The reigning Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) champions have struck once more, sending China to the lower bracket and advancing to face their long-time rivals, T1. Although Gen.G has historically held the edge regionally, T1 remains firmly in their comfort zone on the international stage—and Gen.G has much to prove in this 2025 edition, especially after a dominant regular season. In an exclusive interview, star midlaner Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon spoke with Sheep Esports about his childhood dreams, dealing with fame, and facing T1.

How do you think your team’s playstyle matched up against Anyone's Legend? How did it feel to face your former teammate Tarzan?

Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon: "We were playing as enemies, so I didn’t really put many thoughts into that, but I can definitely say he’s a great player—very talented. Also, today wasn't really about our style matching up with AL’s or working really well against them. It was more that we were being really flexible with how we played the game.

After AL's dominant Game 1, your team adapted very well in the following games. Were you confident that you'd be able to match AL’s aggression? What allowed you to bounce back in such a fashion?

Chovy: Whether it's AL or other teams, you have to be able to adapt your drafts—especially after losing. What we learned about AL is that no matter how hard the situation is, they keep taking fights, so we kept that in mind.

Do you think Anyone’s Legend is the most likely team to reach the finals with Gen.G, if you make it there?

Chovy: Yeah, I believe Anyone's Legend are the most likely to make it to finals. All five of their players are showing great performance, and their teamwork is really good. So they’re the ones we’re watching out for the most.

On your stream, you're much more laid-back and have a strong, relaxed community. How important is it for you to balance that more casual side with the serious mindset you bring as a pro player?

Chovy: So when I’m streaming, it’s very likely that I’m in a much more relaxed situation, so I get to show a different side of me. And when I’m playing official matches, I know it’s something serious, and I want to be serious about it. That’s just the way I live my life—that’s my lifestyle. When it’s I'm playing officials, I have to be locked in and serious. And when it’s not, I can have more fun.

Back in high school, you wrote that your dream was to become a pro player. Now that you’ve achieved that, did you ever imagine you’d come this far and be this successful?

Chovy: When I was young, I couldn’t have imagined myself being this successful, of course. I got really lucky to reach where I am right now.

Do you really believe it's about luck? You are known to be a very hard-working player. Are you proud of how far you’ve come?

Chovy: Everyone else—every other professional player—also puts in a lot of work. No matter who you are, if it’s your career, you put in that kind of effort. I don’t think that’s anything special, honestly.

I believe I got lucky because making it this far isn’t just about hard work. It also takes talent, and the timing has to be right. I’m also fortunate that, these days, professional players get a lot more recognition than before. In the end, everything has to come together and click just right.

We're all just gamers at heart. Does it ever feel difficult to deal with being a celebrity? How do you handle your status?

Chovy: I don’t really feel pressure because of it. I do feel a kind of responsibility because this is my job. The fact that a lot of people are looking up to me—seeing me as a celebrity, it doesn’t really make me feel pressured.

You’ll be facing T1 next. What would it mean for you to face and possibly defeat them on their home ground, the international stage?

Chovy: T1 always pop off whenever it’s on the international stage. We have to do our best to put up a great performance. Taking them down would mean a spot in the finals, so we'll do our best.

Do you have any words of wisdom for the Church of Chovy to finish?

Chovy: Sleep well, be healthy, and have good food. I hope you guys are all happy."