Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become the best in Teamfight Tactics (TFT)? Today, we have the honor of interviewing Kim “Bebe872” Kyuyeon, known as the ‘God of TFT’ in the gaming community. Bebe872 is a renowned streamer on Twitch, and his expertise in the autochess genre has propelled him to the top of the Korean TFT ladder. Let’s delve into his journey and discover the secrets behind his success.
The Rise of a Prodigy
Bebe872’s story begins with a close friend, a former pro player in competitive League of Legends. During his mandatory military service in Korea, he reached Challenger on the Korean TFT ladder. When asked about his achievement, he credited a streamer named Bebe872 for greatly influencing his gameplay. Intrigued by this endorsement, we sat down with Bebe872 to unravel the key to his success.
“I’m just a regular student who used to dream of becoming a Certified Public Accountant,” Bebe872 shared with a humble smile. However, his passion for autochess games led him down a different path. Inspired by popular streamers like Amaz, Bebe872 immersed himself in the world of autochess games, including Dota Underlords and Dota Auto Chess, before ultimately finding his love for Teamfight Tactics.
The Appeal of Teamfight Tactics
As we probed deeper into Bebe872’s passion for TFT, he expressed his admiration for the game’s passionate development team. With each passing year, TFT continues to improve, making it a standout title among other autochess games. Bebe872 also highlighted the strategic nature of TFT, which allows players to rely more on tactics rather than mechanical skills. This aspect greatly appealed to him as he grew older and couldn’t keep up with the mechanical demands of games like League of Legends.
Joining the Ranks of T1
Bebe872’s talent and dedication caught the attention of T1, the largest esports organization in the world. When asked about his signing with T1, Bebe872 revealed that the producers at T1 had been following his stream and recognized his skill. The vision and dedication he displayed aligned perfectly with T1’s standards. Representing T1 means striving to be the best, spending countless hours streaming, practicing, and researching to provide the highest level of gameplay content. It’s a responsibility that Bebe872 takes seriously and one that drives him to constantly improve.
Korea’s Standing in the TFT World
In the competitive world of any sport, regions are often ranked based on their strengths. Bebe872 ranked Korea, China, Europe, Brazil, and North America in that order when it comes to TFT. However, he emphasized that China is particularly challenging to assess due to its distinct meta. While China excelled in set 4 with Warlords, Elderwood, and mage strategies, the Korean meta dominated in the competitive scene. The ever-evolving nature of TFT makes it fascinating to see which strategies will prevail in each region.
Unveiling Unique Strategies
When discussing the recent TFT World Championship, Bebe872 unveiled some unique team strategies. European players surprised everyone with their 6 Dragonsouls composition, featuring Shyvana and Aurelion Sol as the main carries. On the other hand, Korean and Chinese players favored the Cultist archetype, which guarantees a reliable 3rd to 5th place finish. Chinese players also showcased powerful Mages/Neeko builds, utilizing similar itemization. Meanwhile, North American and Oceanic players struggled with their Keeper-focused decks, failing to make a significant impact.
The Meta Evolution in TFT
Just like in competitive League of Legends, different regions have distinctive approaches to the meta. Bebe872 explained that Korean challenger players tend to stick to their preferred tactics, even when the meta shifts. However, Bebe872 himself has learned to adapt over time. Borrowing from his experience, he emphasized the importance of understanding that every meta has an optimal playstyle. Adapting and staying ahead of the curve are essential for climbing the ladder and maintaining a high rank.
An Entertaining and Educational Journey
When asked about the content he provides on his stream, Bebe872 replied that it focuses on showcasing the highest level of TFT gameplay. While initially emphasizing the educational aspect, he aims to strike a balance between entertaining his viewers and educating them on professional gameplay. Bebe872 engages with his audience, answering their questions and helping them climb the ladder. Currently, his stream is primarily focused on providing educational content, ensuring his viewers gain valuable insights.
Sets and Balance in TFT
Bebe872 revealed his favorite and least favorite sets in TFT. He expressed a deep affection for set 4, which introduced the Chosen system, making it easier to secure upgraded units. This system contributed to more consistent top-four finishes. However, he admitted that set 1 was his least favorite due to its inferior graphics, limited strategy diversity, and smaller game board.
Reflecting on past sets, Bebe872 reminisced about the Galaxy system from set 3. Each galaxy offered different strategies, creating a more diverse playing experience. As for the current set (4.5), Bebe872 believes that it lacks balance due to certain overpowered units and item combinations. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the ongoing adjustments made by the development team and remains hopeful for future improvements.
Anticipating “Reckoning” and Beyond
With the release of the new set, “Reckoning,” Bebe872 shared his thoughts on the balance, aesthetics, and theme. While he feels that the release came too early, he applauds the developers for their efforts. However, he did mention that the zombie-themed aesthetics did not resonate well with viewers. Personally, he believes a summer theme would have been more visually appealing, matching the pool party skins in League of Legends.
Regarding composition and strategy, Bebe872 observed that the current meta focuses on Kayle as the leading unit. Spellweavers with Brand and Vel’Koz as primary carries, Skirmisher Jax, Karma, and Draven or Aphelios builds are also preferred strategies. These compositions are anticipated to dominate the meta upon release.
Accessibility for New Players
With the arrival of set 5, we discussed the challenges new players may face. Bebe872 acknowledged the complexity of TFT for newcomers. Learning all the items and understanding their effectiveness, along with deciphering the ever-changing unit pool, can be daunting. Recognizing the need for accessibility, Bebe872 plans to create tier lists and guides to assist new players. He also suggested that Riot Games collaborate with platforms like LoLchess.gg and Inven to integrate guides into the game client, facilitating easier access to valuable information.
Little Legends and Words of Wisdom
Before concluding our conversation, we had to inquire about Bebe872’s favorite Little Legends. His top choices were Choncc, the Featherknight series, and the Lightcharger—a personal favorite for its amusing taunt. As for his advice to aspiring ladder climbers, Bebe872 emphasized understanding the meta and learning from top players. Recognizing and avoiding weak strategies is crucial for climbing the ranks.
Goals for the Future
As 2021 unfolds, Bebe872 intends to shift his focus from personal skill improvement to helping other players grasp the intricacies of TFT. He plans to write guides and provide easily accessible information to facilitate a smoother learning curve for new players. On a personal level, Bebe872 strives to maintain a high viewer count on his stream, aiming for over 5K viewers. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the challenges in achieving this goal and is content with reaching and maintaining around 1-2K viewers.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Bebe872 concluded our interview by expressing his gratitude to those who invested their time in reading his insights. He hopes that this interview has provided valuable information and guidance for TFT enthusiasts on their own TFT journey. As we bid farewell, we wish Bebe872 continued success as he touches new heights in his TFT career.
Source: Inven Global
