League of Legends (LoL) is a multiplayer online video game that boasts over 100 million users worldwide. First developed by the US game company Riot Games in 2009, LoL is a quintessential title for esports that sees major competitions around the world. In LoL gameplay, two teams of five players battle it out to destroy the “Nexus” in the opponent’s territory.
In addition to their baseball club, the Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS operate an esports team called “SoftBank HAWKS gaming” (SHG), and SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) and its subsidiary BBIX, Inc. are major sponsors. One star player is Evi, who in 2024 joined SHG, the team that finished as runner-up in the “League of Legends Japan League (LJL) 2023 Summer Split,” the top LoL competition in Japan.
SoftBank News spoke with Evi in January 2024 to learn more about why he joined the SHG team and his future aspirations.
Evi
League of Legends esports Player
Top laner for LoL Team, Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS gaming
Hailing from Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, Evi is a top esports player who continues to lead the Japan LoL scene. His accomplishments include winning the LJL 10 times, making history as a player on the first Japanese team that reached the main stage at the world tournament (Worlds 2021), and also as the first Japanese player to compete in the LoL EMEA (LEC) Championship.
Bringing international experience to a rejuvenated SHG
What led to your joining SHG?
I was approached by Tatsuya Kobari, who leads SHG, a number of years back. When he reached out to me again in 2024, I was taken with his passion and decided I wanted to work with him.
Was there anything he said that particularly resonated with you?
Having won consecutive championships in Japan for about ten years and acquiring competition experience abroad, I thought I’d fulfilled my mission as a player. I wanted to retire while I was still on top of my game, not after my skills had declined.
Kobari told me that continuing to play as long as I could would also make me a legend. He gave examples of athletes who excelled in Japan after coming back from good runs internationally. That opened my mind to the possibility of continuing to compete.
Before joining the SHG LoL team, you were the first Japanese player to compete in the European league. What was that like?
It was both fascinating and enjoyable. Having unique experiences that no one else had felt very special.
How does playing in Japan compare to playing abroad?
Balancing language study and practice was tough. I managed to speak basic English, but I struggled to express myself during post-game reviews and discussions, which made me less proactive and disrupted the team dynamic at times.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I changed my mindset. I realized that LoL is a team game that requires strategy and thought in real time. I realized I needed to assert myself more in discussions.
Did your experience abroad lead to any particular growth?
Broadening my perspective was the biggest part. I realized there might be a reason for something that someone is doing that doesn’t make sense to me. For example, in Japan, feedback is often given indirectly, whereas in Europe, it's more direct. Europe's multinational environment means that subtlety often doesn't get the message across. I learned there are many different perspectives.
How would you describe your playing style?
I’d characterize myself as a “stubborn blacksmith” type of player that specializes in certain characters and pushes up against their limits while facing opponents. I'm confident that with my preferred characters, I can compete at the top global level.
What role do you play on the team?
I believe 90% of our success is determined by our pre-game preparation. I've suggested to the coach that we gather ten minutes ahead of practice to set goals and plans, and to cool down for a minute or two before holding post-game review sessions. Many consider everything outside of gameplay to be the coach's job, but contributing in this way is one of my unique strengths.
How do you plan to utilize your international experience as a team member?
Having managed to play abroad despite language barriers, I feel like I can do anything when using my own language. I want to share my experiences and what I consider to be important learnings from abroad. Besides, as a veteran player, my aim is to mentor the younger players.
Aiming for the LoL World Stage with Evi
Delivering matches that showcase both strength and a sense of enjoyment
VicaL, the newly appointed head coach of SHG, talked about Evi’s joining the team and discussed his aspirations.
VicaL
Head Coach for LoL Team, Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS gaming
With a track record that includes placing as runner-up at the 2014 League of Legends World Championship, VicaL is a head coach with worldwide leadership experience. His expertise and knowledge is bringing transformative changes to the SHG team.
What do you find appealing about Evi as a player?
Evi has proven himself to be an ideal player beyond my expectations. His passion for success, not just for himself, but for the team, is remarkable, making him a valuable player. I have a lot to learn from him myself.
What are your expectations for the team with Evi in the lineup?
With Evi and Forest joining, SHG can now be considered to be a team in the LJL that’s well balanced with players from last year and new additions.
Normally, when a team's lineup changes, individual players tend to stick to their known strategies for winning, leading to clashes and conflicts of opinion. However, Evi has a broad understanding of different winning strategies and respects the ideas of individual team members. The other players also recognize each other’s strengths and strive to pull together different ideas. Additionally, the individual laning and engagement abilities of the players are excellent, making no line vulnerable and keeping the team well-balanced. There might be issues with communication and syncing, but I expect these to be quickly resolved, and I even look forward to solving these problems.
Could you share your thoughts on the odds of qualifying for Worlds?
We’ll build a strong team that can deliver enjoyable matches that our fans have come to expect. We appreciate their continued support.
Seeking victory on the world stage
With Evi at the forefront, SHG is aiming to keep their momentum going in the LJL 2024 summer season and advance to the world stage.
Starting in 2024, the number of LJL teams in competition was reduced from eight to six. The top three LJL teams can advance to the Pacific Championship Series (PCS) playoffs where teams from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and others face off. In the spring season (Spring Split), the top team in the PCS can qualify for the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) international tournament, while in the summer season (Summer Split), the top two teams in the PCS can qualify for the worldwide tournament (Worlds).
After this interview was conducted in January 2024, SHG achieved redemption by winning its first LJL championship in the Spring Split and finishing second in the PCS. The LJL Summer Split began on June 7, and the team is aiming for another season victory, winning the PCS and making their debut at Worlds.
Evi shared a few final thoughts.
“I want to thank all our fans for their constant support. This season, I’m aiming to challenge the records I've set in Japan and exceed my past achievements. I also want to work hard to make our team one that fans will want to watch. Thank you for all your support.”
(Posted on July 1, 2024, Original article posted on January 19, 2024)
by SoftBank News Editors
