The Piltover Post

With another rotation around the sun, we get a new LCS season. As always, the off-season brought a lot of surprises to fans, both pleasant and devastating. However, many were not prepared for Lawrence “eXyu” Xu to return to Dignitas, after a very public dispute in which he found out he would not be starting with them for the remainder of the 2024 season via social media. After some time in the NACL, Xu found himself back in tier one with Disguised, where he would have to face the organization that disgraced him. Despite this trial, he agreed to sign a contract with DIG and compete in the LCS 2026.

Q: You’re back on Dignitas, despite your previous track record with them. Obviously, that started a rivalry that was talked about a lot last year, and a lot of fans, myself included, were surprised to see that you re-signed with DIG. What formulated that decision, and how did your talk with Bakery help shape that choice?

A: There are only 8 teams in the LCS, so as a player, there isn’t much room to blacklist an org, but also, I think there were some really important changes that happened to management that made me willing to rejoin.

Q: During the LTA North season, DIG alumni such as Srrty and Photon came forward and stated that the team environment was incredibly toxic and frustrating. Did your experience match up with those admissions? With the new roster, do you think that the situation has improved? What changed?

A: Honestly, not really. When I was on DIG, the environment was pretty chill. This new roster honestly has some of the best vibes I’ve experienced as a player. I think that FBI is really funny and keeps the mood lighthearted; everyone seems to believe in each other and the process we’re going through.

Q: Unfortunately, your team fell victim to the visa crisis that affected other teams like Disguised, with your rostered bot lane of FBI and IgNar, from being able to play with the team. The emergency subs, Mobility and Breezy, stepped up to the plate, but you were unable to secure the win. While there are a lot of factors at play for the loss, how much was having last-minute emergency substitutes affecting team mentality? Did the substitute bottom lane get a lot of time to practice and form cohesion with everyone?

A: I’m super appreciative of both Mobility and Breezy. I think they were put in a pretty difficult position, and they really did try to make the most of it. We did scrim together for a little over a week, but considering these other teams did Korean bootcamps and stuff, it definitely wasn’t enough.

Q: With that being said, the NACL players were NOT messing around on the main stage. Cryogen, Kisno, and Sajed dominated against their opponents. Mobility and Breezy struggled a little, but lack of practice and nerves going against a bot lane titan like Berserker and his support Isles, who have experience playing together on the main stage. It’s no secret that a lot of tier 1 teams opt to import Korean players over promoting tier 2 talent. Do you agree with the sentiment that imports are better, after the performances we saw from the NACL boys this past weekend? 

A: I don’t agree with the blanket statement that imports are better, but there are definitely players worth importing. I believe finding a balance between promoting homegrown talent and importing star-level players is crucial.

Q: It wasn’t just the players struggling with being able to play in the LCS. Coaches are finding themselves unable to be present for their team. Your coach, Swiffer, wasn’t able to be on stage with you. While Jonathon filled in as a figurehead, he let you guys choose your draft yourself. How do you feel that this affected your gameplay? Was it weird having free rein over what to play?

A: Our game 2 draft was absolutely horrendous, and our game 1 draft was something we hadn’t really prepared, so honestly, it was a bit devastating not have our coaches there with us.

Q: Lastly, what are your thoughts on the new season? Do you miss Atakhan? Do you think the new vision areas help a lot in competitive play to cover the map? What is a secret pocket pick that you would love to play on stage if the coaches would let you?

A: I think the new season is okay. The game feels a bit too standardized in the early game, which is a bit boring, but I do appreciate Atakhan being gone. I can’t reveal the secret pocket pick, but hopefully I’ll get to play some more exciting champs in the future.