The stage is set for an epic global showdown: the PUBG Global Championship 2023 (PGC 2023). Starting this Saturday, November 18, the world’s finest PUBG: Battlegrounds teams will battle it out to determine who reigns supreme. In anticipation of this grand event, we at the KRAFTON Blog spoke with Gyumin (Gyumin Sim), the main order of V7 FUNPIN, who has clinched their first-ever spot at the PGC. Gyumin believes that, while talent and confidence are essential for a pro gamer, it’s crucial not to turn these attributes into arrogance. It’s this philosophy that might just be his greatest asset. We invite you to dive into our conversation with Gyumin, a rising star in the PUBG scene.
Nice to meet you. Can you please introduce yourself?
Hello. I’m Gyumin, or Gyumin Sim, the main order of V7 FUNPIN, a team contending in this year’s PUBG Global Championship 2023 (PGC 2023).
V7 FUNPIN narrowly missed the top spot, finishing second by a slim margin in this year’s PUBG WEEKLY SERIES (PWS) That must have been quite disappointing. How did your team handle the outcome?
Indeed, it was a bitter pill to swallow since we had our sights firmly set on the trophy. Fortunately, we secured our place in PGC 2023, but the thin gap in scores was disheartening. But our spirits weren’t dampened. We decided to channel our energy into preparing for PGC 2023 to ensure we achieve good results.
What does this PGC 2023 mean for you?
It’s really important. This is my first PGC since my debut, and this year has had many personal challenges for me. Achieving a strong performance at this competition would make this a truly unforgettable year.
How intensively are you practicing for the PGC 2023?
My practice routine has not changed much. However, we’re analyzing the distinctive play styles of our competitors and engaging in in-depth strategy discussions with our coaches. While our overarching strategy remains constant, we’re focusing on fine-tuning the nuances for the early stages of play.
How do you assess your current performance?
I’d say that everyone on the team, myself included, is at their peak right now (laughs). Our confidence is sky-high, too. I can’t see us losing in battles against any competitors at the PGC.
Is there a particular team or player you view as your strongest rival?
My pick would be the players from CERBERUS Esports. Their individual skills are exceptional, and their play style is quite annoying (laughs). In fact, you know, this is the best compliment for a pro player. I personally know and like them very much, but they are the ones I’m most wary of in the competition. Especially HaiSaki, the order of their team, really keeps me on my toes with his impressive moves and mechanics.
What sets V7 FUNPIN apart from other teams in terms of strengths?
I’d say our strategic approach is what really sets us apart. I’m confident that we have a superior handle on game strategy than other Korean teams. It might not be obvious to outsiders, but I firmly believe that my strategic play is second to none. That’s why I consider strategy our greatest asset. Of course, my teammates and their exceptional individual skills to execute the strategy are one of our strengths, too.
When it comes to practice, what do you prioritize the most?
Teamwork during battle is our top priority. We really focus on getting our minds in sync, making sure we all make unified decisions when it really counts. That’s what we focus on during our practice sessions.
What do you see as your biggest asset as a professional player?
I’d say it’s balance. I’d say I’m pretty skilled at both the mechanics and the strategy side of things. Overall, I think I keep up pretty high stats in every part of the game.
Do you think this strength is innate? Or was it developed?
Honestly, I’m inclined to believe it’s mostly an innate ability. Of course, getting advice from PLIKHE, our coach, and picking up insights from Lambu, my old teammate from Danawa e-sports, has been really helpful too. But I do believe that my aptitude for tactics and smart gameplay is something I was just born with. That being said, my mechanical skills have definitely been honed through diligent practice.
How do you mentally prepare before a match?
I wouldn’t say I have the strongest mentality by nature. I simply keep reminding myself that I can do it. I’m the youngest in the team, so my teammates encourage me a lot.
Do you have a motto that you have in mind as a pro player?
If I had to choose one, it would be “never stop trying.” A professional gamer’s career is over the moment they stop striving for improvement. Sure, talent and confidence are vital for an FPS gamer, but one must always be careful not to become complacent or conceited. It’s crucial to maintain that discipline. I constantly remind myself to be confident, but never to become complacent.
Is there a particular practice you follow to enhance team cohesion?
For us, frequent and open dialogue is the key. It’s not about one-way feedback, but rather a genuine exchange of ideas. Considering our individual differences, we don’t expect everyone to think alike. So we often have discussions to align our strategies as closely as possible ahead of matches.
Looking to the future, when you decide to retire, how would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as a player who set new highs that no one else has reached. Like Loki from Danawa e-sports.
Could you share something personal that fans might find surprising?
I’ve always been good at studying and playing the game Go. So my mother was very concerned when I first chose a career in gaming. Thankfully, after proving my success as a professional, she’s become one of my biggest supporters. Oh, my older brother helped me a lot in persuading her. I owe him a lot for that.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies other than playing games?
This is actually something I’ve been pondering the most. My hobby and my job are the same, so I don’t have a distinct hobby to turn to for relaxation. I usually catch up with friends over drinks or dinner, but that’s about it. So lately, I’ve been considering taking up a hobby. My mood definitely goes up and down based on how the matches turn out. I need something that can help me alleviate the stress and emotional ups and downs.
How do you think Gyumin, the professional player, is different from Gyumin Sim, your personal self?
I’d say they’re almost the opposite. Gyumin as a pro player is edgy and intense, driven by a profound desire to win. On the other hand, Gyumin Sim is easygoing and soft (laughs). In fact, this can be quite puzzling at times, even to me. Of course, they’re both facets of who I am. Yet, they couldn’t be more distinct.
What drives you to maintain your determination and strength?
Two things, primarily. The first thing is my relentless drive to succeed. I fiercely crave success. I really want to be successful. The second is the motivation I draw from proving my haters wrong (laughs). You know. I’m one of those people who need to see things through once I start. I am outspoken because I want to be held accountable, and I strive to live up to my own words.
PGC 2023 is taking place in Bangkok this year. Are there any concerns or expectations about the international venue?
I have no particular concerns. In fact, I prefer offline matches. There’s something about the audience’s enthusiasm that drives me. Plus, the schedule seems manageable, which hopefully means some downtime.
What is your ultimate goal for this competition? Anything personal you’re aiming to achieve?
I have my sights set on getting into the top 5 team rankings at the PGC. I also want to establish myself as a main order who’s recognized and respected on the global stage. Getting good scores would be great, but I’m not too hung up on the outcome. I don’t have any plan to end my professional career anytime soon, and I consider this year as a stepping stone towards further honing my skills. Success would be great, but I won’t be overly disappointed if I don’t hit that mark this time around.
If you win the prize money, what’s your plan?
I’d like to buy a car for my mother.
Please share your determination for PGC 2023 with us.
I have full confidence that my team can cruise into the grand finals. We’re in peak form. We’re ready to show our fans the level of performance they expect from us. Please stay with us until the end!
Any final words for the V7 FUNPIN supporters?
Your support has been incredible throughout the PWS. I really appreciate it. Your love and support carried us to where we are now. Now, there’s just one more hurdle left, the biggest one. I’ll give it my all to make sure we finish strong and live up to your expectations. Thank you.
