Suffering from a defeat in his team's first match at the
League of Legends 2024 World Championship, Mun "
Oner" Hyeon-jun, jungler of
T1, shares his thoughts and mentality after facing Top Esports. Despite a difficult season in the
LCK 2024 Summer Season, the team is now entering Worlds with the same determination they had in 2023, intending to claim yet another trophy for their collection. An exclusive interview with the reigning World Champion.
What do you think went wrong in this match against Top Esports?
Mun "Oner" Hyeon-jun: "Well, we did what we had planned, but I think Top Esports prepared better, which is the reason for our loss. I think we made a lot of mistakes in the game, so that’s why we lost today. We will reflect on those mistakes and play better next time.
Oner, after his loss to Top Esports on the Worlds stage. Credit: Adela Sznajder/Riot Games
Worlds involves a lot of travel, and we heard you’ve had some issues with food recently. How has your time in Berlin been, and has Rekkles helped guide you around the city?
Oner: I haven't had many issues in Berlin so far; everything I've eaten has suited me. I've enjoyed a lot of delicious food here and have already gotten used to it. Instead of following Rekkles' recommendations, I prefer to walk around and find good places to eat on my own.
T1 has faced challenges this year, and you mentioned struggling with confidence in an interview recently. How do you handle these confidence issues, and how do they affect your performance as a player?
Oner: I try not to think too much about this kind of stuff. This year, we lost more than in 2023, which might have hurt my confidence a bit, but I don’t feel like I lack confidence right now. I’m just sad that we lost so much over the year. I strive to stay confident and keep it stable.
I’ve heard you're more unfiltered off-camera but tend to be reserved in interviews. Is this a conscious choice or just part of your personality?
Oner: I just tend to treat interviews very seriously, which is why I come across as more composed and reserved. When I'm backstage with my teammates, I feel at home and, due to that, I'm more natural and able to be myself.
Your playstyle has evolved from being an aggressive rookie in 2021 to more of a team player in 2022 and 2023. What can we expect from you in 2024, and how do you reflect on that evolution?
Oner: I wouldn’t say my playstyle changes were intentional, but rather they evolved based on the meta. In 2021, I felt I needed to play aggressively, but for 2024, my playstyle will adapt to whatever works best for our team and the current meta.
After winning Worlds in 2023 and facing challenges in the Summer Split, how is T1 approaching this year's Worlds? Are you aiming for back-to-back victories? Has winning Worlds last year changed your perspective or goals moving forward?
Oner: Of course, we haven’t lost our goal to win Worlds, and we’re fighting for that. I still have the desire to win the championship, and I’m doing everything I can to achieve it. But it’s important to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, throughout the process. Instead of focusing on individual goals, what matters most is winning together as a team.
With this roster together for almost three years, many see 2024 as a make-or-break year. Is there any pressure on your mind about this being the potential last dance of this T1 lineup if things don’t go well at Worlds?
Oner: Honestly, I didn’t expect this roster to stay together for so long, so I don’t feel pressured. Even if this roster breaks apart next year, my main focus is on winning Worlds this year, and I want to put in as much effort as possible until the end. Regardless of what happens after Worlds, I’m ready to handle it.
Do you have a message for T1 fans before we wrap up?
Oner: I know it's late in Korea, but I'm very thankful for all the attention and support you've given us. Even though we lost the first game today, we learned a lot from it, and I believe we can do better in the upcoming matches. We haven’t lost hope, and I really appreciate your continued support. Thank you to all our fans!"
Header Photo Credit: Adela Sznajder/Riot Games
