The new
FlyQuest got off to an explosive start this weekend against Shopify Rebellion. SR was a team rated highly by many, a solid roster from last year largely running it back with a
hyped new Korean mid as the team’s new centerpiece. FLY, on the other hand, was overlooked by many, its roster full of unproven rookies.
Foremost among them, as the rookie-est rookie, was
Michael “Cryogen” Luu, FlyQuest’s new support, who’d played only a few games even at a Tier 2 level. But FlyQuest showed up in a big way, and Cryogen in particular played an incredible 2-0 series. Following this great debut of perhaps the latest in NA support superstars,
Sheep Esports sat down for a post-series chat with Cryogen.
Today, you played your very first LCS games. Were there any nerves at all playing on the big stage?
Michael “Cryogen” Luu: “Yeah, I’d say I was pretty nervous going into it. I think that’s pretty particular for most rookies. But, after I settled in, put my headset on, locked in, focused up, I was pretty chill. I played my own game, and I was pretty focused for the whole series.
Your Thresh game in particular was a huge standout. What went into playing Thresh, and showing so much playmaking aggression in your debut?
Cryogen: We’ve been practicing Thresh a lot for a while, and I used to be a Karma-Thresh player, so it was pretty nice having my two comfort champs. I was pretty confident on Thresh; Aphelios is pretty good in the current meta, and Aphelios-Thresh is a good pairing. So I was pretty excited to play it, and I got my chance, and I think it looked great.
Excluding substitutes, you're the only rookie support starting in the LCS this split. How does it feel to be the new kid on the support block?
Cryogen: Honestly, I feel kinda out of place, cause everyone is a lot older than me. I think the age gap between me and the second youngest is like five years, or something. It gives me a lot more room to improve, and shows that teams should take a chance on rookies. I’m really appreciative that FLY took a chance on me, and I get to show that there’s always young support talent, young player talent. I’m a pretty mechanical player, so: pretty excited to show what I have this split and year.
You're filling the big shoes of Alan "Busio" Cwalina, who was considered the best support in the LCS. Do you think you'll be in contention for this title soon yourself?
Cryogen: Honestly, I think with the way practice is going, and how much I’ve been improving, I’ll be there eventually, yeah. I think the year’s gonna go great, and I’m getting better each day, so I think at some point, I’ll be there for sure.
Just last year, you were finishing high school and playing in Tier 3. Now, you're in the LCS, getting to, as you put it on Twitter, "skip the NACL." What's it like having such a dramatic rise to the big leagues?
Cryogen: It took me a minute to take it in; it didn’t really hit me until not too long ago. I think it’s pretty uncommon for people to just jump from Tier 3 to the LCS, so I’m obviously very grateful for the opportunity. I’m excited to show what I have.
Yesterday, it was announced that Nick "LS" De Cesare will be joining FlyQuest as a strategic consultant. He's known for encouraging players to try strategies and champs way off the established meta. Do you think you'll be trying any unique supports in the LCS soon under his guidance?
Cryogen: I’m not too sure, but I think whatever he has in store, I’m always open-minded to try things, and I think he’s smart, and I think he’ll contribute a lot to FlyQuest. I’m always open to try things.
There are a few Anivia and Zoe support games on your account. Is there any potential there?
Cryogen: You know, I’m not too sure, but probably not, I think me and Massu were just having a bit of fun, but, there might be some crazy picks coming in too.
Since Vincent "Biofrost" Wang's been out of the scene for some time, are you, with the username Cryogen, ready to pick up the mantle of NA's coldest support?
Cryogen: Yeah, of course, I really like Biofrost’s name actually, and my name is pretty cool too. So I’m ready to take on the cold name, yeah.
And finally, do you have any ambitions for Rookie of the Year?
Cryogen: Yeah, I think that’s one of my goals right now. I’m really excited, or, I’m really grateful to be one of the rookies in the LCS. And I think if I keep playing like how I did today, and I keep showing up, Rookie of the Year is mine."
