T1 Gumayusi on facing BLG at MSI 2025: "They're coming from a place where they need to get their revenge, and I think that's very scary and intimidating"

T1 had a bit of a scare in their opening match of MSI 2025. Against the Taiwanese side of CTBC Flying Oyster, T1 found themselves down 1-2 and on the brink of being knocked down to the lower bracket. The reigning World Champions woke up just in time to turn the series around, though, setting up a Worlds 2024 Finals rematch against Bilibili Gaming at MSI.

After T1's match against CFO, Strafe Esports had the chance to talk to Lee "Gumayusi" Min-hyeon for an exclusive interview, where the South Korean ADC was able to discuss his feelings about matching up against BLG, his team's growth throughout the year, and his own personal take on Fearless Draft.

Despite a rough series, Gumayusi and T1 were able to take down CTBC Flying Oyster in the end. (Credit: Liu YiCun/Riot Games)

[Strafe] You guys had a tougher time today than I think most people expected. Did CFO catch you off guard or what would you say was the reason for the two lost games against them?

"First of all, I can't say that our performance was 100 out of 100, but I think CFO prepared really well. I think we played well in terms of drafts, in-game play, laning phase, and teamfights. So I think we played well today.

So yeah, I definitely can't say that today's performance I can rate 100 out of 100, but I think CFO did a really good job preparing for today's match, and they did a very good job executing everything from drafts to everything in-game, like the teamfight, laning phase. And I think that's what really led up to this intense five-game series."

[Strafe] You're going to face off against BLG next. Your two teams have history together, so how do you expect the match to go? Do you think BLG has changed much since the Worlds 2024 Finals?

"Yeah, so, honestly, I think we've both changed a lot since Worlds Finals. They're coming from a place where they need to get their revenge, and I think that's very scary and intimidating. So I'm sure that BLG will come with solid preparation, and they will have made a lot of adjustments and changes to make sure that they can do well tomorrow. So I think we definitely do have to prepare well, even better than them. And hopefully, if we're able to pull off a better performance than what we showed today, then we will be able to win."

[Strafe] T1 had a rough time at the start of the season, but you guys were able to pick up steam at the right time, even comfortably beating Hanwha Life Esports to qualify for MSI. What would you say are some of the aspects T1 were able to improve on the most to get to this point?

"First of all, we had a lot of changes in our team. I think we needed time to adjust to the new environment. We had some things that could have been a real ordeal. But when we went through those things, we were able to improve a lot. I think we were able to show a good performance against Hanwha Life. But we can't rely on the performance we had today, so we will continue to work hard to show a good performance at MSI.

So yeah, our team went through a couple of changes. I think we all needed some time to adapt and adjust to that change. I think, you know, you can also call it a heartbreak, but when you go through a heartbreak as a human you actually experience a lot of personal growth. I think that's what really led up to that point where we were able to beat Hanwha Life Esports, and I don't think we should just solely rely on that kind of performance. So I hope that we can be a team that is able to continuously grow during MSI as well."

[Strafe] You went through some tough times personally at the start of the season as well when you were moved to the bench, but you were able to come back even stronger. What were some of the biggest learning experiences that you were able to take away from that whole situation?

"Realizing my own weaknesses and strengths, and really being able to analyze it objectively. I think that's just something that I have always tried my best to improve on since then." 

[Strafe] The LCK has won the last four international tournaments in a row. What would you say it is that sets the LCK apart and has allowed your region to be so dominant internationally?

"Yeah, I'm really proud of the fact that LCK was able to win back-to-back international tournaments four times in a row. And that's a great thing, but you have to always remember there is no prince that keeps his place forever. 

So, I think when it comes to MSI it's just too early to say anything about that, and I can't just outright say that LCK is better than the rest of the regions or they are special or what sets them apart. Right now all we know is that as long as we don't get ahead of ourselves it is still very possible that we as an LCK team can take the trophy home."

Can T1 continue the LCK's international dominance at MSI 2025? (Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)

[Strafe] At the beginning of the year people often argued that Fearless Draft would benefit weaker teams. What is your personal take on the addition of Fearless Draft?

"I don't know that I quite agree with the statement that it may benefit weaker teams, because stronger teams tend to have players that are very skilled and they tend to have a wider champion pool as well. So, I don't think the Fearless Draft format makes it easier for weaker teams, or that it benefits them.

I think, previously, before Fearless Draft, the meta tended to benefit and make certain teams stronger. That was one of the elements of the meta. But, after Fearless was implemented, I think the meta is not as meaningful anymore. So I think it's actually more fair and balanced in the end. That's my honest opinion on Fearless Draft.

Aside from that, I think because we were able to see so many different champions, and for a player who's playing on stage with a different variety of champions, it's really fun as a player. And I'm sure it's just as fun for the viewers to see so many diverse champions showing up in games."

*This interview has been edited slightly for clarity and length.

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Featured image credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

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