Looking to the future - Calitrlolz
Riot·4/15/2015, 9:15:02 PM·0 votes·12,991 views
During their first split in the LCS, Team 8 defied many people’s expectations. A squad that most analysts assumed would be quickly facing relegation, they battled their way through the Spring Split both pulling off stunning upsets and suffering crushing defeats. Led by their charismatic top laner, Steven "Calitrlolz" Kim, Team 8 avoided relegation, and nearly earned a spot in the Spring Playoffs. With a full split of professional experience under his belt, Calitrlolz was able to reflect on the experience thus far with the unique perspective of someone who knows their career is already halfway over.
Despite the ups and downs of his first split, Cali spoke fondly of his experience thus far as an LCS pro. “Fulfilling my dream, doing what I love in front of a large audience, interacting with lovable fans, and much more have been invaluable moments to be cherished deep in my heart." He went on to say that, "[interacting with fans is] an exciting privilege. Not only has it been enjoyable, but it also helped me strengthen numerous personal qualities such as being cooperative, vocal, and charismatic.”
Coming into the season, Calitrlolz was a unique player in many ways. Not only did his champion pool include unusual picks like Malphite, Katarina, and Gragas, but he was one of the few players to shotcall for his team from the top lane. His team also has the distinction of being one of the most stable rosters in competitive League of Legends. Cali said that the roster’s stability came from their comfort and trust in each other, but that this level of comfort had also been a challenge throughout the split. "Because of the easy, friendly ambiance, we are more susceptible to becoming complacent with the lack of fear in getting replaced.” But, despite the concerns of complacency, Calitrlolz remains driven to succeed. "As a team, we wish to be recognized as part of the upper-half LCS teams by the end of the next split.” He added that his personal goal is to make it to Worlds before he retires, which will likely be at the end of this season.
Success during their Promotion Series was bittersweet for Calitrlolz. At the time, his plan had been to help his team earn their LCS spot, and then retire to attend pharmacy school. Cali explained that his parents (a chemist and a nurse by trade) instilled in him a love of science and nutrition at an early age. However, it was the loss of his grandfather at the age of eight, a man who had taken care of him for most of his young life, which keeps this goal alive. His grandfather lost his life to complications from cancer and diabetes. “By studying pharmaceutics, I wanted to be able to help out large groups of elderly people suffering from chronic diseases,” he said.
Despite this driving force, Calitrlolz could not deny the dream he had discovered in esports. Following Team 8’s qualifying run, he made the decision to seek a one year deferment on his enrollment. This request was met with some push back, particularly from his parents. "My parents were initially quite furious when I told them of my wish to delay my academics for such a volatile job," he explained. "Normally, that would have deterred me from continuing my decision." He went on to say that it was the support of the League of Legends community that earned him his parents’ support, but also aided in earning him his deferment. Upon making the decision to stay in the LCS, Cali had posted a petition online asking fans to aid him in his request for a one year leave of absence. The response was overwhelming, and the university granted his request.
While he enjoyed the relative success Team 8 earned in the NA LCS, Calitrlolz also values the long term career path attending pharmacy school will provide. “In contrast to how ruthless and rather carelessly I play League, I highly value stability and consistency in my life,” he said. Cali added that while his experience as a professional gamer has been rewarding, it has also given him a clear idea of just how big a risk it can be. “I cannot help but weigh the risk of jeopardizing a long-term profession for that of my young dream.”
Now, with half of his leave of absence gone, Calitrlolz remains certain that he made the right call. “I definitely feel no regrets making the decision. I've already had the time of my life and will continue to make this decision worthwhile. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and love the community has given me and I will strive to be one of the best top laners in NA and cherish my young dream.”
Living The Dream
Despite the ups and downs of his first split, Cali spoke fondly of his experience thus far as an LCS pro. “Fulfilling my dream, doing what I love in front of a large audience, interacting with lovable fans, and much more have been invaluable moments to be cherished deep in my heart." He went on to say that, "[interacting with fans is] an exciting privilege. Not only has it been enjoyable, but it also helped me strengthen numerous personal qualities such as being cooperative, vocal, and charismatic.”
Coming into the season, Calitrlolz was a unique player in many ways. Not only did his champion pool include unusual picks like Malphite, Katarina, and Gragas, but he was one of the few players to shotcall for his team from the top lane. His team also has the distinction of being one of the most stable rosters in competitive League of Legends. Cali said that the roster’s stability came from their comfort and trust in each other, but that this level of comfort had also been a challenge throughout the split. "Because of the easy, friendly ambiance, we are more susceptible to becoming complacent with the lack of fear in getting replaced.” But, despite the concerns of complacency, Calitrlolz remains driven to succeed. "As a team, we wish to be recognized as part of the upper-half LCS teams by the end of the next split.” He added that his personal goal is to make it to Worlds before he retires, which will likely be at the end of this season.
A Passion Beyond The Game
Success during their Promotion Series was bittersweet for Calitrlolz. At the time, his plan had been to help his team earn their LCS spot, and then retire to attend pharmacy school. Cali explained that his parents (a chemist and a nurse by trade) instilled in him a love of science and nutrition at an early age. However, it was the loss of his grandfather at the age of eight, a man who had taken care of him for most of his young life, which keeps this goal alive. His grandfather lost his life to complications from cancer and diabetes. “By studying pharmaceutics, I wanted to be able to help out large groups of elderly people suffering from chronic diseases,” he said.
Despite this driving force, Calitrlolz could not deny the dream he had discovered in esports. Following Team 8’s qualifying run, he made the decision to seek a one year deferment on his enrollment. This request was met with some push back, particularly from his parents. "My parents were initially quite furious when I told them of my wish to delay my academics for such a volatile job," he explained. "Normally, that would have deterred me from continuing my decision." He went on to say that it was the support of the League of Legends community that earned him his parents’ support, but also aided in earning him his deferment. Upon making the decision to stay in the LCS, Cali had posted a petition online asking fans to aid him in his request for a one year leave of absence. The response was overwhelming, and the university granted his request.
While he enjoyed the relative success Team 8 earned in the NA LCS, Calitrlolz also values the long term career path attending pharmacy school will provide. “In contrast to how ruthless and rather carelessly I play League, I highly value stability and consistency in my life,” he said. Cali added that while his experience as a professional gamer has been rewarding, it has also given him a clear idea of just how big a risk it can be. “I cannot help but weigh the risk of jeopardizing a long-term profession for that of my young dream.”
Now, with half of his leave of absence gone, Calitrlolz remains certain that he made the right call. “I definitely feel no regrets making the decision. I've already had the time of my life and will continue to make this decision worthwhile. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and love the community has given me and I will strive to be one of the best top laners in NA and cherish my young dream.”
