OverPower Esports is one of the two newcomers that have just joined the highest league of League of Legends in Vietnam – VCS Summer 2020. Similar to Percent Esports, the squad led by “Chairman” Optimus had a spectacular debut by defeating the formidable Saigon Buffalo team with a score of 2-1.
Having a successful start in the first week of competition, the boys of OPG are now fired up and ready to embrace the next challenges. For the fans of League of Legends in Vietnam, witnessing the “underdog” teams continuously create miracles is truly a dream scenario, promising an exciting season ahead.
In the eager anticipation of unexpected developments that may arise in the second week of competition, let’s have a chat with the members of OverPower Esports – one of the most notable “wild cards” of this year’s tournament!
First off, we cannot overlook the name that symbolizes OPG, who is also the owner of this team – former player Trần “Optimus” Văn Cường.
Hello Optimus! So you have fulfilled your wish to return to the VCS once again, but now in a completely new position. How has your experience been returning to a tournament that has been tied to many ups and downs in your professional career, as the head of a team?
I don’t feel much difference in my current role compared to before, except that I am busier and have to think a bit more, as I still communicate with the younger players as a big brother, a friend to facilitate professional exchanges. The only change is that I now have to meet a lot of partners to discuss work.
In the past, Optimus was also mentioned as the leading figure who brought Sky Gaming (the predecessor of Team Flash) to the VCS, laying the groundwork for the current success of the team. How has Optimus changed compared to when he was the captain of SGD?
I still support the team in every aspect, just that I no longer compete, but there are some differences in that I want to elevate the professionalism of the team to the highest level possible, so during this time, I also spend a lot of time discussing with the Coaching Staff and talking to the players to build the team’s culture. In the future, I hope the team can operate independently without relying too much on me in case I am busy with other organizational jobs.
OPG had a successful debut in the number one League of Legends tournament in Vietnam. In your opinion, where does this positive start come from? Can you share about the team’s preparations before entering VCS Summer 2020? Did the players work extremely hard to prove themselves in this tournament?
The preparation for entering the VCS Summer 2020 tournament went quite smoothly because the players are all young and inexperienced, so when the coaching staff communicated, they listened very well. They are serious about the profession and very hardworking. Regarding the debut match, one point is good, but the whole team made some serious mistakes, so personally, I think the players should only feel happy because we had a bit of luck rather than having played well.
In reality, although they are newcomers, many members of OPG have experience competing in the VCS. Do you expect this team to achieve better results than in the past?
This season, our minimum goal is to reach the top 4. I don’t expect the players to win the championship but want them to form a cohesive playstyle. However, if we can win the championship, it would certainly be even better.
The VCS Summer 2020 has seen extremely unpredictable variables right from the first week of competition. Many believe the gap in skill level between teams has narrowed, making the competition for the top spot very fierce. Do you agree with this opinion? Does OPG feel confident to enter the championship race or compete for a spot at the 2020 World Championship?
Other teams have more experience than OPG, but the members of OPG are showing progress, and I trust the players in our team that if they work hard enough, they have the potential to compete for a spot at the 2020 World Championship. However, in sports, you have to compete to know the result.
It is known that the playoff format of VCS Summer 2020 has changed compared to the previous season, and up to 6 out of 8 teams will have the right to participate in the knockout stage. This format has faced quite a lot of controversy in the community. On a personal level, what is your assessment of this?
Personally, I always respect every decision from the organizers. They are the ones who operate the tournament and develop the community; they know what the tournament needs and what should be done. From a professional perspective, this format will give lower-ranked teams more opportunities, while higher-ranked teams will have to strive harder.
Thank you, Optimus, for your insights. Now, let’s chat with Zin – a name that is perhaps too familiar to Vietnamese League of Legends fans, as a former AD carry of GAM Esports, and now competing for OverPower in the role of… Support.
Hello Zin! The transition of a player changing positions when playing professionally is no longer strange. How has your experience been transitioning from AD carry to Support?
I find the support role suits me quite well because I used to play AD carry, so I somewhat understand what the AD carry needs, and I also communicate quite a bit, so competing in the support position makes it easier to call shots.
According to Vit’s sharing after the win against SGB, you are the one responsible for the main shot-calling of OPG. Can you share some of the pressures or your feelings when taking on this heavy responsibility?
Compared to my teammates, I have more competition experience, and I personally want to direct myself to become a captain rather than just a regular player. So when I was entrusted with the main calling responsibility by my teammates and the Coaching Staff, aside from feeling a bit of pressure, I also felt happy because I have the opportunity to realize what I want.
Zin, Vit, PHT… were teammates since their time at V Gaming, and now you are wearing the same OPG jersey along with many other young talents. Do you think this will positively contribute to bonding the members together?
I think having been teammates before in the old team helps a lot in bonding us under the new OPG jersey. At the same time, we also receive direction and support from the seniors in the organization and the Coaching Staff to help old and new members integrate well with each other. I think we gamers also find it easier to play together.
From your personal perspective, how do you assess the strength comparison of the teams in this VCS season? Who is the strongest candidate for the VCS Summer 2020 championship? And which 2 names will represent Vietnam at the World Championship?
After the first week of competition, I think that there is no team in the VCS that is significantly superior to the others; the gap between teams is narrowing. I cannot assess which team is a championship contender or which 2 names will represent Vietnam at the World Championship. The only thing I care about right now is that OPG will strive to become one of those 2 representatives, and I will do my best to realize that goal with my teammates.
Speaking of OPG’s performance against SGB last week, we can’t overlook the name Vit – the AD carry player who had an extremely impressive performance in his debut match at the VCS.
Hello Vit! The bottom lane of the VCS is currently witnessing a fierce competition, with many big stars like Celebrity, BigKoro, Slayder, Palette, CBL… OPG is also considered to have a promising AD carry – Support duo in Vit – Zin. How do you feel about the strength comparison of the bottom lane duos in the VCS right now?
In my opinion, there is not a significant skill gap between the current AD carry – Support duos. The differences, if any, are in competitive experience and synergy between the pairs. In each match, whoever can maintain composure and a good mindset will gain an advantage and perform better.
You had an expected performance in OPG’s victory against Saigon Buffalo. Are you confident that you can maintain that form to challenge other top stars in the VCS?
I always want to be better than I was yesterday, so maintaining my form is something I must do.
The AD carry position is currently seen by many top global stars as too weak and lacking influence in each match compared to other positions. How do you feel about this assessment?
I don’t think this is very accurate in the VCS because the playstyle in the VCS involves continuous team fights, so the AD carry position – which can deal a significant amount of damage in team fights – still has a considerable impact on the match.
According to Vit, who is the top-tier name in your position? Currently and throughout the history of League of Legends in Vietnam?
In the past, I was impressed by Archie, and at the present time, I think Celebrity is the one who has maintained the most stable performance across seasons.
Thank you to the members of OverPower Esports for the interview. And this afternoon, June 26, the OPG players will face another tough challenge when they compete against GAM Esports in the second week of VCS Summer 2020. We hope the OPG boys will continue to perform remarkably to realize their top goals this season.
