DRG SpiritZ1: "The experience provided me with valuable insight into how I can improve for future events"
Following their elimination from the Champions Paris DRG, SpiritZ1 reflects on facing G2, the loss to Lotus, his development since joining DRG and Demon1's integration as a stand-in during Vo0kashu’s visa absence
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DRG
"I’m still maturing, and sometimes I can’t bring out my best on the server"
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On Saturday, following the challenging series of Dragon Ranger Gaming against G2 Esports in the VALORANTChampions 2025 elimination match, Lin "SpiritZ1" Dingyu explained what he had learnt from the match, why Lotus slipped away despite it being their map pick. He also discussed how he was coping with the pressure of being in the top tier, his level of comfort with the agents, and gave his thoughts on Max "Demon1" Mazanov replacing Ilya "vo0kashu" Ushakov.
What did you learn from playing against G2, a highly disciplined team with a very different playstyle from your recent scrims?
Lin "SpiritZ1" Dingyu: "Against such a strong team like G2, who are incredibly disciplined and whose style is very different from what we’ve seen in recent scrims, I learned a great deal. The experience provided me with valuable insight into how I can improve for future events, and overall, I gained a lot from this series.
What do you think cost you the win on Lotus, which was your map pick?
SpiritZ1: I’d say our play simply wasn’t good enough. It was mainly a matter of communication. Our opponents executed their rotations very well, and we struggled to respond cleanly. That was the difference.
How comfortable were you playing Yoru against a top international team like G2, and did the pressure affect your performance today?
SpiritZ1: I didn’t feel much effect from pressure today. The issue was more my lack of experience at this level. I’m still maturing, and sometimes I can’t bring out my best on the server.
Did the recent roster change impact your familiarity and preparation on the second map?
SpiritZ1: Yes. After the roster change, we weren’t fully comfortable, and we didn’t manage the second map as well as we should have.
Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
Since joining DRG this year at the Tier-1 level, what have you learned, and how have you improved heading into Champions?
SpiritZ1: I’ve been growing steadily. I’m becoming more mature and improving across the board, especially in fundamentals and mechanics.
How have the DRG team environment and coaching staff helped you grow, and is there anyone who had a particularly big impact?
SpiritZ1: Both my teammates and our coaches have helped me tremendously. If I had to single someone out, I’d mention our assistant coach 1t (Huang Biaohong). He has worked closely with me on core skills, aim, holding, and other mechanical details. I’m very grateful to everyone; their support is a big reason I’m competing at Champions today.
With Demon1 stepping in due to vo0kashu’s visa issues, how did his integration go, and how would you assess his level and communication on the server?
SpiritZ1: The integration went well, and he impressed me a lot. His playstyle is quite different from ours, but he’s very experienced and communicates clearly. He’s a great teammate, both personally respectful and strong in-game. It’s unfortunate vo0kashu couldn’t be here to fight for our ultimate goal, but I’m confident that once he’s back, we’ll regroup and push forward together."
