Following DRX's series against NRG at the VALORANT Champions in Paris, Sheep Esports spoke to DRX's in-game leader Kim "Mako" Myeong-gwan about his initial thoughts on the match. He also talked about the rationale behind selecting two Duelists for the Haven map, and how his experience on the international stage has shaped his mindset, consistency, and approach to leading newer teammates under pressure.
What is your feeling after the loss against NRG ?
Kim "Mako" Myeong-gwan: "NRG are a difficult opponent and a strong team from the Americas, and we expected that. We had good moments, especially on attack, and we were prepared for things like their Odin usage. We still dropped a few convertible rounds, and overall our defense needed to be sharper. There’s a lot we can take from this to improve.
Playing two Duelists like Waylay and Neon on Haven isn’t common. What was the plan behind that combination, and why put Cho "Flashback" Min-hyuk on a Duelist instead of Sentinel?
Mako: It was essentially a hit-and-run, two-punch look designed to apply pressure and create space quickly. Role assignments depend on the opponent and on what best fits our players for a given series. Every team has its own style, so there isn’t a single correct composition, this one matched what we wanted to do against NRG.
You were ahead on Corrode before NRG came back. What did DRX need there to close the best-of-five 2–0?
Mako: On attack we often reached favorable positions, but in some transitions moving from A toward B, we lacked utility and had to slow down and react instead of dictating. On defense, our B holds and our overall defensive positioning could have been better. Those details made the difference.
DRX have qualified for every Champions. How does that experience help your preparation and approach this year?
Mako: Experience generally helps with stage nerves and composure. For me personally, there’s a paradox: I sometimes felt freer when I knew less and just played for the joy of it. Still, the main benefit of experience is knowing how to settle yourself and focus on the essentials when it matters.
Photo by Photographer/Riot Games
What is your secret to remaining so consistent at tier one over the years?
Mako: There isn’t a single secret. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, I try to make the most of them, stay calm, and keep putting in the work. Consistency comes from that accumulation.
As an IGL and a veteran, how do you balance making strategy calls with taking fights?
Mako: Against Team Liquid, the balance clicked between clear calls, clean fights, and good reads. Everything aligned. Today it was harder,
HYUNMIN (Song Hyun-min) wasn’t feeling his best, which added pressure and made me feel I needed to take on more. When that happens, the balance between calling and fragging becomes more demanding.
How do you mentor rookies like HYUNMIN to manage pressure at big events?
Mako: I remember being a rookie and older teammates giving me a positive frame: “Why not us? Let’s just win the next one.” I try to pass that on, maintain an optimistic outlook regardless of result, accept our seeding, and enjoy playing the game. Keeping that mindset helps younger players handle the stage."
Header credit photo: Colin Young Wolff/Riot Games
