Today, League of Legends took another step closer to the 2018 World Championship with the conclusion of the annual Group Draw show. The Play-In and Group Stage groups were drafted and the competitors are set to do battle in South Korea. Flyquest’s own Lee “Flame” Ho-jong handled the drafting and ensured the integrity of Riot’s annual Group Draw.

We had a chance to talk to Flame following the Group Draw show about his offseason and the upcoming World Championship in South Korea.

How did it feel to be part of the group draw? Was it fun?

Oh yeah, it was really fun. I was hesitant about this before because the time is so early for NA, almost 6am. I was worried about that, but I thought it could be really fun and a good experience. I just wanted to do it.

What do you think of NA’s chances now that the groups are drafted?

I picked pretty badly for NA… We don’t know yet about the Play-In stages, but I think 100 Thieves and Team Liquid have a really good chance to get out of groups. I don’t know about C9 yet.

Who do you think are the best top laners at the World Championship?

I think most of the good top laners in the world are Korean. CuVee and Kiin are the best tops.

Ssumday was pretty good in NA. Do you think he is still as good as the best top laners?

He’s good… but I still think CuVee is the best top. Kiin is also really good, but he doesn’t have any experience at the highest stage — Worlds. That’s why CuVee is first.

Why is CuVee the best top laner?

CuVee just plays his role and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. Gen.G’s bottom lane is so strong so they usually play around bottom and CuVee is really good in his role for that. My ideal top plays for the team game. His style is really good for teamplay and he sacrifices a lot for his team.

The World Championship is going to be in Korea? What do you think of that, since you’re from there?

It’s pretty cool. It would be even better if I was going to play there, but it’s okay. I can still go to Korea to watch and rest.

You say rest — what is Flame going to do this offseason to come back next season stronger?

Even though it’s offseason, usually NA players don’t play solo queue. Usually, I play solo queue, stream, or work out. I also want to read books. It’s pretty hard to read books during the season, so I will do that. I’ll also do some bulking. I will also go out to drink and meet my friends and family. Also lastly… Korean solo queue.

One of your former teammates from this year, AnDa, is actually going to be at Worlds for 100 Thieves. He’s been doing well in solo queue so far. How do you think he will do?

He was one of the highest people on the solo queue ladder last year too because we took him to the Korean bootcamp. I just want him to bring that strength to stage too. He can play well, but I can only cheer for him

If you had to pick one team to win the World Championship, who would it be?

Gen.G

Why Gen.G?

Their style is just so good. They are good at the team game with a strong bottom that can carry and a strong top laner that sacrifices well for it. Their top/bottom synergy is really good. Also, Ambition’s style is really good for the highest stages. He is going to play well this year too. Crown… is not as much of a carry as before, but he is really good at teamplay too.

Do you think there is any chance that Fly will play?

I’m not sure because of the six man rosters.

So, you think they’ll take Ambition and Haru?

Ah, yeah.

What do you think of Haru? He is like the opposite of Ambition?

Yeah, he is the opposite style of Ambition, but Haru is doing really good. I think he can play well, but Ambition is just really good for Gen.G

Lastly, just some questions about Korea for the fans traveling. What Korean food do you think is the best for foreigners to try?

Spicy chicken legs! Or Korean BBQ. Everyone knows Korean BBQ now because there’s lots of places in the USA too, but it’s better. I recommend beef. I really like meat.

What should people do in Korea?

I think Esports culture, clubs, or those minibars in popular streets like Hongdae or Gangnam. Itaewon is another good place for clubbing and stuff like that.

Any words for Flame fans?

I’m sorry about failing to make it to Worlds, but I’m going to do well next year. I’m going to make the final and go to Worlds. I’m just going to play solo queue in Korea with some streams. I hope you guys keep cheering for me. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

Photo: (Riot Games, lolesports)