The play-in stage for the 2022 LoL World Championship starts in just a few hours. Before these teams flew out to the United States [Mexico City for DRX], Inven Global had a chance to briefly ask each of the head coach’s thoughts on their group, on LCK’s chances of winning Worlds this year, and who they personally thought was going to outperform the rest of their competition.

Here’s what T1 and DRX had to say.

T1 Bengi [#2 seed]

T1’s in group A, alongside Cloud9 and EDward Gaming. Is there a particular team you hope to face outside of those two teams?

I personally hope to face JD Gaming and TOP Esports.

In the last two years, the LPL and the LCK have each won a Worlds title. What’s your take on the LCK’s chances this year?

I think that the LCK will definitely be able to bring the Summoner’s Cup back to Korea.

Is there a particular player who you think will outperform the rest of his competition this year?

Personally, I think DRX’s bot laner, Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu will play very well in the tournament.

DRX Ssong [#4 Seed]

DRX starts their tournament run from the play-in stage. Is there a team you’d personally like to face outside of your play-in stage opponents?

I hope that we’ll be able to face other LCK teams after we get through play-ins and groups.

In the last two years, the LPL and the LCK have each won a Worlds title. What’s your take on the LCK’s chances this year?

I think it’ll be very close until the end, but I think that an LCK team will ultimately be able to bring back the Summoner’s Cup back home.

Is there a particular player who you think will outperform the rest of his competition this year?

I think it’ll be Zeka. He’s shown consistent improvement throughout the year, and I think there’s still a lot of potential. I anticipate that he’ll perform well through competing against other strong teams on the international stage.