Coming from Mexico, to Worlds ground without a Bo5 win in their regional league, MAD Lions have a lot to prove in North America and they are fighting for the chance to advance to Groups, to show everyone that they deserve their place among the best teams in the world.
So far, MAD Lions have had a successful run in Play-in stage, despite giving their fans some small scares before eventually winning their games. We spoke with William âUNF0RGIVENâ Nieminen about the game, the state of Worlds meta and other ADCâs in this tournament.
Aykut “Kots” Sapaz, BLIX.GG: Hello and welcome UNF0RGIVEN, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on your win against Saigon Buffalo. What are your thoughts on the match you just came out of.
William âUNF0RGIVENâ Nieminen: I think it was a bit [of a] messy game from us, we messed up a few times but we won the game so that’s what really matters.
BLIX: Is there any moment in the game where you thought the game was slipping from your hands? Because we’ve seen some interesting teamfights and picks throughout the game but it was ultimately a win for MAD Lions.
UNF0RGIVEN: No, I was confident all game that we would win because I think we’re probably better and we had a better draft as well.
BLIX: How does it feel to play Worlds in front of a North American crowd?
UNF0RGIVEN: I mean it just feels good to have people cheer for you while playing in this big tournament with the best players.
BLIX: That is very cool, one of the best parts of Worlds. We’ve seen a lot of high priority champions such as Maokai and Miss Fortune throughout Worlds, which champion do you think is the most powerful in the game right now?
UNF0RGIVEN: I think there are a few [great champions] like Hecarim, Aatrox, Miss Fortune and Kaisa and there are a lot of champions that are good depending on the situation, but a champion I don’t know why people aren’t playing more is Seraphine. This champion is so broken.
BLIX: So, would you go with Seraphine if you had to pick one?
UNF0RGIVEN: I think, with the right comp, yeah, probably.
BLIX: And what do you think about Worlds meta in general?
UNF0RGIVEN: I like the current meta, I think everything in the meta is fun except Caitlyn, that champion should never be meta.
BLIX: Who do you think will be the most powerful ADC you will face in your Worlds journey?
UNF0RGIVEN: I think it’s going to be Viper. I’d like to play against him.
BLIX: That would be very hype. Do you think you’d win that matchup?
UNF0RGIVEN: I don’t know. Maybe, maybe. Viper is pretty good so it might be hard.
BLIX: Your last match in Play-in groups will be against DRX, what are your thoughts on the matchup?
UNF0RGIVEN: I mean DRX is a really good team and I think Deft is a really good ADC as well so it’s gonna be hard and also fun to play against another Asian team.
BLIX: Good luck to you guys in that matchup tomorrow. Lastly is there anything you want to say to MAD fans, UNF0RGIVEN fans, EU fans out there?
UNF0RGIVEN: Thank you for cheering for us even though we suck sometimes, it’s really appreciated.
BLIX: That is very candid, thank you so much.
You’ll find more interviews and analysis from Worlds 22 right here on BLIX.GG.
Cover image credit: Riot Games.
