T1 will face China's IG in the Play-In stage of the '2025 League of Legends World Championship (hereinafter referred to as Worlds)' at the Beijing Smart e-Sports Center on the 14th. It is a decisive match to determine the team that will fill the last spot in the Worlds main event. The team that wins here can advance to the Swiss stage and continue their journey, while the losing team will return home.

T1's support 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok, who responded to an interview with INVEN at the Asset Day held on the 12th before the Play-In match, said, "As it is an important match, we are preparing hard. IG also went through the qualifier, so we have a lot of data. We will pay attention to 'Wei's line intervention." He also said, "An opportunity for a three-peat that is not easy to achieve in a player's career has come. Since it was hard to achieve, I will do my best."

The following is an interview with Ryu Min-seok of Keria.

Q. How are you adapting to the local area? How is your condition?

It's not too far and there's not much time difference, so I'm adjusting well, and my condition management is going well. The team members are all high in energy and in good condition. It's positive.

Q. We have a Showdown with IG in two days. Are you ready?

Since it's an important match, I'm preparing diligently. IG also went through the qualifiers, so there's a lot of data. I'm preparing while referring to it.

Q. Since it's a game that could result in elimination, are you feeling any pressure?

Until a few years ago, there were times when my performance was not good due to such pressure, but I overcame it by winning Worlds for the first time. Since then, I don't feel much pressure, and I always approach the game with a joyful mindset.

Q. Could you also share your thoughts on patch 25.20?

In previous patch versions, only champions that appeared frequently in the early set were released, but with the balance adjustment for bottom lane ADCs in this patch, it seems that a wide variety of champions may appear.

Q. What do you think are the strengths of IG and how do you plan to address them?

I think each laner is doing well on the line, and they have the ability to lead the way based on their own pace. Also, 'Wei' is also very involved in the line. I think I'll pay attention to that part.

Q. What do you think will be the key factor in the upcoming match?

I believe that as long as I can play the game at my own pace and keep things under my control, we can definitely win. As long as I don’t fall behind and maintain my flow, victory will be ours.

Q. As you said, you are a player who can create victory, so you are often targeted in pick-ban matches and strategically. Are there any efforts you are making to overcome this?

I don’t think that’s something one player can overcome alone. Of course, there are personal areas I need to work on as well, but it’s more about communicating better as a team and keeping a positive mindset. If we do that, I believe things will naturally head in a good direction. Honestly, I think it’s a good sign when the opponent puts that much focus on the support role.

Q. If you pass the Play-In Stage, is there a team you want to face?

I really wanted to meet IG at this year's Worlds, but I didn't expect to meet them in this situation. IG is the only team I want to meet.

Q. The tournament is always special, but what does this Worlds mean to Keria?

I'm taking every game seriously, whether it's the regular season or Worlds. However, what makes this tournament special is that I've been given the opportunity to achieve a three-peat, which is not something easily accomplished in a player's career. Having come up hard through the 4th seed, I hope to do well and achieve the three-peat.

Q. Looking back on 'Keria's Worlds, they started in the quarter-finals in 2020, reached the semi-finals in 2021, came second in 2022, and are now aiming for a three-peat after two consecutive victories. You've literally grown one step per year.

I feel like I'm improving every year. I think that I'm growing rapidly based on the experiences I've gained from participating in Worlds. I'm grateful and proud that I can improve every year.

Q. The day of the Play-In match is my birthday. I'm sure I'll be extra prepared.

It's my first time playing on my birthday, and I'm so happy to be able to play on my birthday. Since it's my birthday, I'll get the Birthday Buff and try to win. When it's someone's birthday on the team, we celebrate with cake, and I asked for it after the game. I'll do my best to celebrate both my birthday and the victory.

This article was translated from the original that appeared on INVEN.