After their elimination against Fnatic at
VALORANT Champions Paris,
No "free1ng" Ha-jun reflects on satisfaction with his early playoff form with DRX, frustration at missed maps, the composure he learned from veteran like
Kim "MaKo" Myeong-gwan, and more topics.
How do you feel about your performance today?
No "free1ng" Ha-jun: "I thought we could deliver more, but unfortunately, we didn’t. I’m disappointed. Since the start of the playoffs, beginning with G2 Esports, I’ve generally been satisfied with how I played, so I’m a bit saddened I couldn’t reproduce that level today.
Looking back at Champions overall, how would you assess DRX’s performance, and what do you think went well?
free1ng: It could have been better. The most rewarding part was securing third place and genuinely enjoying our games. The most frustrating moments were the maps we let slip, matches we felt were within reach. I’m proud of how we approached and enjoyed our series here. That said, we should have closed out a few more maps, needless to say.
This was your first Champions. How did you handle the pressure and the atmosphere of such a big stage?
free1ng: At first, I was nervous and didn’t feel we were fully ourselves on stage. We tried to settle in and play our game, but the result today is still a letdown.
As one of the newer players, how have veterans like MaKo helped you prepare for the stage or keep calm during matches?
free1ng: MaKo is, if not the best, among the very best at staying composed. Even after he dies, just watching his screen, his decision-making, his pacing has been a lesson in itself. Observing the small things he does has helped me grow, and that might be my biggest takeaway going into next season.
Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
How did those recent results influence your confidence and mindset before Champions?
free1ng: I was very satisfied with my Stage 2 form and with the beginning of Champions. What really flipped a switch was our first match against Fnatic. I told myself I needed to commit to my confidence now or never, with nothing to lose. I gave it everything, and that mindset helped all the way to this point.
How did you start playing VALORANT, and how did your career lead you to DRX?
free1ng: I started playing when the game first came out and even competed in early events like First Strike. I then completed my mandatory military service in Korea. Whenever I had leave, I still played VALORANT. After finishing my service, I returned to competition and first joined Dplus KIA, where I had a decent showing. Then Rare Atom contacted me, things went even better, and eventually DRX reached out. That’s how I ended up here.
If you had to summarize your year with DRX, what are you most proud of?
free1ng: Our Champions run. In the playoffs, we took down number-one seeds like G2 Esports and Paper Rex with a real shot for the trophy. I’m proud of that, and of this moment overall."
Header Credit Photo: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
