The first day of the 2022 LCS Spring Split was the first game on stage for TSM's new roster after visa issues forced the organization to start TSM Academy in the Lock In last month, but it was also the LCS debut of mid laner Zhu "Keaiduo" Xiong. Keaiduo has only previously played in China, but never in the LPL, which makes his first games with TSM his first games at the premiere level of League of Legends esports competition. 

In TSM's matches against Evil Geniuses and Dignitas, Keaiduo showed strong levels of play, but failed to maintain it across the entirety of either match. After TSM's second loss of the Spring Split, Keaiduo spoke to Inven Global about his first LCS weekend, his first impressions of his new environment and team, and which mid laners he is looking forward to testing himself against the most in 2022. 

Obviously, these weren't the results you wanted from this weekend, but how are you feeling about your first games in the LCS?

I feel a little bit bad about myself. I think I was not playing 100% like myself. I feel like my coordination with my teammates could have been way better. In the first game that we lost, I don't think I played very well in the early game, and in the second game, I don't feel like I played very well in the mid and late game. I feel like I could have carried that game if not for the silly mistakes I made.

How long have you been in North America so far, and how have you enjoyed it?

I'm good. I came here about 20 days ago and I feel good.

You've already gained some new supporters with your emphatic approach to streaming. How has it been streaming in North America, and how does the solo queue here compare to the solo queue in China?

I've never streamed before, this is my first time streaming. I feel like one should interact more with their viewers if they want to be a good streamer, which is why I'm doing that a lot and trying to make my viewers happy. I feel like those are the traits of a good streamer. Regarding solo queue, it's not as bad as other people say it is. People here are actually quite decent and the 50 ping is not bad. It's definitely playable.

You've been here for almost three weeks, so it sounds like you've had a bit of time to familiarize yourself with your teammates. How would you describe the team environment on TSM?

I feel like it's very easy for everyone to get along.

You played against Joseph "jojopyun" Joon Pyun and Ersin "Blue" Gören this weekend. What other LCS mid laners are you looking forward to facing the most?

I don't care about who I play against in the mid lane. If the enemy jungler and support don't come mid, I'll destroy every mid laner here.

If TSM was to qualify for Worlds, which mid laners would you want to test yourself against most on the international stage?

Chovy and Rookie. They play to their maximum best mechanically and there are no other mid laners who have mechanics like them. They do all of the little micro stuff the best, so I feel like they're the best mid laners, which is why I want to play against them.

Is there anything you want to say to the TSM fans now that you've debuted in the LCS?

I'm very sorry that we lost our matches in the first week. I'm going to put in more work. I promise to win all the remaining games.

Thanks so much for the interview, Keaiduo. Any closing words?

I wish for everyone to be in good health and happy every day. That's the most important thing about being a human.

Disclaimer:  An earlier iteration of this published interview stated that TSM had lost their second game of the Spring Split to Golden Guardians when the loss was actually at the hands of Dignitas. This interview has been rectified to reflect the accurate information.