Within this season, Bilibili Gaming (BLG) has carved out a name for themselves with a year of formidable performances. Yet, a persistent hurdle remains: their inability to clinch victory over powerhouse rivals JD Gaming. Despite great performances throughout the year, they've simply been foundation for the Golden Road JD Gaming has been paving.

The relative inexperience of BLG's lineup, underscored by their coach's remarks about the absence of a seasoned shotcaller, has led to pivotal mistakes at critical junctures. However, amidst this dynamic, top laner Chen "Bin" Ze-Bin has unexpectedly found himself transitioning from a team player to a pivotal leader.

"Previously, on other teams, I wasn't the leader. We had so many other veterans who would lead the team to victory. But now, in BLG, I've become the captain," Bin explained in a discussion with Inven Global. "So, for many matches, they need to play around me. I really need to take on this responsibility and maintain our momentum on a high note to help my teammates, because my momentum can affect them as well."

This newfound responsibility has been a significant shift for Bin, demanding a deeper understanding of the game and stronger communication skills. Despite the weight of leadership, he remains a team player at heart, highlighting the collective effort behind each match. "Every player has really great mechanics, and their personal abilities are good, too. I might be the one who gets more attention, but honestly, all my teammates are in the game trying their best to showcase the highest level of performance on stage," Bin explains, emphasizing the collaborative spirit within BLG.

Bin's comprehensive skill set and keen analytical eye become evident when he discusses his contemporaries — his thoughts extending to the west. Other than the LPL and LCK, G2's top laner, Sergen "BrokenBlade" Çelik, stands out to him due to his aggressive gameplay and willingness to take risks with champions seldom seen in professional play. "He exhibits an extremely aggressive style and has a unique champion pool. He's not hesitant to try champions like Yasuo on stage. With these champions, it's super easy to create a snowball effect, so we can't afford mistakes against him. That definitely adds some pressure," Bin observes, acknowledging the added layer of unpredictability that players like BrokenBlade bring to the table.

However, when it comes to Fnatic's Adam "Adam" Maanane, coming into even more prominence at Worlds for his unorthodox selections such as Garen, Olaf, and Darius, Bin expresses skepticism. "The reason he has this champion pool is because he's played these champions for so many years — he's confident in them. That's why he can just try them out on stage; he's sure about them," Bin suggests.

While unique picks might shine in early stages, they'll likely falter against the polished strategies and skill sets of top-tier players. "Previously, I'm not that familiar with this player, but after the Play-In stage, his pick was successful. He really played so well on stage. But it was just in the Play-Ins," Bin elaborates, casting doubt on whether such unconventional choices can hold up against the world's best. "But in the Swiss, if he plays against top laners like me, I'm probably going to get a win easily." 

Bin's growth from a young and talented top laner to a successful vocal leader is a testament to his adaptability. While BLG hasn't reached perfection yet, they remain one of the most exciting teams in the event. In a game where youth often reigns supreme, BLG's young roster, guided by Bin's steady hand, is poised to be one of the most exciting in the event.

This interview was condensed and edited for length and clarity.