After 10 long years, the Asia-Pacific region is back at the top, ready to proudly stand as one of the eight best teams at
Worlds 2025. With
CTBC Flying Oyster leading the charge, the
League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) now dives into the unknown, preparing for their next match against KT Rolster. In an exclusive interview, midlaner
Tsai “HongQ” Ming-Hong sat down with
Sheep Esports to discuss the historic qualification, his confidence heading into quarterfinals, and his growth.
You were eight years old when Taiwan last reached the Quarterfinals. How does it feel to break this 10-year curse?
Tsai “HongQ” Ming-Hong: “It was definitely unexpected. It’s been 10 years, and I didn’t expect to be the one making history again for our region. I was in the Challengers League last year, and this year I had the opportunity to go to multiple international tournaments. All of my teammates are really strong, and that’s why I can be where I am right now.
How do you feel about your growth since the start of the year?
HongQ: I definitely have improved a lot throughout this year. When I came to my first international tournament, First Stand, I was very nervous and scared to be on the international stage. But now, at Worlds, I actually feel a lot calmer.
You went from a 2-0 lead to a 3-2 finish. Wong "Chawy" Xing Lei mentioned he was very stressed before the match—did you feel the same, or were you confident throughout?
HongQ: It definitely was a lot of pressure and stress, going from 2-0 all the way to 2-2. My mindset was that since it was my last match in the Swiss Stage, I just wanted to give it everything I had and make sure I wouldn’t have any regrets.
You’re only 18, and with your rise to fame this year, it must be a lot to handle. How have you managed that?
HongQ: I do think there’s some pressure on me, but I try to focus on the moment and the game at hand. I just do what I can in the moment so I can become a better player.
How confident are you in your skills today? Did being targeted a lot in your match against FlyQuest ever make you doubt yourself, or have you stayed confident?
HongQ: I don’t think it affected my confidence too much. At first, I kept telling myself that I wouldn’t die so easily. I did get caught by him three times in a row, but after that, I slowed down my pace and adjusted my gameplay, and things got much better from there.
How ready are you for the quarterfinals?
HongQ: We still have a few days to prepare for this quarter, but Shanghai, we are coming. We’ll try to prepare our best for our next opponent.
How do you feel about facing Gwak "Bdd" Bo-seong and KT in the next round?
HongQ: I'm very excited and looking forward to it.
You’ve been taking photos with many star midlaners throughout the year, many you’ve expressed admiration for. Do you feel like being around such strong players is building your aura?
HongQ: I just think it’s an honor to be able to take photos with the greatest midlaners in the world.
Maybe soon people will want to take pictures with you.
HongQ: I’d be very happy if people were willing to do that with me.
This year’s Worlds song is Sacrifice. What would you sacrifice for Diana to become a meta midlaner again?
HongQ: I don’t know what I would sacrifice, but I really look forward to the day she’s meta again and can be one of the strongest mid laners in the patch.
Do you feel proud of what you achieved this year?
HongQ: I don’t think I’m particularly super proud of anything. We’re just going to focus on preparing for the next matchup.
You mentioned you don’t listen to the Worlds songs. What kind of music do you usually listen to?
HongQ: I mostly listen to Mandarin music.
Is there anything you’d like to say to LCP fans before we wrap up?
HongQ: Thank you very much to all the fans who have supported us from the start of the split all the way to now, making it to the quarterfinals. We’ll continue to do our best in the upcoming matches.”
Header Photo Credit: Christina Oh/Riot Games
