Ssumday Talks about Rejoining 100 Thieves, his New Teammates, and Responds to Impact with his own NA Top Laner Ranking

100 Thieves had a decent first year in the League of Legends scene. In their rookie season, they finished 1st place in the regular season and runner up in the finals. The summer season wasn't as good as their spring, but they earned themselves the chance to compete at Worlds.

In their rookie year, Kim "Ssumday" Chan-ho carried out an important role, and 100 Thieves succeeded to re-sign him. Although being busy preparing for the season, Ssumday spared some time for an interview.

 



It’s been a while, so say hello to the fans! How have you been?

Hi. We were eliminated early during Worlds, so you must have missed me. It’s Kim “Ssumday” Chan-ho back again in the top lane of 100 Thieves. I’ve been doing my best to do nothing while I was in Korea. (Laughs)



You had tweeted that you were permitted to explore options for 2019, but you rejoined 100 Thieves. What was the main reason?

I thought I performed pretty good last year, so I wanted to be evaluated by the market. I wanted to know how much I would be worth. There were teams in the LCK that gave me good offers, and there were offers from other LCS teams and LEC as well.

However, 100 Thieves showed me my future. One of the most important things I considered was gaining residency after two more years. They expressed that they needed me the most. They also offered to start my own Youtube Channel so I can improve my own brand value.

Since I’m a pro gamer, I often thought of starting a Youtube Channel, but I never had a chance and I didn’t know how to do it. Now the team helps me with the editing and translating. There are only four videos there up to now, but please subscribe to Ssumday Youtube! (Laughs)


It’s already your third year in the NA. How is your communication?

My English used to be really bad; now that I’ve been living here for a while, it has improved drastically. I’m a lot more comfortable now speaking English. I thought I might forget a lot of English since I was in Korea for 2-3 months, but after coming back, I realized that it’s not too bad.


As for within the team, I’ve played with two of my teammates last year, and the two new players are Korean. I’m used to AnDa and Aphromoo and it’s no problem with Huhi and Bang.



How is US life suiting you?


At first, I really struggled. (Laughs) It was hard to get used to the food, but now that I’ve adapted, it’s alright. One thing that’s a bit sad is that all my friends are in Korea and I don’t have many friends here, so even when I have free time, there’s not much to do. (I guess you only have your teammates.) Yeah, but they’re all busy too. (Laughs)

 


What do you do mostly in your free time?


I usually go to K-Town with Ryu or coach Stardust and go to karaoke or eat something delicious. Other than that, I just play games or stream.



There are four Korean speakers within the team including coach Ryu. Does that help?


Since everyone needs to understand, we usually communicate in English. From time to time, when there are things that we don’t understand, Huhi interprets. But it’s convenient when we’re talking about detailed stuff. We can explain our thoughts more easily.


In-game, we always use English, obviously, since all five people need to know what’s going on. To improve our English, we try to speak English amongst ourselves as well. Sometimes, when we’re talking in Korean, Pr0lly comes and says “English please”.



Do you have a fine system like having to put a dollar in a jar when you say something in Korean during meetings or games?


We don’t go that far. (Laughs)

 


Among the Korean players, whose English is the best?


Well, Huhi’s English is the best, and Ryu is pretty good too. I think Bang's and my English is the worst.


The team went through some change; 100 Thieves had a decent 2018. Even so, many people say that the team has become even stronger.


Since it was our first year together, I think our results for last year was satisfactory enough, but I think we could have done better. This year, I think we can do better than last year for sure. There were changes in the coaching staff and team manager as well. The team is trying to make the players more comfortable. I hope we can deliver up to our expectations.



How’s Bang and Huhi?


It hasn’t been that long since we’ve been together, but we get along really well. Huhi is very friendly and looks after others a lot. When I ask him something, he explains really well and is very helpful. Even in-game, he talks and communicates a lot so he makes me feel more comfortable to make plays.


Bang is also a cool guy; his English is a lot better than I thought. I was surprised by that. He communicates well on his own and tweets a lot as well. According to Bang, his English is good because he’s been to many international stages. His performance and knowledge in-game is also amazing since he has so much experience.



How did Ryu transition to a coach?


Ryu and the team agreed with each other. I think with his good English and his knowledge of the team and our situation was something our team needed. It hasn’t been long, so I’m can’t say much, but he knows the players and understands the team very well.

 


The first week of your scrims is over. How is 100 Thieves doing?


The results of the scrims aren’t bad, but we’ve been having a bit of a struggle because of the jetlag. To make it worse, the flu struck so everybody’s in a bad condition. Besides that, everything is going pretty well.


You need to comprehend the meta now. How do you think it’ll go?


Just looking at the top lane, there are A LOT of fights, and very mixed up. Fighting a lot is fun, and playing aggressive carry champs is fun as well, but it seems the next patch is steering top lane to tanks again… I’m fine playing tanks as long as the team wins, but you know, playing carries are more… enjoyable. (Laughs)



AnDa did really well during Worlds. Is he maintaining and improving his performance even more?


Yes, AnDa did really well at Worlds. With the experience he accumulated at Worlds, he’s improving even more. I’m pretty sure having the chance to play at Worlds gave him a big chance to improve since he didn’t have much experience in big stages. At Worlds, everybody is really good. Analyzing and watching opponents play and playing against them must have been a great opportunity for AnDa.



Are there any teams or players that catch your eye in whether the roster or scrim performance?


Obviously, Team Liquid for sure. They won both splits last year and they’ve changed their mid and support. I think they’ll continue to do well. As for players, I don’t think there’s anybody other than our team. My teammates will do well. (Who do you expect the most out of in your team?) (Long pause) Well, I can’t really pick one. They’re all so good. (Laughs)



Next is ranking the top laners. Did you see the one Impact did?


No, but I saw the one Rekkles did a while ago. How did he do it? (Sees Impact's rankings)

Hmm, okay.

First, the top tier would go like this. (Laughs)

Next is Impact; he’s a good player and he has good results.

As for Broken Blade, I actually don’t know him that well; I just heard that he did really well in the Turkish League and has good mechanics. V1per also has good mechanics too. They have potential.

Huni specializes in laning; he can go up higher, but at the same time, he can drop further.

I think Hauntzer is about average.

And the rest are players that I didn’t struggle much while playing against.

(After the interview, while I was touring the 100 Thieves team house, Ssumday approached.)

I want to change my list. Can I change it? (Laughs)

▲ And this is his final list.


At All-Stars, Bang did a Xayah cosplay and Sneaky did another cosplay just recently. Have you ever thought of doing one yourself?

Personally, I’m having fun watching them. Back when Madlife did Blitzcrank and Flame did Ezreal, I thought that was really cool. But I think I haven’t found one that would suit me well. I’d like to try one day if I had the chance, but I haven’t had the opportunity yet. (Laughs)



In a previous interview, you said that you also want to make a girlfriend like Ambition or Score. Did you attempt to make one?


(Laughs nervously) Not really, but maybe because I talked about making a girlfriend so much, my English teacher or Nadeshot tries to find me one. They introduce me to someone I don’t know… They were just playing around and it wasn’t serious. Anyways, I didn’t make that much effort. I have a bit of a hard time getting acquainted with people I don’t know.



One more ‘light’ question before we end the interview; I heard that you like pineapple pizza…


(Laughs) Yes. It tastes good. I like pineapples and I like pizza. What’s not to like?



Do your teammates agree with you?


Well, last year, there were three Koreans in our team; Ryu, Stardust, and me. All three of us liked it, so we ordered it. Back then, I didn’t know so many people disliked pineapple pizza. Still, I don’t force others to eat it. (Laughs)



Lastly, a word to the fans?


Ssumday Youtube opened recently. Please visit and subscribe!


I’d like to thank the fans that remembered me when I went back to Korea for Worlds, even if I was away for a few years. I’m really grateful. On the other hand, there were some that didn’t know me, so I’m a bit sad. But still, I’d like to thank you for supporting me always.

*Event: League of Legends mousepad with Ssumday’s signature giveaway. 

*How to enter: Leave a comment or a short message that you'd like to say to Ssumday.

*The event will be held up to January 24th, 2019 0:00 (PDT).

*The winner of the mousepad will be contacted via the email address you registered on the Inven Global website.

*Note: Due to shipping issues, the event will be limited to NA residents only.

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Comments :41

  • 0

    level 1 Jimmy_Lee

    Let's go 100 Ssumday!! Will be cheering you from Canada!

  • 0

    level 1 adishawn

    1

    Hoping all is well cheering from a successful year. What was your favorite part about worlds last year and what are realistic goals that you set for yourself?

    • 0

      level 1 adishawn

      @adishawn

      Also was cool to meet you at finals in Miami, Florida

  • 0

    level 1 Joe_Slogar_III

    Ssumday is awesome and it sounds like he is feeling more comfortable on the team which is great.

  • 0

    level 1 Anselmo_Alarcon

    Ssumday fighting!

  • 0

    level 1 iShredly

    I can't wait to see your list come true, Ssumday!

  • 0

    level 1 cruckurjack1

    Ssumday fighting

  • 0

    level 1 Sojin_Kim

    Nice interview with ssumday! I hope 100T does well this year!

  • 0

    level 1 Kalashdow

    Ssumday fighting! 100T will play well this year!

  • 0

    level 1 Ten-Ply

    Really glad you stayed with 100T! The best Top in NALCS Ssumdaddy!!!

  • 0

    level 1 OrangePringle

    Really looks like Ssumday is enjoying his time with 100T!

  • 0

    level 1 Solowner

    Really happy that Ssumday stayed with 100T - over the last year he quickly grew to be one of my favorite players. Excited about the roster changes, and can't wait to see what you guys accomplish next split! Ssumday Fighting!

  • 0

    level 1 PengwonMon

    Hi mr.summday youre my favorite top laner ever, please play more kled! :)

  • 0

    level 1 ChipsandHummus

    Good luck Ssumday!
  • 0

    level 1 DamianR91

    Ssumday I truly look up to you and admire your play style and personality. You don’t only seek to play games where you’re carrying games but you focus more on the team ( A. K. A your friends) I wish you the best in you future not just in LCS but anything you do! GL :D

  • 0

    level 1 Justin

    Let’s go Ssumday !! Hope you get mvp for this split #100Twin

  • 0

    level 1 floop1227

    Good luck Ssumday! Get the MVP this time :)

  • 0

    level 1 clay10mc

    Best toplaner NA! 100T is coming for the NA title!

  • 0

    level 1 FiIius

    Wanted to cheer for a new team when franchising happened and saw my favorite coach and top on the same team. Can't wait to see you dominate another season!

  • 0

    level 1 tmallot

    Good luck Ssumday! I hope 100T does well this year and goes to worlds again!

  • 0

    level 1 Donovan_Zhao

    ssumday 2019 is ur year Pog

  • 0

    level 1 JT804

    Go 100T! I cant wait to see you on the rift, Ssumday!

  • 0

    level 1 iA1ec

    Can't wait to see you guys play! Super excited for The Heist as well. Good luck in scrims and during this season!
  • 0

    level 1 Tokiface

    Wishing you great success and many pentakills!!

  • 0

    level 1 Hyun_Kim

    From KTA vs SSB till now, I hope for good results!
  • 0

    level 1 failninja21

    SSUMDAYYYYYYY
    please play carries i love u

  • 0

    level 1 LeoDiLion

    Ssumday really just did my boy Zionspartan dirty like that haha. Love you and keep up the good work

  • 0

    level 1 williamgrh

    Ssumday I'll never forget your 1v4 Jax play against CG, I can't wait to see you carry this season. Good luck! #100WIN

  • 0

    level 1 Enecchi

    Cheering for you, Ssumday, and 100 Thieves!! Hope you get that girlfriend soon ;)

  • 1

    level 1 RammusFTW

    So glad with SSumday's decision to stay with 100T, looking forward to watching him this season! also i feel you about getting acquainted with new people lol.

  • 0

    level 1 faixak

    Ssumday Fighting!! Good luck in season 9! This gonna be your year for sure

  • 0

    level 1 keskoon

    SSUMDAY I LOVE YOU!! I'm looking forward to seeing you on the stage!

  • 0

    level 1 Zach

    Hope to see you do well again this season. Spring split mvp is yours my friend!

  • 0

    level 1 hithere

    Hi Ssumday,


    Big fan of yours and I think you're a fantastic player, definitely some of my favorite moments last year were your 4 man Jax Stun and Urgot Ult + Flash fear on four people at Worlds. I hope 100T crushes it in 2019! :)

  • 0

    level 1 Thomas_Santos

    Hey Ssumday! I just know you're going to kill it this split, can't wait to see you all at MSI! Also, very well written article as always!

  • 0

    level 1 bethui0208

    Can't wait to see some LCS games with this 100T roster. #100TWIN

  • 0

    level 1 Eiyo

    As someone who used to watch a decent amount of his Vods on twitch, I’m glad that Ssumday has finally decided to start a YouTube channel! Pretty sure Ssumdays still going to show that he’s the best top in NA throughout 2019, so I’m looking forward to the games.

  • 0

    level 1 Steven_Anglin

    Hey Ssumday stay confident. I really like how you revised your top lane tier list. To be the best you have to believe you can be the best.

  • 0

    level 1 Pandasauce

    Love the entire 100 Thieves team, hope you have a wonderful season!!!

  • 0

    level 4 Hoshea_Tiang

    All the best Sssumday!! Really glad to see you stay with 100 Thieves, go get the spring split MVP that you were so close to getting last year! ?

  • 0

    level 1 winxblue16

    Good luck Ssumday! I can't wait to see what 100T can accomplish this year. Let's go!!!

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