Team Dignitas: Proven Results
"Our goal is always to be in the top three and qualify for Worlds, and we don't see this as an unreachable goal."
This was the hopeful sentiment of Team Dignitas’ AD carry Jong-In "Core JJ" Jo after struggling as a team in the last Split. Believing in the potential for a major comeback following changes made in the off-season, Core JJ’s steadfast faith in Team Dignitas has proven itself to be justified. Rising from the ashes, Team Dignitas has emerged as a top contender in the North American LCS, standing tall among reigning titans Team SoloMid and Counter Logic Gaming. With a burning desire to break their long-standing curse of starting strong and struggling late in the season, Team Dignitas will need to stay at the top of their game as crunch time approaches.
Change is in the Air
With their work cut out for them, the team went into the 2015 NA LCS Summer Split determined to succeed. The addition of their coach Sami "Rico" Harbi set them on the right path. "I found a team of players willing to win and ready to do what it takes to do so. They welcomed me very nicely, so we were able to start working well off the bat."
Their hard work and ability to adapt to new coaching staff clearly paid off. Although Team Dignitas began the Summer Split with a loss against Counter Logic Gaming, this was not a sign of things to come. This defeat seemed to have lit a fire within the players, as they went on a two-week rampage that carried their record to 3-1.
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Despite having proven themselves as a formidable contender, their coach believed there was still room for improvement. The team had found some success with Andrew "Azingy" Zamarripa as their jungler, but it was time for another major change to be made to their roster. "Management was very supportive, they let me handle the roster the way we thought was the best and backed me instantly when I requested Helios to be added to the team," says Rico. "I can't ask for more."
Azingy was moved to the substitute roster, and Dong-jin "Helios" Shin reigned king of the jungle. He brought invaluable experience to the team, meshing well with fellow veteran Alan "KiWiKiD" Nguyen. "Communication is a lot better within the team," says KiWiKid. "I like that Helios and I can bounce information off each other, I think it really helps."
Together, this accomplished duo assumed a pivotal leadership role on the team.
The Brewing Storm
Their authority does not mean that the input of other teammates is undervalued in any way, however. Rico has observed that there is definitely a sense of shared leadership among the members of Team Dignitas. "When it comes to shotcalling, KiWi and Helios are the biggest voices. But at any moment, Shiphtur, Core or Gamsu can say, ‘give me that champ, I know what to do,’ and if they actually do well in the game they will also accept their carry position and be very vocal," the coach explains.
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Because of this widespread carry potential, Team Dignitas found continued success in the following weeks. Helios celebrated a victory against Team SoloMid in his debut game, with the team’s win streak finally being brought to a halt by Gravity. This threatened them with the possibility of falling into the devastating pattern historically found on the team’s record: a solid debut followed by a steady decline. "The team’s biggest struggle is consistency. We have identified our weaknesses, but we keep repeating some of those mistakes that cost us games," says Rico. "How we will overcome it is no secret: hard work, practice, and trying again and again." This Split would be different.
Winning their next three games, Team Dignitas had done more than break the curse; they had emerged as a top-tier North American team. Rico believes that this can be attributed to the team’s cohesiveness. "Closing the roster helped. We have five members who can play well together, think as a unit most of the time, and whose strengths and weaknesses are compatible with one another."
Believing in each other’s potential as Core JJ had done in the 2015 Spring Split, KiWiKiD says that the team atmosphere has changed drastically. "The team atmosphere has gotten a lot lighter, as winning does wonders in building team morale."
Clear Skies Ahead
Currently sitting at a record of 8-4, Team Dignitas stands tied for 3rd place among their adversaries. Despite their recent success, this is no time for them to feel too comfortable. "We have been working on different things for a few months now, and it’s slowly starting to pay off," says Rico. "But we are not there yet."
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With three weeks left in the regular season, Team Dignitas hopes to finish strong and secure their primary goal. "Let's grab that Playoffs spot and see where we go from there, because Best of X format is so different, it will be a great experience," says Rico. "How far we go only depends on how well we can adapt to this format." Amidst their meteoric rise to success, Rico and the rest of the team are choosing to remain hopeful but humble about Team Dignitas’ future.
