There’s a famous saying from a popular webtoon – “There are many geniuses, but there’s only one ‘top.”” It means that, among numerous talented and skilled individuals, only one can claim the throne. So, who’s the reigning champion of the current PUBG: Battlegrounds (“Battlegrounds”) e-sports scene? I bet everyone would agree – it’s ‘Danawa e-sports.’
Danawa e-sports is indeed the world’s strongest Battlegrounds team, having triumphed in Phase 1 and 2 of the ‘2023 PUBG Weekly Series: Korea (“PWS”)’ as well as the most prestigious global Battlegrounds competition featuring 32 top teams from around the globe, the ‘PUBG Global Championship 2023 (“PGC 2023”)’. The KRAFTON blog journeyed to the Incheon International Airport to meet the Danawa e-sports team, freshly returned to Korea after securing their championship win in Bangkok, Thailand. Let’s find out their thoughts on this momentous victory, shall we?
Congratulations on your victory at the PGC 2023! Could you introduce yourselves with words that capture your current feelings?
Loki: Hello. I’m G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) of the Battlegrounds e-sports, Loki, Jung-young Park.
seoul: Greetings. I’m seoul, or Gi-yeol Cho, the reigning world champion.
Inonix: Nice to meet you. My name is Inonix, or Hee-joo Na, and I’m the world’s best order.
Salute: Hi. I’m Salute, or Ju-hyeon Woo, and I’m the youngest member of the world’s strongest team.
Your self-introductions are quite impressive. It’s been 4 years since a Korean team last won the PGC trophy. What are your thoughts on this achievement?
Salute: For me, this feels like a unique kind of joy that I am experiencing for the first time. Words can’t express how elated I am (laughs).
Loki: Winning the prize money is great (laughs). Just joking, I’m thrilled. The thrill of victory never gets old.
seoul: This victory brought so much fun and happiness. It’s especially significant as it marks a return to glory after 4 years, as you mentioned.
All 18 matches were incredibly intense, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. When did you realize you were going to win the trophy?
Salute: I knew it when all the players from 17Gaming were eliminated in the last 18th match. That was the moment I realized we were going to win.
Loki: For me, it was during the 16th match, when we clinched the Chicken Dinner on the Vikendi map. Looking at our momentum and the scores, I started envisioning our victory.
As you’ve mentioned, we can’t go without mentioning the 16th match. It was an intense showdown against China’s Petrichor Road.
Inonix: Loki, who was out earlier, kept an eye on the kill log until the end of the match. The tension was high right up to the last moment, and I believe it was Loki’s briefing and support that steered us to victory (laughs).
In fact, you were ranked 11th on the first day of the Grand Final, which was a bit disappointing. However, on the second day, you scored 70 points, propelling yourselves to the top. What feedback did you share to lead you to this remarkable turnaround?
seoul: We didn’t make major changes to our style. We just realized our usual tactics weren’t working as well as expected and believed that we would rise quickly if we minimized mistakes. Staying unemotional about minor errors was crucial for our success, I guess.
I imagine you must have felt quite pressured as you were closely pursued by many teams until the final match. What helped you maintain your composure?
Loki: To be honest, we were not calm at all (laughs). I usually don’t get nervous, but that day was an exception. I guess I just stayed pumped during the matches.
Inonix: Same for me. The reason I caused a car accident in the last match was because of my nerves (laughs).
What was the most memorable moment of this championship?
All: Definitely the 16th match. Our concern about the Vikendi map was intense, but securing a Chicken Dinner was a huge relief.
Which team or player stood out the most in this championship?
Loki: I personally think it was the Twisted Minds team. As a player, I felt they were the most sharp and threatening.
seoul: I’d highlight two teams, 17Gaming and Twisted Minds. The three of us were locked in a triangular fight, and they truly demonstrated exceptional performance. Their presence kept me on edge until the very end.
This question is for Loki. You’re the only pro Battlegrounds player to have won the PGC twice, and your cumulative prize money ranks you as the world’s top earner. G.O.A.T. is what people say to refer to you. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Loki: The results speak for themselves, so I won’t downplay the recognition (laughs). However, I firmly believe my success is largely due to having great teammates. Luck played its part as well. No matter how skilled I am at the game, good results would be unattainable without effective team-play. I’m deeply grateful to my teammates.
A fan of yours, Loki, once commented in a community forum: “Of all the versions of Loki I’ve seen, this year’s Loki is the most complete.” Do you agree?
Loki: Well, I think my personal performance peaked between 2021 and 2022 while I was with DWG KIA (laughs). But this year has been a significant milestone, largely thanks to my team members.
Inonix, this is your first international victory outside of the ‘PUBG Nations Cup (“PNC”).’ You’ve emerged as a new order and leader for the team, how did you handle the pressure?
Inonix: Head Coach Myong-gwan Shin provided tremendous support. So did the team coach. Personally, I don’t view my role in the game as pivotal. The credit goes entirely to my teammates’ outstanding performances.
Loki: Absolutely true.
Inonix: …I agree. It’s all thanks to my teammates.
You (seoul) were awarded the MVP title for the PGC 2023, following the one at the PNC 2023. Many regard your current performance as placing you at an unmatched level in the scene. Do you also believe you’re the top player in the world right now?
seoul: Yes (laughs). I think I’ll hold onto the title of ‘the World’s Best’ until the next international competition. Even by my standards, I’m performing exceptionally well.
seoul, you seem to excel particularly in clutch plays. What’s your secret?
seoul: Honestly, I don’t see myself as particularly skilled in clutch situations. Finding that final edge has always been a challenge for me as well. However, things have turned in my favor, and I guess luck played a part.
Salute, the huge success of Loki, Inonix, and seoul at the PNC 2023 might have added pressure on you in this PGC 2023.
Salute: Not at all (laughs). I have faith in myself.
You’re the youngest in the team, and you’ve won an international competition at a very young age. This must be a unique experience for you.
Salute: I am young, but I’ve been in the Battlegrounds pro scene for a considerable time. (*Salute debuted on January 6, 2021) My goal is to maintain this momentum and continue winning.
What have been the most challenging and the most rewarding moments in your career?
Inonix: The highlight of my career was winning the PGC 2023, and the toughest period was throughout the entire PGC 2022. I was very dissatisfied with last year’s results.
Loki: My most rewarding moment was also the PGC 2023. As for the most challenging, I’d say it was ‘PUBG Global Invitational.S (“PGI.S”)’ in 2021. I was on the same team with Pio and ‘Player’ Inonix. I think that says it all.
Inonix: Why do you add ‘Player’ before my name?
Loki: It was extremely challenging as a teammate. I kept using honorific ‘Player’ for Inonix and kept some distance for a while. He had some personality quirks… (laughs).
Inonix: You can put this in your article. Nobody will believe it anyway (laughs).
seoul: This year was the happiest yet toughest for me. Not only did we adapt our play-style rapidly with the addition of talented players, but I also realized that great joy often comes with immense challenges. It was rewarding, yet demanding.
It may be too early to say, but do you have any goal for the next year?
Seoul: Naturally, achieving excellent results is a goal, but I also aim to further refine my skills and enjoy the game. The strongest players are those who find joy in what they do.
Who, besides the official MVP, would you consider the real MVP of the championship?
Loki: Personally, I’d say Salute. He wasn’t always flawless (laughs), but he consistently delivered when it mattered most. Being the youngest on the team isn’t easy, and I deeply appreciate him for exceeding my expectations.
Any messages for the teammates and coaches who stood with you through highs and lows this year?
Salute: I’m profoundly grateful to all players, staff, and coaches for your incredible efforts this year.
Loki: With numerous ups and downs, I’m thankful the outcome was positive. Time may fade negative memories, so I hope everyone remembers this year fondly.
seoul: To my teammates, Head Coach, and coaching staff, thank you for your tolerance towards me. I know I’m sensitive, so I’m all the more thankful.
Loki: You are, indeed.
seoul: …Anyway, I really wanted to express my gratitude.
Inonix: Everyone went through a ‘toughie’ this year. Thank you all.
Any final words for the fans who supported you?
Inonix: We are here because of your support. Thank you for always standing by us.
seoul: I heard your cheers loud and clear during the games. It felt like we achieved this victory together. Thank you for giving me that feeling.
