arrive at the
2026 World Championship after a perfect year at home, having won all three LCP splits under head coach Chen â
WarHorseâ Ju-Chih. Internationally, the story has been different. The Vietnamese team finished 7th-8th at
First Stand after a 0-3 loss to
, and at
MSI, after upsetting
3-1, it was swept 3-0 by
.
The two teams meet again in the first round of the Swiss Stage on October 23, and this time the rivalry comes with some extra spice. Ahead of the match,
Sheep Esports had the opportunity to speak with the teamâs AD carry, HoĂ ng â
â CĂŽng NghÄ©a.
What did Team Secret do so well to win all three LCP splits this season?
HoĂ ng âEddieâ CĂŽng NghÄ©a: âThe key reason for us to win all three splits in the LCP is that we have tried really hard and we have been together through everything. We tried to get each other through the difficulties we encountered along the way, and I think thatâs how we managed to win all three.
At MSI, LYON swept you 3-0, and now Worlds opens with the same matchup. How much does revenge matter, and has anything changed in how you approach it?
Eddie: I think the last time we faced LYON, we were very indecisive and very rushed in the game, so we made a lot of wrong decisions during the match. This time, we have been very well prepared, both as a team and for our opponent LYON. So Iâm pretty confident we can do something this time.
Before that MSI series, LYONâs AD carry, Kim ââ Min-cheol, said he didnât know who you were and told you to try your best. Do you have a message for him this time?
Eddie: Try your best. Iâm at my top performance right now, so Iâm going to destroy you.
After First Stand, you said the team had a lot of shortcomings to fix. What has improved since then?
Eddie: We are very ambitious at this Worlds, and we aim to be in the top eight. Ever since the last MSI, we have prepared a lot for this, so Iâm extremely confident this time.
You said a lot of people doubted you at your first international events. Do you already feel respected, or will that only come with a good result at Worlds?
Eddie: No, I donât think my performance so far has been able to change their minds, and they will still doubt us. Thatâs why we are trying our best to put up a better performance, so that no one can doubt us anymore.
Do you think Vietnam and Taiwan are still underrated internationally, even after CFOâs run last year?
Eddie: The LCP has always been underrated compared to any other region. Thatâs also why we have to try our best to bring better results and get people to stop doubting us.
Do you feel that the level of Vietnamese teams in the LCP has improved in the past few years?
Eddie: I think the Vietnamese teams in the LCP have improved a decent amount ever since this whole thing started. The proof is that all the Vietnamese teams are now aiming for international events. Vietnamese teams are not just trying to win the LCP anymore. Thatâs how you can tell.
Can you update your list of the best AD carries for Worlds 2026? Who is number one, and where do you put yourself?
Eddie: Itâs
(
Kim Su-hwan),
(
Lee Min-hyeong) and then
(
Park Jae-hyuk). Those are my top three, with Peyz being number one. I will not rate myself on the list. I will just use my performance to prove it.
CTBC Flying Oyster reached the knockout stage last year. Is the goal to repeat that, or is the ambition bigger?
Eddie: Our first and main objective this time is to reach the top eight. But we are not going to stop there. Once we reach the top eight, weâre going to have extra goals. For now, weâll focus on getting there first.â