Following
their playoff elimination in the LEC Spring Split, Team Vitality made the decision to replace Marek "
" Brázda with 23-year-old Korean midlaner Ahn "
" Hyeon-seo. FIESTA played in the LCK for Nongshim RedForce in 2023, then moved to the TCL in 2024, where he won the Summer Split and earned the Finals MVP award.
Now, Team Vitality continue their ongoing win streak in the Summer Split as they pursue a
top-4 spot for the Madrid Roadtrip and a place at the 2026 World Championship. In an interview with
Sheep Esports conducted the day after the Bees defeated GIANTX, the Korean player discussed his team and personal performance, his mindset after a brief hiatus and subsequent return, and the atmosphere within Team Vitality.
What kind of midlane playstyle do you have?
An "FIESTA" Hyeon-seo: “My tendency is pretty aggressive, and I like making varied, creative plays, so when it's going well, it looks really good, but when it's not going well, it looks pretty bad too — that contrast is pretty strong.
You've been on a win streak. How's your adjustment to Europe going?
FIESTA: In my first week after arriving, I think I had some trouble adjusting, but the teammates are all really nice, and they all listen to me well, so I've settled in well now and I think things are going well.
You mentioned your teammates helped you a lot. Is there a local player who helped you especially?
FIESTA: Everyone helped a lot, but if I had to pick one, Carzzy (Matyáš Orság) has a very outgoing personality, so he really helped me fit in well.
This year you originally started in Korea, and then joined Vitality starting the summer season. What's the difference in atmosphere between playing in Korea and playing in Europe now?
FIESTA: In Korea, everyone tends to have a pretty serious atmosphere, while in Europe, even when we lose, players still try to lighten the mood as much as possible, though I'm not sure if that's just our team; the mood doesn't die down even after a loss. Everyone keeps the energy up, so the overall vibe stays alive.
Since transferring to Team Vitality, you've been showing off a really wide variety of champions. Not just LeBlanc or Hwei, last time you even played Aatrox. How confident are you in your champion pool?
FIESTA: Personally, even when a new champion comes out, I feel like after just a little practice, I adapt pretty quickly, so I think I can play almost anything after just a few practice games.
Out of all the champions, do you have a favorite?
FIESTA: My favorite champions are LeBlanc and Ahri — those two are my favorites, and I'm confident on them too.
How would you evaluate the team's performance against GIANTX?
FIESTA: As for performance, well, our toplaner,
(
Kaan Okan) is the best in this league, and I think we're a solid team. We aim to be really solid while also confusing opponents, so I think we're a team with a high ceiling.
So to show that ceiling even more in the playoffs, or at Worlds if you make it there, is there anything you think needs to improve from where you are now?
FIESTA: Personally, I think when I'm doing something, there are still times I can't communicate it well, so getting our team synergy to 100% is important, and also in terms of movement — in the mid-game stage, I think there are still parts of our macro play we need to improve.
You said the team needs to raise its performance to 100%, so what percentage would you say you're at right now?
FIESTA: Well, compared to what we show in scrims, it doesn't really come out that much in official games, so I'd say it's around 70% in official matches.
I heard there was an episode a while back where you and Kadir "Fleshy" Kemiksiz argued in chat during solo queue. Do you remember that?
FIESTA: Ah, yes [Laugh]. After that happened, now we're teammates.
What's Fleshy's personality or character like as your teammate now?
FIESTA: He's really nice, but also really transparent. I think he has a transparent personality. Sometimes on scrims, when he dies, he gets a little upset, I guess? That shows pretty clearly, but when he sees a really great play, he's the first to shout "FIESTA! FIESTA!" and praise me, so I think he's a really transparent player.
Last year, you were in Türkiye, Papara SuperMassive. After that, you took a short break. How did you spend that break, did you focus more on solo queue, or spend time on activities outside of League of Legends?
FIESTA: I'd been abroad, then came back to Korea wanting to do well, but I came back a bit late, and since the timing was off, I couldn't find a team, so with the mindset of "let's at least try to find a team next year," I grinded solo queue hard and kept up with watching tournaments.
After that, you started the season with BNK FearX Youth this year, what was your mindset when you first came back?
FIESTA: I thought of it as my last chance, and went in with the mindset of "let's do my absolute best.”
What the most decisive factor was in joining Team Vitality?
FIESTA: I'm not entirely sure, but personally, back when I was playing in Turkey last year and the year before, I think we scrimmed against Team Vitality, and I think I did well then, which might have been the reason.
What’s your goal is with this team?
FIESTA: Well, my goal this year is to finish in the top 3 and make it to Worlds, that's the goal for this year, at least.
What kind of player do you want to be remembered as?
FIESTA: Well, first of all, when people who play LoL hear my nickname, I want to be well-known enough that they instantly recognize it, and I'd like to be remembered as a really creative player.
Finally, do you have a message for the fans?
FIESTA: I joined the team pretty suddenly, and had some adjustment issues later on with the team, but I've settled in well now, so I'll make sure to reach Worlds this year.”
