HLE Kanavi: "I told myself to go harder this time — and I did"
After HLE's win against Dplus KIA, jungler Kanavi spoke in an exclusive interview with Sheep Esports about the team’s progress and the evolution of his playstyle.
this Wednesday. After an early exit in the LCK Cup, HLE now stand at 2–1 following their first three matches. Having returned from his seven-year stint in the LPL this season, the team’s jungler
— MVP of the series — spoke in an exclusive interview with Sheep Esports about the team’s progress and the evolution of his playstyle.
You had a great start to Week 2. Could you share your thoughts on today's victory?
Seo "Kanavi" Jin-hyeok: “After losing to T1 in the last match, winning 2-0 against DK this time feels really good.
What do you think were the key factors behind today's win?
Kanavi: I think our bans and picks went well today, and the team played well around that draft, so we won pretty easily.
You played Jarvan and Kha'Zix and showed aggressive plays in the enemy jungle. You seemed much more confident compared to Week 1. What was your mindset going into today's games?
Kanavi: I felt like I didn't play aggressively enough last time, so I told myself to go harder this time — and I did. It ended up working out well, so I'm happy with the result.
Looking back at VODs from previous games, were there moments today where you felt particularly in sync with Kim "Zeka" Geon-woo, and were there any parts you found disappointing?
Kanavi: For the good parts — in Game 2, we had the Annie-Kha'Zix combo and could've fallen behind early, but we both played with good synergy, so I was really satisfied with that. But in Game 1, we ran the Orianna-Jarvan comp, and when we crashed the Rift Herald, the call came out a bit off, so that part was a little disappointing.
Going through the KeSPA Cup, LCK Cup, and the regular season opener, how much do you feel the synergy between you and your teammates has developed? Also, since coming back to the LCK, have there been any changes in your early-to-mid game role?
Kanavi: Through the Cup, KeSPA, and now the LCK, I think the synergy is getting better and better. And since I came back from the LPL, there's definitely a distinct LCK style of macro play, so I'm trying my best to adapt to that.
We saw you using the JDG emote during the game. Are you still in touch with your former teammates?
Kanavi: I've been using the JDG emote since way back, so I just keep using it. As for my old teammates, I talk to them whenever we run into each other or meet in ranked.
You once told fans, "If you don't have talent, hard work is the only way." Many fans consider you one of the most talented junglers of all time, which makes that mindset even more impressive. Do you see yourself as someone closer to the talent side or the hard work side,
?
Kanavi: The truth is, you can't be a pro gamer without some talent, so I do think I have a certain level of it. But because I believed I had that talent, I played an insane amount of games back in the day — starting from my freshman and sophomore years of high school. All that hard work has built up and is showing in my results now, so I believe you need both talent and hard work.
Lastly, since we're a global media outlet, is there anything you'd like to say to your international fans?
Kanavi: We don't get many chances to meet our international fans, but whenever we go to international tournaments and hear the cheering, it gives us so much energy — the passion is incredible. I'm always grateful for the support, and we'll work hard to make it to international competitions again so we can see you all.”
