Ask the Pros: TSM's Doublelift

Riot·Jan 29, 2016·0 votes·32,382 views

Ask The Pros is an ongoing series on lolesports.com, where we ask a pro player questions from the community. The player then picks the next pro the community will get to ask questions. Be sure to follow us on Twitter to submit your questions for the next Q&A!

In our last Ask The Pro interview, we talked with Origen's AD carry, Zven, about his rookie year in the LCS and joining Origen.

He also had a question for TSM's freshly converted ADC, Doublelift.

OG's Zven: How is TSM going to do this year now that they have a revamped roster with imports? Is this going to be the year you go as far as EU at Worlds?

Doublelift: I think we'll struggle this year and have a lot of problems at the start, but eventually surpass our peers and hopefully make EU proud at Worlds *smile*. Despite having some of the top talent, we didn't gel as quickly as some other teams did.

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Lifting IRL

Slayer: Have you found that exercising and eating well has had a positive impact on your career?

D: Prior to becoming a pro, I was extremely unhealthy and overweight. As a result, I had massive self-confidence and anxiety issues. Hitting the gym and eating healthy left two important marks on me: confidence, and a routine of daily self-improvement.

Bull: What's the most memorable series or match you've played in?

D: Probably the series against my current team. CLG vs. TSM at Madison Square Garden was some of the best team play I've ever been a part of. As far as individual play, NA vs. EU Allstars Shanghai 2013 Game 2.

Marcus: What's the greatest challenge you've had to overcome?

D: Overall, the progression of my career has caused me a lot of stress. I made the decision early on to set high expectations for myself, talk trash, and develop a high-risk playstyle. When my playstyle stopped working, I wasn't meeting expectations, and my trash talk came back to haunt me, it was a tough time coping with the reality of my situation. I was a disappointment to myself, my fans, and my teammates. The only way to overcome such adversity was simply pressing on and working harder than my peers.

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Elvadas: What's your biggest regret in your esports career?

D: During 2012 and 2013, I was extremely cocky and made a lot of enemies through derisive trash talk. I wish I had stayed more humble and didn't become such a polarizing player. These days, the game is team-focused and the community is quick to bandwagon against me after a loss as a result of my behavior early on.

TSM TSM TSM!

JR: What's the biggest difference between TSM and CLG practice styles?

D: CLG: Execution- and communication-focused, afterwards discuss the big picture. TSM: Macro-focused, structured for team improvements with an emphasis on replay analysis.

Matt: What was the transition from CLG to TSM like for the first few weeks?

D: Nothing special. I just hung out in the house and we all eventually got to know each other. It was really not a big change for me personally at all.

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Anthony: What do you miss most about CLG?

D: Aphro and I had a natural knack for playmaking that I miss. However, I'm confident Yellowstar and I will get there with time.

Jykku: How hard has it been to transition to a new support after playing with the same one for so long?

D: Aphro and I had been playing together for three years, so it definitely got to the point where we would make big plays and set up the map without having to say more than a few words. The transition has been eye-opening in that Yellowstar's qualities and insight on the game that made me completely change how I think. We're still working on our duo synergy, which I'm also grateful to be a part of.

Marcos: What was your first thought when you found out that TSM was interested in you?

D: I thought about the opportunity to play with Bjergsen, then thought about how hilarious it would be to see TSM Doublelift written somewhere.

Patryk: Can we expect you and Yellowstar to be the best bot lane in NA before the end of this Split? If not, when?

D: Probably during Playoffs, Yellowstar and I will be close to top form. *Smile*

Andrew: When you win Worlds with TSM, which champion will you pick for your skin?

D: Right now, I'd probably pick Caitlyn or Ezreal.

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How to Win Bot Lane

Addie: Which champion do you think will always be relevant as an ADC, regardless of the meta?

D: Kalista will always find a way to get picked because she brings vision, initiation, lane dominance, split push, pick, Baron/Dragon control, and high DPS.

Dominik: Can you give me some tips on how to play Vayne? Especially on how to position in team fights.

D: During fights, you always want to hit what's in front of you until you find an opportunity to burst down a lower-HP target with your ult. As you fight the frontline, keep your distance while looking for that sub-50% hp champion that you can chase down and burst with Silver Bolts.

Focus: What are your thoughts on the surprise Caitlyn pick by C9 and how important is it to stay proficient on the non-meta ADCs?

D: It's always nice to have a pocket pick. Usually Vayne or Draven are the go-to's. These days, the meta is fluctuating so quickly that there are several sleeper picks like Caitlyn.

Flash: What advice would you give an up-and-coming ADC?

D: Decide early on what kind of AD player you want to be: supportive/cleanup, playmaking/aggressive, or farm-heavy/teamfight. Stick to a style until your team has understood your role on the team, then work on your versatility. Eventually, you should be able to change playstyles while keeping composure and understanding your role on a game-to-game basis.

Chile: What champions are best at scaring ADCs?

D: Rengar and Talon are pretty terrifying because of the lack of options you have when they get fed. Otherwise, you can outplay/outposition most of the other champs.

Hayden: How much more important is the ADC role actually in this season compared to previous?

D: Honestly, not much has changed with the ADC role since Season 5. There's not much champion diversity within the role at a pro level, but there is the capability to snowball much harder than was possible in 2015.

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Laughing with LiftLift

Ben: Is everyone else trash?

D: I'll prove it this year. *Smile*

Sebastian: What's your favorite type of dessert?

D: Ice cream! But I'm lactose intolerant so it's a love/hate relationship.

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Kirk: I drafted you in Fantasy LCS. Will you carry my team?

D: I'll try my best. I heard I've been a solid fantasy pick for years so I've got a lot to live up to.

Jennifer: What's one thing you want that money can't buy?

D: Time. To pursue hobbies, develop my skills outside of League, and build relationships.

Muhamed: If you had to spend one weekend on an isolated island with a LoL pro, who would you choose?

D: Yellowstar because he's calm and logical under pressure, and a cutie too.

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LoLesports: What pro player do you want to answer questions next?

D: Fnatic's Febiven: How is it to go from the new guy to playing with several new people? Do you feel like Fnatic relies more heavily on you to perform than they did before?

Josh Augustine's favorite champion is Thresh, he's never enjoyed a Darius, and he will always go for the kill, even when he knows he shouldn't. He currently works as a game designer at Daybreak Games. He’d love to talk with you on Twitter.

14 Comments

TrollFan01Jan 29, 20166 votes

Awesome! My question was answered :D

AírFeb 1, 20161 votes

Which one was that?

MrShinoxSamaFeb 4, 20161 votes

If you had to spend one weekend on an isolated island with a LoL pro, who would you choose?

D: Yellowstar because he's calm and logical under pressure, and a cutie too.

Bromance time

MKG OperaVanJavaFeb 6, 20163 votes

[slayer-jinx-unamused]

Sycksh1tFeb 1, 20162 votes

I have a question. Doublelift, why are you so bad yet talk trash about other adcs? Why do you act like your the best adc in na when not only are sneaky and wildturtle better but piglet has made you his B more then once? You are a choke artist and the faster TSM learns why aphromoo said its him or me..the better. Retire pls

AírFeb 1, 20165 votes

First of all, he has stated before that he trash talks because it is practically required to get any attention on him and to give himself a sort of persona. Think about celebrities in the music industries. Which ones do we hear about more often: the goodie-two-shoes who always do everything right, or the troublemakers who constantly cause drama or get in predicaments with the law? He has also admitted that it has gone too far sometimes and lets his trash talking simmer down for a bit, so as to make up for some hurtful words. And yes, I understand that being the "bad boy" is not necessarily absolutely required, especially if you reach a level of skill that is almost unheard of (i.e. Faker), but it notably increases your chances of becoming more known and popular.

Second of all (when it comes to mechanics), he is one of -- almost the best --, ADC, if not player, out there. For example, look back to All-Stars. He was in the finals with Bjergsen, indicating that he managed to surpass every player voted into All-Stars -- asides from Bjergsen, of course -- from every other region when it comes down to pure 1v1 lane mechanics. Bjergsen beat him after Doublelift agreed to play two mid-laners back to back, giving Bjergsen the advantage. To be fair, however, both played beautifully.

Thirdly, this is a team game, and winning in bot lane means that skill is not the only thing that matters; synergy with the support does too. Also, the rest of the team plays a huge part (hence "team game") especially when it comes to roams and ganks. The team overall is responsible for their overall performance. It is hard to tell exactly what is lacking in terms of mechanics (which is largely what the term "skilled" in LoL encompasses) when so many other factors come into play, most notably, once again, being synergy.

Lastly, Doublelift had stated how he was trying to make amends and improve his behavior after his massive attitude problems at Worlds. He was willing to change and improve for his team; however, Aphro was not. He decided to be a jerk about it and got Doublelift kicked off of the team.

I am only stating the facts. And if you say I am biased, well, at least I am actually informed. Not like your post wasn't biased either.

Sycksh1tFeb 2, 20162 votes

 Children act up because they want attention.  You get more and better attention for winning.  Its funny when he runs his mouth and gets bent over like by NRG this past weekend,  or when piglet just manhandled him last split.  Good stuff

 The only thing I agree with is Doublelift has good mechanics.  He does not have a strategic mind and folds under pressure.  He is already preparing a excuse before his team even loses a game.  This kind of thinking infects teams and causes problems.  He blames everyone but himself and even his ex rush hour partner knows how toxic he is to a team.  He needs to grow up and as I watch the lcs seasons go by I doubt he is going to change anytime soon.   

  Wont be long if doublelift don't change something big time he will be replaced.  Piglet would make TSM so sick...but there are many others better than dl

MKG OperaVanJavaFeb 6, 20163 votes

[slayer-pantheon-popcorn] Rammus : "OK"

BIG GERMFeb 6, 20163 votes

Man that is a lot of hate at Doublelift. Remind me again who are you? That one Fanboy at bronze who wishes he could be an LCS pro like Dlift? Ah okay thanks for the super negative input towards a multi-NA Allstar ADC and reigning NALCS Summersplit Champion. Was recently voted, recent as in December, as the All-Star of All-Stars ADC for Team Fire which was the same team as LCK. I'm sure I've left multiple things out but as for Doublelift being bad or a choke artist, come on now. Btw I'm just curious but if Sycksh1t is your summoner name why does your profile say you haven't played a game of league since September of 2014?? [zombie-brand-mindblown]

Sycksh1tFeb 6, 20162 votes

Not sure must be bugged but doesn't matter.  It does not matter how good I am at league nob.  I am descent but I'm far from trying to go pro.  I am not a kid nor am I trying to pick on Doublelift.  What I am is a intelligent fan of  lol esports.   I would not be so judgmental of DL if he did not run his mouth about other players.  The fact is he is not the best ADC in NA.  He has claimed and acted like he is for years.  He can put up fantasy points and can perform against lesser teams and adcs.   When it comes to tournaments and the best teams he is a choke artist.  Sneaky has always been a better more reliable ADC.  Piglet is currently the best ADC in NA by far and he craps all over Doublelift everytime they play against eachother.  He has a bad attitude and even his ex partner Aphro knows he is toxic and hurts the team.  You are just a sheep that bases your opinion off of other peoples research.  Watch the games and you will see exactly what I'm saying.  He is not the best ADC NA and he folds under pressure and blames other...

   Anyways DL is so egotistical I suspect one of these replies and atleast some of the downvotes are from him and his butt buddies.  Sounds goofy doesn't it..Like DL would pay attention to what some random poster is saying...Don't doubt it he is a petty little child worried more about what people think than winning games.

Sycksh1tFeb 6, 20161 votes

O and BTW...FYI..In case you didn't know...Allstars is a joke

DoublelifftJan 30, 20161 votes

Always glad to see a doublelift interview.

masterChief314Sep 16, 20161 votes

I still don't get why he's not a mid-laner. There are many champs, in particular assassins, that fits his aggressive high-risk, high-reward playstyle. And recently, according to interviews involving Bjergsen and Dlift, he's been involved with shot-calling. When are we gonna see mid-laner Doublelift?