Park Sang-hyun, known by his nickname 'Jjajae', claimed the championship title after defeating the 'Ultimate Weapon' Lee Young-ho 4-3.

On the 24th, at the '2026 PlayX4' special stage held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Park Sang-hyun triumphed in the 'Google Play ASL Season 21' finals. After a spectacular match defined by intense psychological warfare between top-tier Zerg and Terran players, Park defeated Lee Young-ho—who had returned after a six-year hiatus—to secure his second consecutive ASL title.

Below is the full interview with Google Play ASL Season 21 champion Park Sang-hyun.

Q. How does it feel to win 4-3 against Lee Young-ho?

I had confidence in my skills, so I thought winning was possible. But actually beating Lee Young-ho felt almost surreal. I'm experiencing a feeling I've never felt before in my life. I'm just happy that I played my own game without getting intimidated by him.

Q. You seem particularly overwhelmed because your opponent was Lee Young-ho?

It wasn't that I failed to go pro; I chose to focus on my studies when I switched to StarCraft II at 17. Even when I was pursuing my career, I always looked up to Lee Young-ho like a god. He was a player I never dared to think I could beat, so standing here next to him is deeply moving.

Q. How did you prepare for the match?

I knew he would come out strong early on, but he exceeded my predictions. Still, I had it in mind, which helped me win some of the games.

Q. You attempted a bold 4-pool after three consecutive 'naked' fast expansions. That must have been nerve-wracking, especially since your opponent went for a 8-rax?

I had actually prepared the 4-pool for Game 1, but I changed my build yesterday. It's a shame, but the situation in Game 1 was fine; my judgment just wasn't great. I never imagined he would go for another fast expansion in Game 2, so I got caught off guard. The 4-pool on Polarity was a prepared build. Technically, it was a build that should have lost against a 8-rax, but it worked out well and gave me the momentum.

Q. Your opponent didn't use any Starport play, like 1/1/1 or Valkyries?

Since it's Lee Young-ho, I knew he was capable of any build, so I couldn't assume he wouldn't use them. But as the games went on, I became convinced he wouldn't. I practiced a lot against Starport play for my match against Shin Sang-moon, so perhaps Lee was conscious of that.

Q. In the final set, your Zergling and Drone rush was incredibly bold.

I saw his fast expansion, so I built the Spawning Pool first and played that build based on instinct.

Q. You've achieved back-to-back championships. What's your next goal?

I went to the military at 30. Looking back at my 20s, I felt I could have worked harder but didn't. So, I've been pushing myself really hard because I don't want to have any regrets moving forward.

Q. Lee Young-ho's participation next season is uncertain. You must want to face him in the finals again. Any words for him?

Personally, I truly respect him as a player. I want to express my sincere gratitude to him, and I'm not sure if I could beat him if we met again. I won today, but I don't think I've surpassed him. He is that great of a player, and if he ever returns to the ASL, I will do my absolute best to face him again.

Q. Any final words?

ASL players are getting older, but everyone is practicing and preparing with genuine sincerity. I hope people recognize the players' dedication, and I am truly grateful to the fans who cheered for me.