LoL World Championship on Nov. 6 (KST) at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas, advancing to the semifinals. Park "Viper" Do-hyeon played Cassiopeia in Game 1, Ezreal in Game 2, and Lucian in Game 3, putting on a standout performance alongside support ON to spearhead the team's victory.
In a post-match interview with Inven, Viper reflected on the series: "I didn't expect a 3-0. Things went smoothly right from Game 1, which led to a great result. We felt that if we managed the draft mind games well starting from red side, we'd hold the advantage throughout the series, and that strategy worked out well."
Looking ahead to the semifinals, Viper named T1 as BLG's likely opponent. However, BLG has never beaten T1 at Worlds, losing all three of their previous matchups. Viper stated, "If KC advances, it might be a bit more comfortable, but there's a high probability we'll face T1 in the semifinals. Beating T1 at Worlds would prove just how strong we are. I really want to break that jinx."
Below is the full Q&A with Viper.
Q. You secured a clean 3-0 victory to advance to the semifinals. How do you feel?
I didn't expect to win 3-0. I came prepared for a 3-1 or even a full five-game series, but things went smoothly from the very first set, leading to a great outcome. I felt really glad that we prepared so thoroughly.
Q. How did you prepare for the match against Dplus KIA? And what strategy worked so well to bring about such a dominant, unexpected victory?
First and foremost, we focused on denying ShowMaker [Heo Su] the picks he likes and feels comfortable playing. Also, since we started on red side, we believed that executing the draft mind games unique to red side would give us an edge throughout the series, and that plan worked.
Q. You seem to be referring to the Game 1 draft strategy of flexing Cassiopeia to the bot lane and matching Galio against Akali.
That's right. Anyone who has watched a lot of our matches knows this is a setup we've played frequently since MSI. We thought the opponents would be aware of it too, but whether they were confident or felt forced because they had first pick, they accepted the matchup. Since it was a matchup we were very used to, we approached it with a 'thank you' mindset.
Q. In Game 2, your aggressive early dive where you died alongside the enemy Yunara became the catalyst for victory.
At that moment, we needed a breakthrough for the Scuttle Crab fight, and I judged that was the only viable option. I felt that if I backed off there, the game would flow the way the opponent wanted. So I took the risk and went in aggressively. Luckily, we secured the kill, so it turned out to be a good play. Honestly, if we hadn't secured the kill and I had just died, it could have cost us the game, so I felt relieved.
Q. Seeing that play made us realize once again that the courage to make such game-changing plays is an essential trait for an S-tier player.
As a pro gamer, I think you have to weigh options carefully on that fine line. Our job is to increase the probability of winning the game. Every moment, we just pick the choice that seems to give us a higher win probability, and today I judged that thrusting forward there gave us the advantage. Knowing how to seize those opportunities when they arise is what defines a player's skill. I wouldn't call myself S-tier, but whenever I get a feeling like that, I don't overthink other details—I just execute it, because I trust my judgment.
Q. During the Swiss Stage, you gave some harsh feedback regarding team communication. Today, the team looked much more solid.
The final Swiss Stage match against Hanwha Life Esports was definitely a massive turning point for us. We all spent a lot of time thinking about how we could win more. In that process, we realized that if we held onto what we were already good at while refining areas we could improve—like communication or river power balance based on team compositions—we could pull off strong performances.
Q. There was a huge gap in experience between your team and Dplus KIA. In a post-match interview, DK top laner Siwoo mentioned feeling a fundamental gap in strength coming from experience. Did you feel that from the opponent's side as well?
For them, Worlds is an unfamiliar stage in a way, so things like the stage environment might weigh on their minds during play. I felt a bit of that in Game 1. In Game 2 as well, I'm not sure if it was nerves, but their river communication didn't seem as sharp and there were quite a few mistakes. We felt that if we capitalized on those moments, we could win.
Q. Your semifinal opponent will be either T1 or KC. The dominant consensus is that T1 will likely advance.
KC is playing very well too, so I'm really looking forward to that match, but there's a very high chance we'll face T1. If we make it to the finals, we'll likely keep facing LCK teams, and honestly, LCK teams feel tight and relentless in every aspect. We won today, but the remaining teams will be even tougher. We need to research our drafts better and maintain a clear sense of direction.
Q. Did you know that BLG has defeated every LCK team at Worlds except T1, against whom you have lost every match? If T1 advances and BLG wins, it would be even more meaningful.
If that happens, it would truly be an honor. Beating T1 at Worlds is proof of how strong we are. On the other hand, if KC somehow advances, it would feel more comfortable since we've already beaten them before. But objectively speaking, I expect us to face T1 in the semifinals, and I really want to break that jinx this time.
Q. To get closer to the championship title, what area needs improvement during this short preparation period?
We need to thoroughly analyze our next opponent. Every team prioritizes slightly different things—some focus more on draft composition balance, while others prefer strong early skirmishing. As each team leans into their preferences, ultimately 'who can draft the more complete composition' will decide the match. Once you reach the semifinals, all teams have a similar fundamental strength, and it wouldn't be surprising no matter who wins.
Q. In a recent interview, you shared news about your mother's battle with illness, and many fans are sending their concern and support. Finally, could you say a few words to the fans?
I am fine. Rather than worrying about me, I'd like to wish good health to my family and everyone around the world who is suffering from illness. I am truly grateful to the fans for their immense support. Those encouraging messages and warm words provided great comfort not just to me, but to my family as well. I will do my absolute best in the remaining matches. Thank you.
