TES 369: "Western teams are way more powerful than last year."

Bai "369" Jia-Hao of Top Esports competes on stage during MSI Play-Ins 2024

"I'm very confident about defending my title."

As the MSI 2024 bracket stage approaches, the anticipation for the upcoming matches grows. Today, in an exclusive interview, we're speaking with 369, the top laner for Top Esports. With a crucial matchup against Team Liquid looming, we explore Top Esports' preparations and 369's perspectives on their readiness and strategic outlook.

| Top Esports has underperformed in the play-in stage, comparatively to its previous LPL form. What would you attribute this to?

369: "I don't think we have any major problems team-wise. I think that we have been working on our understanding of the current meta, especially when it comes to lane swapping. We need to improve our understanding of the new strategies being brought into the tournament and learn from other teams as well."

| Do you have any thoughts on how your team compares to other Eastern teams like BLG, Gen.G, and T1?

369: "Our results will speak for themselves when we end up playing against them."

Bai "369" Jia-Hao, at the MSI 2024 Media Day. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff

| In the past, you have played more as a weak-side pillar for JDG, whereas you are now taking more of a carry role within Top Esports. Was this change in style deliberate or simply happened due to your team's current needs?

369: "Actually, I think it’s more of a meta difference. For me personally, in the current meta, I think I can adapt to any style in order for us to win. Either through weak-siding or playing carries, I'm ready to do what's necessary for my team. I can sacrifice myself for them if needed."

| How do you feel about competing on home soil in China? In the past, all international events held in your country were won by South Korean teams. Do you believe you are capable of breaking this curse?

369: "I think the LPL can win it all, no matter where and which tournament."

| How would you compare the 2024 Top Esports lineup to the one of your 2019-2021 tenure with the organization?

369: "The major difference is in the new faces we have this year. Additionally, I think that JackeyLove and I have improved tremendously since that time. We are completely different players now."

369 and his team, arriving at the venue. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff

| You won MSI in 2023. How confident are you to earn a back-to-back title this year? How do you feel about potentially fighting knight for this title?

369: "I'm very confident that I can defend my championship title and earn another trophy."

"Speaking of knight though, honestly, I'm a little scared of facing him again. I would say that I definitely want to beat him and take revenge, but also, I don't want to make his life tougher and face him too early."

| How confident are you facing Team Liquid? And do you think that Western teams could surprise at this tournament?

369: "Definitely, I think Western teams are way more powerful than last year. Personally, I'm definitely looking at them and feel pressure in my preparation against them. They have definitely stepped up after 2023."

Header Photo Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games