DRX defeated TL and now faces NRG at Champions 2025. MaKo reflected on how this experience differs from his previous internationals.
DRX started strong at Champions 2025 with a victory over Team Liquid in Group C. In the Upper Bracket, they will now have to play against NRG for a spot at the Playoffs Stage. At the post-match press conference, the players reviewed their performance, the VALORANT Champions Points system, and much more.
DRX MaKo international experience
DRX’s Kim "MaKo" Myeong-kwan is one of the most internationally experienced players, having qualified for every VALORANT Champions since the inaugural event in 2021. Reflecting on this year’s qualification, he noted that it’s his “first time as a fourth seed,” and that he’s now “trying to enjoy it more than winning.” He added that he hopes “to have more fun matches with the team in the future.” That's going to be "how Paris is going to be," MaKo added.
When asked how he can bring his experience to the team, MaKo said, “As long as we make it to the quarterfinals, it’s all good. I don’t know if everyone else feels the same way.” The Korean player also noted that he has never lost an opening match at a Champions tournament, though he doesn’t know why. “It’s great to keep winning. I don’t have any special tips or anything,” he added.
Cho "Flashback" Min-hyuk believes DRX is in “good form,” fueling his excitement for Champions 2025. Looking ahead, he called NRG a “very good team” but hopes to enjoy a fun match overall.
Stage 2 performance and Champions Points impact
Head coach Seon-ho "termi" Pyeon discussed DRX’s qualification via Champions Points. “I didn’t watch the match between Talon and RRQ,” he said. “Champions is a stage I’ve always wanted to reach. Champions Points reflect a year of matches; they aren’t self-sufficient. Of course, at the last moment, RRQ won and we secured our spot, but we were able to reach this point because of the Champions Points.”
Regarding DRX’s weaker performance in VCT Pacific: Stage 2 Playoffs, termi emphasized that Champions is the most important tournament. Since their qualification was already secured, the team “tried its best to spend as much time as possible preparing for it.” He concluded that the results from practice have been very positive, and the team is confident they can go much further in the competition.
Regarding the double-duelist composition, coach termi explained that adapting DRX’s usual strategy was crucial after a challenging Stage 2. “Because we have Hyunmin and Flashback, we thought it was possible to run the double-duelist setup. Both were able to deal great damage, and I believe we can use this composition more effectively than other teams,” he said. “We weren’t very satisfied with how Stage 2 Playoffs went, so it made sense to try a different look for Champions.” The coach described the duelist duo as “extremely destructive” because they have “what it takes.”
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