In an interview with esports.gg, T1’s BuZz admitted that mistakes against TH contributed to their defeat at VALORANT Champions 2025.
In their qualification match, T1 lost 2-0 to Team Heretics. However, the Korean team still has a chance to reach the Playoffs if they win against the winner of G2 Esports vs. DRG on Sept. 20. In an exclusive interview with esports.gg, T1’s Yu "BuZz" Byung-chul, known for his standout plays on Neon, shared his thoughts on the team’s performance, the so-called T1 curse, and a heartfelt moment with a teammate.
T1 BuZz reflects on his performance against Team Heretics
Sofia: In the press conference, I asked the head coach about T1's struggles in post-plant situations against Team Heretics. Do you agree with his assessment that miscommunication was the main issue?
T1 BuZz: Yes, I agree with that. It's unfortunate. We could have done better, but we didn't do it well. We are usually a strong team in these situations. I don't know what was off with us today. I actually can't pinpoint the reason, but yeah, I would have to say I agree.
Sofia: It seemed like you really woke up on Lotus in the second half, especially, and that 4K was very important for the team. What was going through your mind in that moment? Did you think you could win the game?
T1 BuZz: I thought we could have won that game. There were a lot of things that we could have done better, both as a team and as individuals.
Sofia: Today was a very important day for T1. The League of Legends team qualified for Worlds, but the VALORANT team ended up losing. Do you think the so-called LoL/VALORANT curse, where one team wins while the other loses, will ever be broken?
T1 BuZz: Sometimes, we won when the League of Legends team also won. I don't really care about that. I just want both teams to win.
Sofia: You knew that facing Team Heretics was not going to be easy. They almost won last year. What did you learn from this series, and what did you need to work out ahead of the next matches?
T1 BuZz: Rather than what we learned from the opponent team, I think we learned from our own mistakes. We learned that we definitely should not make them again.
Statistics in a world of losses
Sofia: Entering this series, Riot Games shared a stat showing you were the player with the most kills of any player at the VCT Global events. How does this make you feel?
T1 BuZz: I think personal records don't really mean anything unless your team is winning. That record would have way more meaning if we won. And I hope we can win the next match.
Sofia: Your next match will be either against G2 Esports or DRG. Who would you rather play against for your last chance to arrive at the Playoffs Stage?
T1 BuZz: I think G2 will make it to the Playoffs, but DRG has shown a lot of strength. I don't think both teams will matter to our goal.
Sofia: In the moment for Champions content creation, you talked about a story with stax where the air conditioner broke in your dormitory. Why was that moment so special and memorable to you?
T1 BuZz: It was frustrating and difficult, but it was also fun. It's very hot in [South] Korea in the summer. I think it was the most memorable experience for us because we were young. Looking back, it's a very funny moment we can share. It was a moment we had never experienced before, and it has a special place in my heart.
Sofia: Do you prefer wearing your glasses, or do you like going out without them?
T1 BuZz: I prefer taking my glasses off when I'm filming or going out. But when I'm playing my game, I need to be comfortable, so the glasses will stay on.
That's all for now. Stick around for more VALORANT news, guides, and updates on esports.gg.
