Drx Mako Press Conference Champions 2025 Group Stage

DRX opened their Champions 2025 campaign with a decisive win over Team Liquid in Group C, establishing early momentum in the tournament. The result positioned them in the Upper Bracket, where they now prepare to take on NRG with a playoff berth on the line.

Following the victory, the team reflected on their performance and shared their thoughts on the evolving competitive landscape. For MaKo, the experience stood out compared to past international events, offering both a fresh challenge and an opportunity to build on DRX’s progress.

DRX MaKo’s Global Competitive Journey

Kim „MaKo“ Myeong-kwan has established himself as one of the most consistent presences on the international VALORANT stage. Since 2021, he has competed in every edition of VALORANT Champions, a record that highlights both his longevity and reliability at the highest level of play. Entering the 2025 event as the fourth seed, he emphasized a shift in mindset, choosing to focus less on results and more on enjoying the competition with his teammates.

A unique aspect of his track record is his flawless record in opening matches. He has never dropped a first game at Champions, though he admits there is no particular strategy behind it. For him, the ability to start strong has simply become a recurring pattern that adds to his confidence.

MaKo also stressed the importance of perspective within the team. Reaching the quarterfinals is his personal benchmark, even if teammates may set different goals. This approach reflects his balance between competitiveness and maintaining a steady mentality during long tournaments.

Key Notes on MaKo’s International Career

• Qualified for every VALORANT Champions since 2021
• Entered Champions 2025 as a fourth seed for the first time
• Maintains a perfect record in opening matches
• Focuses on team enjoyment alongside competition

Teammates, including Cho „Flashback“ Min-hyuk, share optimism about the team’s form heading into Paris, with upcoming matches against strong opponents like NRG expected to test their experience and adaptability.

Stage 2 results and effect on qualification points

DRX’s run through Stage 2 of the Pacific league highlighted both their struggles and their long-term consistency. The team did not reach the heights they had shown earlier in the season, falling short in the playoffs. However, their steady accumulation of Champions Points across the year ensured they secured a place at Champions, regardless of the final Stage 2 outcome. This system rewarded their sustained performance rather than a single tournament result.

The coaching staff emphasized that once qualification was locked in, the priority shifted. Instead of focusing solely on Stage 2 victories, the team allocated more time to preparation for Champions. Scrim results and practice sessions reportedly showed promising improvements, which gave the roster confidence heading into the international stage.

A notable adjustment came in the team’s composition. DRX introduced a double-duelist setup, leveraging the firepower of Hyunmin and Flashback. Both players demonstrated the ability to apply heavy pressure and generate impact, giving DRX a more aggressive edge compared to their traditional style.

Key points from Stage 2 and its impact:

• Playoff results: Below expectations, but not critical for qualification.
• Champions Points: Secured their spot through consistent seasonal performance.
• Strategic shift: Adoption of a two-duelist lineup to maximize player strengths.
• Preparation focus: Extra practice time directed toward Champions rather than Stage 2 outcomes.

This balance of consistent results, system-driven qualification, and tactical adjustments positioned DRX to approach Champions with renewed focus.