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PSG Talon has been one of the biggest highlights in the League of Legends community, as showcased by the Hong Kongers, who performed beyond expectations at the MSI 2021.
One of the key figures behind PSG Talon's recent success on the domestic and international stages was their veteran mid laner, Huang "Maple" Yi-Tang. With eight years in the competitive esports arena, the Taiwanese professional is considered one of the best League of Legends players ever from the Pacific region.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda Esports' Sayantan Chowdhury, Maple opened up about his professional career, personal life, and some of his thoughts on the future of the Pacific Championship Series (PCS).
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The following is an excerpt of the conversation.
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Q. Starting your professional League of Legends career with Gamania Bears, followed by big names like Flash Wolves, Suning, LNG Esports, and now PSG Talon, you have already explored a lot in the pro gaming scene. How has the journey been so far, and what did you enjoy the most?
Maple: For me, joining every new team is a challenge, as each side has different styles of gameplay and communication habits, and I need to readjust to these. Although there are some good and bad results from these teams, they have helped me grow.
Q. How has the esports culture grown in Taiwan? Was it difficult for you to choose a nascent profession like gaming in the first place? How supportive were your friends and family?
Maple: From 2008 to 2012, Taiwan had just started to develop esports, which was its germination period there. Many systems and regulations were incomplete. Today, I think it has grown quite well. My family members were somewhat uneasy at first, but now they are supportive of me.
Q. After spending two years in a major region like LPL, why did you suddenly choose to play in a comparatively minor league like PCS? Was it just to explore a new challenge, or did you have other thoughts?
Maple: In the LPL for two years, I did not get good results. So I decided to come back and join PSG. I wanted to be on the world stage again and prove myself.
Q. You have been in the competitive League of Legends scene for almost eight years now and have played against hundreds of professionals. Who was the most difficult mid-lane opponent you have faced in your entire career?
Maple: The most potent opponent should be Song "Rookie" Eui-jin. Since the time of S5, we have played against each other, and I know that his techniques are stronger than other LPL mid-players. I have always admired him for this.
Q. With your Azir-pick in the MSI 2021 semifinal against RNG, you have reached a milestone of picking the Shuriman Emperor of Sands for the 50th time in your competitive career. Having over 76% win rate and an impressive average KDA score of 5.5 with Azir, the champion has undoubtedly played an impactful role in your career. What differentiates Azir from the rest that makes you choose him again and again in competitive games?
Maple: Azir is very stable in any pro match. And it can always get advantages in the middle lane. The difference with other champs is that Azir is not good at helping other teammates. He is a champ who can carry very well on his own after 30 mins of farming.
Q. When PSG Talon qualified for the MSI 2021, and you had a first look at your group, what were your initial reactions? Did it ever cross your mind that PSG could make it to the tournament semifinal, dueling with heavyweights like RNG, DWG, C9, and MAD?
Maple: I have participated in MSI many times in the past. I've always had at least the top 4. So it's not too surprising that I made it to the top 4 this year.
Q. Despite a few spells of good performances by Flash Wolves in the Worlds 2018 or by PSG Talon in the MSI this year, the Pacific region has always remained behind in international League of Legends stages. Now, with in-form teams like PSG Talon and Beyond Gaming rising to international standards, don't you think that the golden period of PCS is not far behind?
Maple: I think the PCS region has a few pretty good players. Then we can practice with the LCK LPL team. So we can learn a lot of things to play in the international tournaments.
Q. Taiwan's Aowanda is famous for its maple trees. Was "Maple" a random IGN pick, or do I sense an interesting story here?
Maple: In fact, my former IGN on the Taiwan server is "楓棠歲月." It means the time for the maple leaves to bloom. I took the translation of the first word, "Maple," as my IGN.
Q. Leaving aside your dedicated League of Legends life, do you play other games like Valorant or Warcraft? Have you ever thought of switching games to get a change?
Maple: I love to play shooting games. The most recent shooting games I have played are Valorant, Apex, PUBG, and L4D2.
Q. What are your long-term aspirations in esports? Can fans expect to see Maple take up coaching or casting once done with professional play?
Maple: I haven't thought about it yet. After retiring from being a professional player. I want to take a break for a while.
Q. Even though the Indian esports scene is still in its infancy, it still had a tremendous boom with the COVID-19 lockdown. When are you planning to visit India? Any advice you would like to give aspiring Indian esports enthusiasts looking to make it to the professional gaming scene?
Maple: The Indian market is so big that I feel it will grow strong soon. For a player who wants to be a pro, you just think about being better than others, and you will be stronger and stronger. The sweat of today will become the harvest of tomorrow.
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