T1A Cypher: The Italian-raised prodigy chasing Gumayusi's footsteps
This is the story of T1 Academy botlaner Cypher, his old rivalry with Diable, life inside T1, the gap between LCK CL and the LCK, and why he would consider the LEC or LCS.
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Credit: Grégoire "Aries" Bgz / Sheep Esports
"My dream is to play on the biggest stage."
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Not many Korean rookies open an interview in English, but Kim ”
botlaner greeted overseas fans directly before switching to Korean: "Hello everyone. I was actually born in Italy and I lived there for ten years, so I can speak English a little. Enjoy my interview!"
Who is Cypher?
Before the interview, Cypher filled out our Sheep Esports personality sheet, you can find below a few of his answers. His role model may be Lee "
" Sang-hyeok. As for who he’d choose to have dinner with, he’d still go with his fellow botlaner. And as for his first main, it’s no surprise for anyone who’s watched a young ADC fall in love with the game: Ezreal.
T1A Cypher's personality sheet
The rest of the sheet has its share of personality. Cypher would rather steal Lulu's ultimate for real life than any flashy blink, picks cats over dogs, Flash on F key, and queues up Post Malone's "I Had Some Help" before games. And when forced to choose, he'd take a pentakill in a loss over a quiet win, reading minds over freezing time, and time travel over teleportation. Make of that what you will for a player whose whole career is about reaching the future faster than everyone else.
For the fans who will be getting to know you, please introduce yourself first.
Kim "Cypher" Yu-jun: "Hello, I'm Cypher, Kim Yu-jun, and I play ADC for T1 Esports Academy.
What kind of ADC are you?
Cypher: Like Gumayusi, I think I enjoy building a lead in lane and using it to influence the game as a whole.
Gumayusi is your role model, right? I'm curious what made you choose him.
Cypher: I felt there was a lot to learn from him, both in terms of skill and outside of the game, in things like showmanship. That's why I set him as my role model.
When you started training at Liiv SANDBOX, you competed with Diable for the ADC spot and won it. What did that competition leave you with, and what did you learn from the process?
Cypher: I tried to keep in mind the strengths that only Diable had, while working as hard as I could to cover my own weaknesses.
What do you think allowed you to come out on top in that competition? What were you doing well?
Cypher: Hmm, I was playing Kalista quite often back then, and I think I was pretty good on Kalista at the time.
Diable is now playing in the LCK. Having competed with him directly, how do you view his growth?
Cypher: Even back then, I felt he was extremely talented. Seeing him get ahead does make me feel impatient at times, but it also makes me think I have to work even harder.
Does Diable's career serve as extra motivation for you?
Cypher: Hmm, since we competed against each other before, I feel like I have to keep working so that we can compete in the first division someday too.
T1 Academy is the team so many aspiring pros dream of. How did it feel when you finally joined after all that work, and what was the first thought that crossed your mind?
Cypher: At first, I couldn't believe it. But once I actually joined, the first thing I thought was that I had to work even harder for the team.
Was there anything that really surprised you?
Cypher: The building is so huge that it honestly felt a little imposing.
Compared to the other teams you've been on, what sets T1 Academy apart?
Cypher: Hmm, I felt that the facilities are exceptionally good.
Which facilities specifically?
Cypher: There's the cafeteria, the gym, the karaoke room. There are a lot of spaces where you can rest and make use of your free time.
I've heard the team food is delicious. How good is it really?
Cypher: Well, I haven't actually been on that many teams, so I can't judge with full accuracy, but I do think it's really delicious.
You picked up wins through Rounds 1 and 2 of LCK CL. Why do you think T1 Academy is this strong?
Cypher: I think it's thanks to our great head coach and coaches, and great players.
What kind of feedback do you usually receive?
Cypher: I get a huge amount of help, whether it's on the details I miss individually or on our overall team coordination.
How well-coordinated do you think the current CL team is?
Cypher: I think we're already playing really well, but there are still so many things we can iron out, so I believe we can get even better than we are now.
If a promotion and relegation system existed and you faced a bottom-tier LCK team for a spot in the league, how confident would you be?
Cypher: I'd say about seven out of ten. The early game might be rough, but once it goes to the mid and late game, I think we'd be plenty competitive.
Where do you feel there's a gap between CL and the LCK?
Cypher: Especially with the top teams, T1, Gen.G, and Hanwha Life Esports, I feel the skill difference is very clear.
When do you notice that difference?
Cypher: Hmm, I feel it in the flow of their macro as a team.
Is there anything you're personally working on to close that gap?
Cypher: I think it's less about what any individual can do and more something we have to build up as a whole team, yeah.
You recently suffered a painful loss to DK Challengers in the Asia Masters final. Looking back at that series now, what goes through your mind, and what would you do differently?
Cypher: Rather than reviewing the games themselves, at the time it was more about accepting the emotions I was feeling and telling myself to work hard again. That mattered more to me.
If you played that series again today, how confident would you be?
Cypher: I'd say about eight out of ten.
Which CL team do you consider the strongest right now?
Cypher: I'd have to say it's probably us.
Aside from T1 Academy, is there a team that makes you think, this team is dangerous?
Cypher: I think all the other teams are excellent, so it's hard to single out just one.
When T1 Rookies transitioned into T1 Academy, did the training methods change? I'm also curious how the players' environment is run differently overall.
Cypher: The feedback on team games and on us as individuals became extremely detailed, and I felt a huge improvement in my level of play because of it.
Comparing Rookies and T1 Academy, was there anything in the training methods that felt different?
Cypher: When I moved up to the Academy, things became a lot more systematic. That's where I felt the biggest difference.
What's the area where you've grown the most since the transition to T1 Academy?
Cypher: It's hard to pick just one thing. Whether it's in-game or outside the game, I've received a lot of help and improved in so many different areas.
You've proven yourself on the CL stage multiple times, and the next step is an LCK debut. How difficult do you think it is for a rookie to join a first-division roster these days?
Cypher: Every player in the LCK is an outstanding player, so I don't think it'll be easy. But if I keep working hard, I believe it's absolutely possible.
There are rookies who have the talent but never get their LCK debut. If that situation came, would you be open to playing in other regional leagues?
Cypher: Yes, I'm quite interested in other regions, and I think any region would be fine, but I'd especially prefer Western regions like the LEC or LCS.
Is there a particular reason you prefer those regions?
Cypher: I think it's because I'd like to experience the cultural differences for myself.
If you did move to another league, is there a player you'd want to play with?
Cypher: I haven't really thought about a specific player I'd want to play with.
Is there a support you'd want to play with?
Cypher: It would have to be Keria (Ryu Min-seok). (laughs)
How do you want to be remembered by fans one day?
Cypher: I'd like to be a player who makes cheering fun for them.
Lastly, please share a word with your overseas fans before we wrap up.
Cypher: I know it's really hard, but my dream is to become a pro player and to play on the biggest stage. So please support me a lot. Thank you."
