In the landscape of the 2023 League of Legends World Championship, while powerhouses like Gen.G and JD Gaming have firmly established themselves as the teams to beat, LNG Esports has stands as a potential disruptor. Their transformative performance this Summer has seen them morph from underdogs to genuine title contenders.

One factor in this ascent has been the sheer brilliance of their support player, Fu ‘Hang’ Ming-Hang. Not long ago an upcoming talent, Hang has since solidified his status as one of the world's premier supports. In an interview with Inven Global, Hang pulled back the curtain on his journey, team dynamics, and the challenges LNG has faced and overcome.

When asked about the foundations of his and LNG's growth, Hang immediately highlighted the importance of rigorous training and unyielding communication with his AD carry, Chen "GALA" Wei. "We train extensively. During our training games, we discuss every detail, especially the tough parts, until we both agree. Whenever we face a challenging part, we address it directly and don't avoid it. If we're not aligned, we engage in a thorough discussion until we reach a common goal. If something feels off, we discuss it further and then resolve it. This process is crucial for us."

▲ Tarzan and GALA

Although Hang has maintained his core playstyle, with perhaps a more tempered approach to aggression, he's firm in his belief that teamwork is the beating heart of success in League of Legends. Having joined LNG not long ago, Hang feels his gameplay has witnessed significant strides. Every tournament and match has been a stepping stone, teaching him something new and molding him into the formidable player he is today.

Dwelling further into team dynamics, Hang spoke of his synergy with teammates, particularly the jungler, Lee "Tarzan" Seung-yong. "Jungle-support synergy is crucial in League of Legends. Besides my bot laner, GALA, I'm particularly close with Tarzan in-game. Given our similar roles, we often find ourselves in similar situations. We share a strong connection and frequently engage in discussions about our gameplay."

This connection isn't limited to Tarzan alone. His bond with the bot laner, GALA, has been instrumental, with the duo spending countless hours refining their synergy. Their combined prowess has been evident in many matches, most notably against JDG. "Whenever I face JDG's bot lane, I'm eager to overcome them. However, they consistently showcase the strength of their champions. We haven't encountered T1's bot lane yet, but GALA informed me about their aggressive playstyle and excellent synergy."

Analyzing different regional styles, Hang points out the meticulousness of the LCK, noting their emphasis on early game farming and macro strategy. In contrast, LPL teams have a penchant for the unpredictable, with their gameplay characterized by spontaneous skirmishes and teamfights.

Looking ahead to further matches, Hang makes his preference clear. "I hope we can face against JDG, because I think we will not lose to them again." While the competition remains fierce and the path challenging, with players like Hang at the helm, LNG's journey in the tournament is bound to be compelling.

The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.