It was nearly impossible to not cheer for FlyQuest when they led the series 2-1, standing just one win away from overcoming one of the most formidable teams in League of Legends history. Gen.G, composed of elite players from around the globe, aimed for total domination, yet a team from a struggling region came extremely close to pulling off a remarkable upset.
It was so nearly a reality.
The encounter between FlyQuest and Gen.G felt distinct, almost ephemeral, for those few games. It was a fleeting instance where regional loyalties and team affiliations took a backseat, with viewers recognizing they were part of a moment that would be etched in history.
Ultimately, FlyQuest didn’t secure the miracle they sought at Worlds 2024. They stumbled at the final gate, yet they managed to clinch a game that many believed was out of their reach.
Nevertheless, Busio remained upbeat as he chatted with us. He expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, passionately playing their hearts out in a bittersweet farewell for the LCS as we know it.
Busio Leaves Worlds 2024 Proud and Resilient
Let’s talk about that Game 5 Baron call. Do you wish you had opted for a safer play rather than trying to execute something bold that could have turned the game around?
Not at all. We have no regrets there and would definitely make that call again. The situation was right. Quad and I were contesting the Drake, and we secured a fast, healthy Baron. We definitely caught them off guard.
FlyQuest faced off against Gen.G, a powerhouse that has dominated the Korean scene throughout the year.
The game itself wasn’t in our favor. We were matching Kalista against Ziggs and losing objectives. The situation was tough because they were gradually gaining control. We needed to initiate fights, either through objectives or by finding creative openings; initiating that objective felt like a wise choice at the time. It’s just how the game unfolded.
Do you think the primary reason teams struggle on an international stage is their hesitance to take risks?
Absolutely, but this applies to all teams. On stage, players tend to be more cautious compared to scrims, preferring to minimize risk. Striking a balance is key. You don’t want to be overly reckless, but being too fearful of losing is detrimental. Teams that embrace risk can make bolder plays, occupy more space, and often navigate the game more effectively than those consumed by fear of loss.
No matter the outcome, Worlds has shown a significant evolution since MSI for your squad. Do you believe that this willingness to take risks has been central to FlyQuest’s growth?
Not exactly. I think of us as a more strategic and secure team. We’ve simply evolved collectively. We displayed excellent meta comprehension, devised good strategies with swaps, and explored creative picks. Our teamfighting has also been solid, with everyone clearly understanding their roles in various scenarios. While we played with less pressure than Gen.G, our gameplay wasn’t wild.
Bwipo’s style, for instance, is naturally aggressive. That’s just how he creates opportunities. He doesn’t wait for the perfect moment to act; he makes it happen.
While Bwipo waved goodbye to fans with a smile, he shed tears backstage following the defeat.
I had a great discussion with Bwipo about his mental resilience and growth as a player, and I wanted to point out your evolution as well. I recall your time with 100 Thieves, playing unconventional roles like Azir support, and now you shine in engage roles. Where do you think you’ve developed the most during your time in the LCS?
I’ve experienced growth in numerous aspects. It’s been a long year filled with games, both international and scrims, so I’ve improved in every category. There’s still significant room for development. One major lesson is recognizing what truly matters in gameplay. As I progressed in my understanding of the game, I became more confident in saying no when teammates suggest actions that may not be beneficial.
One of my past weaknesses was simply complying with suggestions without assessing them properly. Now, especially when playing Rakan, I hold back until the carries have the chance to deal damage first. Understanding how the fight will unfold—especially with the compositions we had today—smooths the process for everyone. We don’t need to rush for an engage; the fights flow more naturally, making it easier to execute our strategy. This change in mindset has been a significant area of growth for me.
It sounds like you’re in a positive state of mind. What expectations did you have going into this series, and are you proud to have pushed the match to Game 5, even without a victory?
This is the most uplifting way to lose—being taken to Game 5 against one of the best teams globally. I am saddened by the loss, of course. It would have been amazing to reach the Semifinals and potentially defeat an Eastern team like T1. Yet, despite my sadness, I find this to be one of my happiest losses.
Busio with ADC Massu after the match
That’s a healthy perspective. There’s nothing we can change now; it’s all about looking forward to next year.
True, it’s hard to be content after a loss, but it’s possible to feel less devastated compared to other defeats.
Exactly.
Yeah…
I think T1 might be the best team currently. They looked phenomenal against Top Esports. I’m not sure about BLG, but T1 has a compelling narrative right now; they’ve bounced back impressively.
Identifying the top team globally is tricky, but Gen.G is undoubtedly a contender.
Do you believe North America is genuinely lagging behind other regions? Despite the criticisms, your performance shows that you can compete at the highest level.
On average, yes. However, when a team collaborates seamlessly and is fully engaged, it’s just a regular game of League of Legends. They have the potential to compete with anyone, as we demonstrated today. Overall, the Eastern teams remain stronger due to better practice environments, more talent, and superior solo queue systems. Clearly, they have their advantages.
Busio celebrating alongside his teammates after FlyQuest’s LCS victory
Conversely, we possess unique advantages, like a more flexible drafting approach that proved beneficial in this tournament. If we can balance things out, it becomes an open game for everyone.
I noticed FlyQuest went straight to reviewing the VoDs after the match, even with the season concluded. What are the primary lessons you aim to extract after a loss like this?
Even in defeat, if you plan to keep competing next year, there’s always something to learn. This series is probably the highest level of competition we’ve faced all year, making it a perfect opportunity to analyze and enhance our gameplay.
Fast forward five years, when you reflect on 2024, what do you think will stand out most to you?
Winning the LCS championship. Just… the act of winning. I had never achieved first place in my career—neither in academy nor in the LCS nor at international events. That victory felt incredible.
However, this Worlds experience will be unforgettable. Competing in two tightly contested series against top Korean teams was exhilarating. The crowd today was electric, packed to the brim; the noise was unreal. I could hardly hear my coach during the draft phase due to the cheers.
It was an incredible experience, and I look forward to securing a win in an arena like this in the future.
Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
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