An interview with Jason 'JaeYoong' Yoong on becoming pro, season 3 and tips for bot lane

I was able to talk to JaeYoong, a pro AD carry player formerly of Kuala Lumpur Hunters. We talked about several topics such as how he became a pro league of legends player, his thoughts on Season 3 and the new items, and future plans amongst other things. JaeYoong is 20 years old from Malaysia and plays primarily on the Garena Taiwan server.

How long have you been playing League of Legends and what team(s) have you played for?

JaeYoong: I've been playing League of legends for 1 year and 5 months. I played for ESP.DaS (Eat.Sleep.Play), Too Good Gaming and Kuala Lumpur Hunters.

How did you become a pro gamer?

JaeYoong: I was playing Starcraft 2 and when I was about to go pro as Starcraft 2 pro-gamer, my best friend Hagane (current support) got offered to join Kuala Lumpur Hunters. Then after, he hoped that I could play alongside him as pro gamers in League of Legends so I gave up on my offer and joined Kuala Lumpur Hunters with him.

How do you feel about the changes for Season 3?

JaeYoong: I feel that the game is definitely changing big! These changes would be great for new players to start fresh and try to go pro in Season 3. Well as for myself, I'm finding it pretty hard to adapt to because I am very lazy and I hate exploring new stuff. Just kidding, but change is definitely good right? Those new items are pretty cool and fun to play with.

Why did you choose ADC as your main role?

JaeYoong: The main reason why I chose ADC as my main role is to play with my best friend Hagane, which is also my support in team and solo queue. Also, I am a big fan of farming so yeah, ADC fits both.

What is your favorite champion(s)?

JaeYoong: My favorite champions would be Vayne, Kog'Maw, Ezreal and Corki.

As an ADC main, do you think Infinity Edge & Phantom Dancer is best on ADC or some of the new items?

JaeYoong: I think IE is still the best choice for ADC's but I like the new Zephyr. I HATE buying defensive items and almost NEVER do so yeah, Zephyr gives me attack speed and movement speed which is what I like the most. It also gives me 35% tenacity, so it's pretty good...I guess haha.

Can you offer any tips or advice for lower ELO bot lane players?

JaeYoong: Lower ELO bot lane players, if you're playing solo PLEASE do yourself a favor and find a duo partner that plays bot lane too. It'll be easier for you to snowball your lane and also train up to be a better player.

How different is the gameplay in Asia compared to NA & EU?

JaeYoong: I am not too sure about the gameplay because I play mostly on Taiwan server but I've played on NA for a bit. I think NA and Taiwan's gameplay are pretty similar and have same meta. I don't play on EU so I can't tell you.

Will you be finding a new pro team for Season 3?

JaeYoong: Yes, definitely I'll be looking for a pro team in Season 3 but I'll start off by waiting for offers (if there's any team that wants me) and then maybe slowly approach teams that are recruiting new players.

What was your daily schedule when you were on a pro team? How often did you practice as a team? How
often did you solo queue?

JaeYoong: Back then when I was in Kuala Lumpur Hunters, we scrim and play team ranked very often. During free times, me and Hagane would always duo queue for practice.

What do you think about competitive play in Season 3? Will the teams from Asia dominate or will NA/EU be
better?

JaeYoong: I think the Asian teams will be dominating once again because of their hardwork and practice. Also their style of game play and strategies.

Do you think there will be a big change in the current meta?

JaeYoong: I think there will definitely be a big change in the current meta but it's up to those top players and how they want to change it. Whatever they do, people will always follow, isn't that what's been happening.

Do you have any shoutouts to fans and friends?

JaeYoong: I would like to shoutout to my fans that have been supporting me and Hagane all this while and my parents who've always been supporting me despite my downfalls. I'll try to do better in the future and achieve something good. I would like to also thank Jeff Prasad (Zumanity) and Team Dignitas for giving me this opportunity to be interviewed, wish you guys best of luck!

Watch JaeYoong's stream at http://www.twitch.tv/jaeyoong.