After securing an important victory against the American representatives, Team Liquid, CTBC Flying Oyster clinches a spot in the First Stand 2025 semifinals and continues their journey in South Korea. In an exclusive interview, midlaner Tsai "HongQ" Ming-Hong speaks with Sheep Esports about his latest win, his thoughts on other regions, and being the youngest player at the tournament.

Yesterday, Chiu "Doggo" Tzu-chuan mentioned that you needed to beat TES and TL to earn international respect, since many people didn’t consider the LCP much of a threat in this tournament. Do you feel like you've proven your region's strength? Could it be that Europe and North America are the real minor regions here?

Tsai "HongQ" Ming-Hong: "I think Europe and North America are good regions too. The reason we won today is that we were better prepared, and we had a more solid strategy. That’s the main reason we won against Team Liquid.

I heard you muted Eain "APA" Stearns’ emotes before the game because he’s known for being boastful. You’ve faced both EU and NA teams now—what do you think of them, and which region do you think is stronger?

HongQ: I did actually have to mute his emotes before the game because we all knew how APA is. We’ve played both EU and NA, and I think the two regions are quite even in terms of strength and skills.

This is your very first international event, and you're also the youngest player here. How has the experience been so far at First Stand, and how does it compare to the LCP? Do you feel you've adjusted well?

HongQ: I think I adapted pretty well to this tournament, and I’m really happy about that. But since it’s my first one, I do feel a little bit nervous at times, especially in yesterday's game against HLE and Zeka (Kim Geon-woo). I was really nervous, and I think that’s why I couldn’t perform as well. Overall, it’s been a really nice experience, and I think I’m adjusting well.

Tomorrow, you'll be facing Top Esports and Lin "Creme" Jian. What are your thoughts on that match?

HongQ: I hope the match will be a lot of back and forth. I really want us to show everyone a highly entertaining match to watch.

Are you aware that European fans are hoping you win so Karmine Corp can qualify?

HongQ: I actually did realize that [laughs].

We often hear from older players with a lot of experience, but you're much younger and not as well-known yet. Why did you choose esports, and what goals do you have for your career?

HongQ: I've always loved computer games, even when I was very young. I played at an amateur level before going pro and had really good results, so I wanted to give it a shot. My goal is just to get good results.

After the LCP finals, your head coach Wong "Chawy" Xing Lei mentioned in an interview that it's important for players to have fun on the rift and make mistakes to learn from them. Do you feel your coaching staff does a good job at helping you progress?

HongQ: Our coach always tells us to play without stress and to have fun in the game because if we’re too stressed, we won’t perform well. So, they encourage us to enjoy the game and forget about the stress. In general, our coaching staff does a lot of preparation in terms of strategy, and they've taught me a lot about macro and in-game. I really appreciate their help, and I think we have a really good coaching staff.

Huang "Maple" Yi-Tang is a legendary player in the region, but do you think you could be the next Maple someday?

HongQ: I hope I have a chance to be even better than him.

The LCP is followed worldwide, and even in France, a co-streamer named MiraiPanda broadcasts all your matches. How does it feel to have support from fans around the world?

HongQ: Thanks to all the fans who support me, and a special thank you to MiraiPanda for following my games. I'll do my best to play really well, especially for him."