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Jian “Uzi” Zihao, an outstanding Chinese League of Legends player for Royal Never Give Up, had a lot to say about his time spent at the 2018 League of Legends All-Star Event in Las Vegas this past weekend. The 21-year old AD Carry spoke with us about topics ranging from how he performed in 2018 and the sites and sound of Las Nevada.

Here’s what he had to say…

How are you feeling to be here at All-Star 2018 Las Vegas?

I’m extremely happy to be here. I finally get the chance to relax a bit as the All-Star this year is not that competitive comparing to previous years. So I’m really satisfied with the event.

What things or details of Las Vegas have left you a great impression?

I get to see a lot of news things here, the scenery and helicopter tour are also pretty nice. It’s already my second time to be in Vegas, last time I was a visitor so I got to try various types of cuisines. This time I spend most of my times in the hotel because we have matches to play.

Who do you usually hang out with during this event? Have you met some new friends?

I spend most of the time with Mlxg, Rookie and Ning. We do almost everything together and split up only for a couple of hours everyday. I’ve met some old friends but the communication is still an issue because my English is pretty bad. Despite the language barrier, one thing I know for sure is that they are all very kind, they talk with me patiently and sometimes translate for me.

Who do you want to play against the most? Are you feeling confident to defend your 1v1 champion title?

I feel pretty happy no matter who I’m going to play against, this event is not purely competition-oriented so I just play for fun. As for 1v1. I took a break after Worlds and didn’t practice much, so before this event I suggested Rookie: “How about we play some unconventional heroes like Teemo?” But when the 1v1 competition actually took place, I realized this is actually the most formal and stacked competition in the all-star. So I decide to treat it seriously. I’m confident to defend my title and have practiced some new heroes. I used to play AD champions in 1v1 but this time I’m going to make some changes, because in this patch it’s really difficult for an AD champion to beat an AP champion in 1v1.

Speaking of the new patch, what are your thoughts on the S9 pre-season meta? Are your playstyle and RNG’s playstyle patch friendly?

I think this meta requires AD Carries to play safe. They can’t simply jump in to the crowd and get away with it by out playing their opponents. The current patch focuses more on teamplay and requires a team to play as one. You can’t carry the game single-handedly anymore.

From a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall performance in 2018?

7-8, I didn’t perform well in the last couple of games, I played poorly.

I won lots tournaments this year and in the interviews I kept saying: “It feels alright. I don’t feel I’m extremely strong or anything.” Because the season was not over and I felt there was still something missing. And eventually I realized that I was right, I’m not strong enough, I need to improve and become stronger.

Which aspects of you do you think can be improved in future?

In future I should communicate more often with people around me, it helps me to improve. I had very few in-depth communications with them and my teammates. I hope this will change in future so we can improve together.

What’s your expectation for next season?

One step at a time. For now I wish I can perform well at the Demacia Cup and regain my form.

Here you are today, what do you have to say to your past self and your future self?

To my past self:”It hasn’t been easy, but I made it”

To my future self: “I hope I can keep going forward because I really love esports. I hope no matter how things turn out to be, I can contribute as much as I can”

In esports, there are smiles and there are tears. What motivates you to keep going forward when you encounter setbacks?

I’m happy that there are so many people who support me unconditionally throughout these years. And if I give up , it’s not only me who would feel unreconciled, my fans would be disappointed as well. I don’t want to let myself and my supporters down. Moreover, if I give up when I still have the chance to fight, my future self will regret and feel disappointed as well.

People get upset when they encounter setbacks. So how do you adjust your mindset when you are feeling down?

I actually don’t know the answer. Deal with it bit by bit I guess,There is no best solution to this, time is the only answer.

Walking into S9, what do you want to say to your teammates?

I hope no matter how things turn out to be, my teammates and the club can achieve some good results. RNG will always have a special place in my heart, it’s the team that accompanies me throughout my entire career and has witnessed my peak. I hope RNG can stay the way it is forever.

At last, what do you want to say to the fans who have been supporting you and RNG?

Thank you for your continued support. Your support makes me become who I am, can’t do it without you guys. Thank you for supporting me and RNG.