The Piltover Post

With another First Stand on the horizon, teams across the globe must battle for the chance to represent their region. However, the road to Brazil is short. With only three weeks to try and prove yourself for a chance in the playoffs, tensions run high, and not every team is lucky to have a strong first showing. Unfortunately, only one team can go to First Stand in the League Championship Series. But, as with every split, there are winners, and there are those who were not as fortunate. Photon, the top laner for Dignitas, was part of the latter and will not get a chance to play until April. After a season that made a lot of LCS fans scratch their heads as DIG made a lot of confusing moves and controversial decisions, Photon found himself back with DIG for 2026 and talks a bit about how this year feels different.

Special thanks to Photon for agreeing to this interview, even though English is not his first language. Please note that his answers have been slightly modified to flow more easily.

Q: In a previous interview you did with NAmen after Dignitas was knocked out in split 3 of the LTA North last year, you said that when you joined the team, the team wasn’t ideal. You said the players didn’t mesh together very well and that everyone struggled. Do you think this new roster has helped formulate a more positive environment that allows its players to thrive, even in the face of adversity?

A: We only played as a full roster for like only 2 weeks, so I can’t be sure, but everyone seems pretty nice, and also I feel like I’m more connected with the team.

Q: While fans love experiencing a third international tournament, it makes the first split of the season awfully short. Without any time to really find their groove, many of the weaker teams look poor. Unfortunately, DIG is one of those teams with a 1-3 record, having beaten only Shopify Rebellion, which didn’t win a single series. With no disrespect to Mobility and Breezy, do you think not having FBI and Ignar at first made a huge impact on how your first split went?

A: I think with FBI and Ignar being veterans, they helped us to play together. We didn’t have coaches until week two either, so it affected us a lot.

Q: A lot of teams have shown that they are stepping up to the plate and are not to be counted out, in spite of what everyone’s power rankings were saying. Out of the three opponents you played against during the Swiss stage, who was the toughest? Do you consider yourself lucky not have to play against some of the other teams like C9, who have dominated this split? 

A: I personally think Lyon was the toughest. During the 2nd game, when I played Kennen, I had a lot of pressure. I felt like they had better control of the map. Inspired was also able to predict what I was trying to do. Currently, C9 is the best team in this league, but the meta has changed from what it was a few years ago. There are quests in place to help prevent lane swaps. I feel like at this point, every team is even, and everyone can beat everyone else.

Q: As someone who has played in multiple regions, do you feel like that gives you an advantage over players who have only played in one specific region? Obviously, a lot of people feel like Korea is the dominant region, and who could blame them after looking at how many times they won a world championship? Do you feel like you learned the most from playing in LCK, or is there another region you feel contributed a lot to your competitive knowledge? 

A: I think every region has strengths, and I don’t really care where I go or where is better or worse. Wherever I go, I learn something new, and I can carry it with me going forward.

Q: Sadly, DIG was not able to find the success they were hoping for in split 1. In a nail-biting match versus Team Liquid to fight for a chance in the playoffs, it unfortunately ended for you and your team, and fans won’t get to see you on the stage again until April. Aside from playing soloqueue and scrimming with your team, what do you think you’ll do for the time being?

A: Everyone left except me already, and I’m not a person who likes to go outside. So I will be spending my time at the house, cooking for myself, and playing other games. Currently, I’m waiting for Slay the Spire 2.

Q: Part of being an imported player means you leave your friends and family behind. You have to immerse yourself in a different culture. Is there something you miss the most about Korea? What do you find the hardest about being away from home, and how do you cope with it?

A: I don’t really feel homesick for much, except maybe the food. I am just focused on playing in competition and practicing in scrims as much as possible.

Q: And finally, if you were to rank yourself and the other top lane players in the LCS, what would that list look like? What do you think are the strengths that set you apart from others? Where do you feel like you need to improve the most?

A: I will put everyone on the same rank. I’ve only played a few games, so I don’t have much info, but I don’t feel like there is a huge difference in LCS top laners. My strengths lie in my champ pool, but I need to improve on utilizing game tempo when we have the advantage.