After spending years on the fringes of Korea’s elite, top laner Kim “Kiin” Gi-in finally secured his first titles this year with Gen.G, six years after his LCK debut. Now a champion in both the LCK and MSI, the only achievement left for him is to win the LoL World Championship.
We caught up with the former KT Rolster top laner as he geared up for his first match at Worlds 2024.
Esports.net: How has preparation been going? How are you feeling ahead of the tournament?
Kiin: We haven’t had much time to prepare yet, but things are going smoothly so far. I believe we are on the right track as long as we continue in this direction.
Lee Jones: Despite the disappointment of the LCK summer loss, do you feel that not having the pressure of the Golden Road narrative could benefit Gen.G during Worlds?
Kiin: Yes. Although we fell short in the Summer finals, missing out on that milestone was disappointing. However, the reduced pressure has allowed us to identify our mistakes and focus on improving for Worlds, which I believe is a positive step for us.
Image credit: Riot Games
Lee Jones: There has been talk about winning Worlds solidifying your Gen.G roster as the greatest LoL team of all time. What are your thoughts on that?
Kiin: While the idea of being the best LoL team has never crossed my mind, I believe that winning Worlds would indeed establish our team as the strongest in the current era.
Lee Jones: Playing alongside Chovy, who is regarded as playing at the highest level ever seen in LoL, how does that impact your role as a top laner?
Kiin: Chovy’s exceptional laning skills make team coordination and individual play more comfortable for me. It allows me to focus on my own game without distractions, which benefits our overall performance. I believe our team as a whole is very strong, not just Chovy.
Lee Jones: You have a challenging match against Weibo in the first round of Worlds. What are your thoughts on the draw?
Kiin: Weibo is a formidable opponent with great potential, so we need to be cautious of their strengths and be well-prepared to face them.
What are your impressions of the European top laners participating in Worlds?
Kiin: I haven’t faced many European top laners personally, but I have observed their unique champion choices that add an entertaining element to the game.
Who do you believe is the top top laner at Worlds this year?
Given my goal to win it all, I would have to say myself.
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