BLG Viper "I think it was about time we took a loss, and I think we learned a lot from it"

After BLG’s EWC win, Viper discusses MSI disappointment, LPL’s struggles abroad and the evolving botlane meta.

'Since we came here right after MSI ended, our condition could have been a bit off, but I think we overcame that well'

Just a few days after being defeated by Hanwha Life Esports in the Mid-Season Invitational grand final,

Bilibili Gaming

is back in international competition at the Esports World Cup, which is taking place in Paris. Facing

Movistar KOI

in their opening match, the Chinese team logically secured a 1-0 victory and will now face T1 in a Best-of-three series on Thursday, July 16, with a spot in the playoffs on the line.

After this first win against the LEC’s third seed, Park "

Viper

" Do-hyeon answered Sheep Esports’ questions. In this short interview, BLG’s South Korean AD Carry looked back on the MSI grand final loss, the performance of LPL teams in international competitions, and shared his thoughts on the current meta.

What's your first feeling after this game?

Park "Viper" Do-hyeon: "I think we played our first match well. Since we came here right after MSI ended, our condition could have been a bit off, but I think we overcame that well, so I'm happy.

What was your opinion on today's opponent, KOI?

Viper: Honestly, I think Movistar KOI's toplaner creates a lot of variables, and I think they're a team with strong individual mechanics.

How did your team feel after the defeat in the MSI finals?

Viper: Of course it was really disappointing. It was sad, and frustrating too. We really wanted to win, and it hurt that we couldn't. But honestly, given how many matches we've played at international events, I think it was about time we took a loss, and I think we learned a lot from it.

Did you feel like you underperformed during the final?

Viper: Honestly, I don't think individual form was a big issue. There were quite a few things we missed in our preparation, and I don't think our draft was as good as in the matches before.

Some people think, apart from BLG, LPL teams are not that strong internationally this year. What do you think about this?

Viper: Honestly, that's true. At international events, LPL teams haven't really given off that strong of an impression. But it will probably be different at Worlds.

You were the one playing a few different picks during MSI. What are your thoughts on the current meta in the bot lane?

Viper: I also find the current meta pretty strange. You can play a lot of different things, but in the end, results-wise, I think you just end up playing champions that are strong in the early game a lot."