VCS Winter 2021 was perhaps the most significant and successful tournament for CERBERUS Esports as they lifted the national championship trophy for the first time in history. Among the team members, EGO was the most significant change, playing a crucial role compared to the “Dog God” during Spring 2021.
GameK had the opportunity to chat with EGO in the final days of the year to hear the jungler, known as “SofM’s disciple,” share about his past journey and future plans.
Hello EGO, first of all, congratulations once again to you and the CERBERUS Esports team for winning the VCS Winter 2021. You must still be feeling very happy today, right?
First of all, I would like to greet the readers of GameK. Right now, I am on a mid-season break visiting family and friends. I still feel very happy about winning the VCS for the third time, and I am enjoying the festive joy with my loved ones (laughs).
After GAM’s main base exploded in game 5, what was your feeling at that moment?
I was overwhelmed with happiness. Even though this was the third time I defeated GAM, my joy felt just like the first time. My teammates were all cheering, and the other brothers also burst in to hug and congratulate each other. Thinking back, I am still very happy (laughs).
In the decisive game, was there a moment when you felt CES could lose? Especially after GAM secured the second Baron of the match?
Actually, I always believed in myself and my teammates, so throughout the match, I never thought we could lose. Even after losing the second Baron, the team calmed each other down and quickly set up again, controlling the lanes to continue the next fight to gain an advantage.
In Spring 2021, EGO barely played. Is your health more stable now?
I’m completely healthy now. Thank you, GameK, for your concern (laughs).
That must have been the toughest time for you, right? Can you share with your fans what motivated you to overcome illness and return to competition?
It was indeed a challenging yet memorable time for me. During that period, I always had my parents and grandparents by my side to share and encourage me a lot. I especially want to thank my team management and my teammates. They always showed concern for me, and I appreciate that very much.
Being called “SofM’s disciple” and having watched many of his matches, what do you think you have learned from SofM?
I learned his playstyle and also his attitude. I truly admire and respect SofM because I see him as my first teacher. He always takes the time to discuss the game with me, so I have learned a lot from him.
In 2020, SofM and Suning’s journey was truly miraculous. How did you feel witnessing your idol compete in the 2020 World Championship finals?
I was very proud of what SofM displayed, not only proud of my brother but also proud of my nation, that Vietnam has talents shining on the international stage, not inferior to anyone. Seeing SofM succeed gives me even more motivation to strive in the future. (laughs).
Next year, SofM will team up with TheShy in the top lane of Weibo Gaming. As a jungler, how do you assess the importance of good synergy with the top lane teammate? Do you think TheShy can adapt to SofM’s style?
In my opinion, TheShy is a veteran player with top-notch skills and is already at the world level, so having TheShy as a teammate with SofM seems quite interesting. The top lane is one of the crucial lanes for split pushing, so if the Top-Jungle duo works well together, it will give the team an early advantage and snowball the game faster. I believe SofM can handle it.
If you could send a message to SofM for the new season, what would you say?
I wish him to win the LPL Spring 2022. And I hope to face him at MSI 2022 soon. I will strive for that. Love you!
The highest goal for CES and yourself in the new season will definitely still be the championship title. As a player who has won the VCS with two different teams, do you think conquering the championship is harder or defending it?
I think the pressure is the same. If we talk about conquering, then the team will be seen as the “underdog,” and we have to try much harder than other teams. Defending the championship means being the “top dog,” and the team also faces pressure about performance, having to maintain form and focus double compared to last season. Regardless, winning a tournament is never easy for a team over a long journey.
Do you have any personal goals for the new season? And is there a player or team you particularly want to defeat again?
My personal goal for next season is to work hard with the team to win the Spring 2022 and advance to MSI, then secure a spot at SEA Games 31 and the 2022 Asian Games. The team I look forward to facing is WBG. And in Vietnam, I think GAM Esports, because I see GAM is still very strong right now.
As we prepare to step into a new year, do you have any words for your fans and those of CES?
I want to thank everyone who has always believed in and supported me and CES. I also wish the readers of GameK, fans, and all my brothers a new year full of health, warmth, and happiness. Thank you all.
Thank you, EGO, and the CES team for helping GameK conduct this interview. I wish you and the “Dog God” more success in the upcoming 2022 season. Especially, I hope you and SofM will both be champions in the national league and have the opportunity to meet again at MSI 2022.