The Piltover Post

With the first week of the LCS split completed, the new players on the block faced off against Disguised, the veteran provisional guests. Sentinels entered the league after 100 Thieves’ tearful exit after the World Championships this past year. With a roster made up of 3/5 of DSG’s roster from last year, all eyes were on the match to see how the teams would match up. Even though they won the first game of the series, DSG rallied and secured the win. Isaac “DARKWINGS” Chou discusses his first week and facing off against his former organization.

Q: You faced off against your previous org, Disguised, a team that gave you your first shot in tier 1. What were your thoughts going into the first match of the 2026 LCS season? 

A: My first thought was how funny it was that we drew against DSG in the first place. I was mostly excited and nervous to play on stage again. There would be some kind of storyline because Rahel, Huhi, and I were all part of DSG last split.

Q: Many teams are facing issues with players obtaining their visas, resulting in the need for emergency substitutions, such as those seen with DIG and DSG. You were fortunate enough to have your complete roster in place for the opening weekend. Do you feel that gave you a leg up on other teams going forward, especially since some players are currently in limbo with no guarantee they will arrive for the rest of the split?  

A: We also had visa issues, even though we were all here for week one. We only had practice for a few days, so I wouldn’t say a leg up, but maybe a toe up on those with subs for the actual matches. I do feel really bad for Zamudo because I am not sure if he will be able to play anytime soon.

Q: While you have your full roster, your strategic coach, Dayos, is missing due to the aforementioned visa issues. While I do not doubt that Goldenglue is providing excellent coaching, do you think having a second set of eyes would have made a difference in how your first series of this split played out?

A: I do think that Dayos being in person would be a nice improvement because he is a very energetic person and does a lot to help the team. However, I do not think it would be fair to say that it would have made a difference in our first series.

Q: With four of your team members speaking Korean, do you ever find them speaking it to each other during critical moments? Do you think being with Rahel and Huhi helps you navigate the language barrier?

A: My teammates do speak Korean during the game, but not usually for critical moments. Rahel and Huhi are familiar faces that I am comfortable talking to, but Impact also helps translate to me.

Q: How is this team dynamic compared to 2025 DSG? Obviously, you have two other members who shared that experience with you, but how does playing with a teammate like Impact, who has a lengthy history in the LCS?

A: Since only the top and jungle are different from 2025 DSG, it is somewhat similar. Hambak is funny and wants to talk, but the language barrier slows our relationship a little bit. Impact still seems very passionate about the game, and I think he has a lot of experience that he shares. I’ve learned a lot of small details about the game and my decision-making that I have not thought about deeply before.

Q: You previously played on Conviction with Kisno in the NACL back at the beginning of 2025. How did it feel to be reunited on the rift in tier 1? What do you have to say to him after his stellar performance as an emergency sub?

A: It was fun to see Kisno again cause we met up in Atlanta during our time on Conviction (I also saw Cryogen there, too). I think he should be proud of his win on stage, but it was crazy bm to do the fan meet photo with us after. (joking)

Q: Lastly, even though you only played one split last year, what words of wisdom do you have for the new LCS rookies of 2026 on how to navigate the waters of tier one?

A: I think you have to be confident in your strengths and keep trying to improve in other areas over time. I’m a 1 split veteran, and I have to give advice lmao.