Buzz
Xiaohu surprisingly makes statements about the runner-up position in various League of Legends tournaments.
Recently, Royal Never Give Up secured the MSI 2022 championship. This marks the second consecutive time the 'Royal Army' has clinched this title in 2 years. Not only did they defend their championship, but RNG also surged ahead of SKT T1 in terms of MSI cup wins in history. Moreover, RNG is the second team after SKT T1 to defend the MSI championship.
Whenever there's a champion team, there's inevitably a team that can only clinch the runner-up position. Typically, fans sometimes pay little attention to the teams that come second, unless they are renowned names in the LoL community like T1 (recently became the MSI 2022 runner-up) or FunPlus Phoenix (runner-up consecutively in Spring and Summer 2021). RNG, specifically Uzi, is also one of the 'great runners-up' of LoL.
And in a recent stream, Uzi's former teammate and current RNG member - Xiaohu spoke about the runner-up position in LoL tournaments: 'Being second is also an honor. It's a reward in itself. The runner-up position doesn't carry any negative connotations, but if a team consistently finishes second, then that team is truly strong. Consistently finishing second means people will remember you as a formidable opponent. I believe being the runner-up is nothing to be ashamed of. If you're second two or three times a year, it means you're genuinely strong. Sometimes even stronger than a team that only has one title a year. The prize money is also substantial. But excluding Worlds though. I've never been to Worlds Finals so I can't comment.'
With the perpetual mantle of LPL pride and bearing numerous expectations before every tournament, Xiaohu and RNG understand the immense pressure, especially without a title. According to many fans, he might be referring to RNG throughout history, and FPX back in 2021 as well as recent T1.
At the end of his speech, Xiaohu also expressed determination to reach Worlds in the 2022 season. With their current strength, it's confident that RNG could achieve more favorable results than Worlds 2021 if they participate. However, the journey ahead is long, and Xiaohu along with RNG will have to exert even more effort.
