Aux talks T1 upset, new format, and the meta at MSI 2023

Following JD Gaming’s commanding victory over T1 in the MSI 2023 upper bracket finals, we secured an exclusive interview with veteran caster Dan “Aux” Harrison. The former LPL and current LCK analyst provided deep insights into the high-stakes match, evolving tournament strategies, format innovations, and broadcast collaborations.

WIN.gg: What are your immediate thoughts on the JDG vs T1 series?

The series delivered exceptional competitive quality that fans deserved. What made it particularly compelling was the genuine possibility of a championship rematch, creating sustained narrative tension throughout the tournament.

Was it challenging witnessing the LCK representatives fall short?

My professional allegiances span multiple regions, creating complex viewing perspectives. Ultimately, I prioritize witnessing elite-level League of Legends competition regardless of regional outcomes. The double-elimination structure ensures LCK maintains championship contention pathways despite this setback.

How do you evaluate the new double-elimination tournament structure?

Competition formats fundamentally shape tournament narratives and competitive integrity. Reflecting on previous MSI editions I’ve covered, the overreliance on best-of-one matches created volatility rather than skill-based outcomes. The current structure addresses previous format deficiencies while enhancing championship legitimacy.

While the system demonstrates clear improvements, certain best-of-five matchups revealed scheduling challenges. The Cloud9 versus Gen.G series exemplified how lopsided contests can diminish spectator experience, particularly for attendees with single-day commitments. However, these represent minor considerations within an overwhelmingly positive format evolution.

The opportunity to witness extended series between international powerhouses represents significant competitive advancement. With refined bracket formulation, we could potentially see additional regional clashes like NA versus EU best-of-fives. The current iteration delivers substantially improved competitive viewing while maintaining reasonable tournament duration.

Common Format Misconceptions: Many viewers underestimate how double-elimination protects against early tournament upsets derailing championship contention. Teams must demonstrate consistent excellence across multiple series rather than relying on single-match performances.

What’s your assessment of the current team fighting focused meta?

MSI 2023 showcases arguably the most sophisticated team fighting execution in League of Legends history. The strategic emphasis on AD carry protection and resource allocation creates compelling tactical depth. Series like BLG versus JDG demonstrated how teams structure engagements around marksman positioning and survival priorities.

The T1 versus Gen.G encounters, along with the JDG showdown, revealed how elite squads approach team fight initiation and target prioritization. We witnessed exceptional flank execution from players like knight and 369, demonstrating creative engagement angles that redefine conventional fight approaches.

Even with substantial gold deficits exceeding 7,000, teams maintain comeback potential through decisive team fight execution. Eliminating the enemy AD carry creates immediate objective control and map pressure opportunities regardless of early game performance.

The sustained tension throughout matches stems from this perpetual comeback capability. While laning phase retains importance, the meta creates space for dramatic 5v5 engagements that define match outcomes. These high-stakes team fights represent the core spectator experience that defines professional League of Legends.

Meta Optimization Tip: Advanced players should focus on summoner spell tracking and cooldown management during team fight preparation phases.

Given JDG’s team fighting supremacy, what counter-strategies prove effective?

Developing counters to JDG’s team fight execution presents complex strategic challenges. Overcommitting resources to neutralize Ruler creates vulnerability in your own backline protection. The delicate balance requires precise execution timing and resource allocation discipline.

Ruler’s exceptional positioning awareness and summoner spell conservation make targeted elimination exceptionally difficult. If straightforward solutions existed, professional coaching staffs would have implemented them already.

Draft phase decisions become critically important when facing elite team fighting organizations. Champion selections that enable creative flank angles and engagement flexibility provide counterplay opportunities against structured team fight compositions.

When opponents attempt protective strategies around their own carries, JDG demonstrates adaptability through unconventional engagement paths. Their creativity in finding alternative fight initiation angles separates them from competitors relying on conventional approaches.

Strategic Pitfall to Avoid: Teams often overinvest in shutting down Ruler while neglecting their own AD carry survival, creating net negative trade outcomes.

How has your collaboration with Huni on the LCK broadcast developed?

Huni brings exceptional professionalism and camaraderie to broadcast productions. While fans recognize his entertaining personality from European competitive days, his collaborative spirit enhances production quality significantly.

Our off-camera interactions during game review sessions reveal his genuine competitive passion and analytical depth. He consistently translates this energy to desk analysis, providing unique player perspective that enriches viewer understanding.

Despite his commitments to Korean-language broadcasts, Huni maintains cross-production relationships and support. Even during my initial transition periods, he demonstrated mentorship qualities that facilitated professional integration.

Beyond his professional contributions, Huni’s personal qualities including his famously adorable canine companion contribute to positive working environments. His presence elevates broadcast quality through combined expertise and interpersonal dynamics.

Professional Team Fight Execution Framework:

Elite teams approach team fights through structured phases: preparation, initiation, execution, and cleanup. During preparation, teams establish vision control and summoner spell awareness. Initiation requires identifying priority targets while maintaining formation integrity.

The current meta rewards teams that master flank timing and angle selection. Unlike previous seasons where early game advantages often determined outcomes, current patch dynamics enable strategic comebacks through disciplined team fight execution.

Time Investment for Skill Development: Players seeking to improve team fight execution should dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to team fight scenario review and positioning drills.

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