After conquering the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), reigning champions Top Esports are ready for an even greater challenge at the First Stand Tournament 2025. With determination, Lin "Creme" Jian and his team are prepared to take on the world. In this exclusive interview, the midlaner reflects on his LPL victory, his personal growth, facing new rookies like Vladi and HongQ, and his drive to win First Stand.

How does it feel to compete internationally in South Korea for the first time ?

Lin "Creme" Jian: "I'm just really happy to be here. I can't wait for the tournament to start.

To make it here, you had to go through some of the best midlaners in the LPL—Rookie, Doinb, Scout, Knight, and Shanks. Do you think it's fair to call you the best Chinese midlaner today? And how do you feel individually coming into First Stand compared to the others in your role?

Creme: Since we proved ourselves in the LPL, I do think I am right now, but more importantly, our team is really strong, and that should be the focus. Personally, I’m confident in my strength coming into First Stand. We’re not bad at all.

In the past, you were seen as one of the youngest rising midlane talents. But at First Stand, you're now only the third youngest, with Vladi and HongQ being even younger. How does it feel to no longer be the youngest, and what do you think about facing this new generation?

Creme: It'll be really fun to play against these new rookies, but compared to them, I have more experience, and I've grown a lot in terms of my mentality and approach to the game. Over the last few years, I've built myself up through my experiences and become much more mature than before. It'll be fun playing against them, and hopefully, I can teach them a thing or two.

Many EMEA fans are curious about Vladi and Karmine Corp since it's their first time at this event. What are your thoughts on them?

Creme: I watched their games, and I feel like they're a very aggressive team in the early game, much like us. That's my opinion for now, but I know it'll be fun to face them.

Your first match is against Hanwha Life Esports, first seed of Korea and a very strong opponent. What are your thoughts heading into that match?

Creme: We can win if we do our best. I feel that if we perform what we’ve prepared for them, follow our plan, and carry it out, we should be able to beat them.

You won your first LPL title. How did it feel to lift the staff of the LPL Winter Playoffs and earn your first title?

Creme: I was extremely happy and excited to win that LPL trophy. It felt amazing to finally get my first real achievement in my professional career.

Do you think First Stand could be your first international trophy as well?

Creme: Yes, I think it will be. We want our first international trophy now.

A big change this year has been the switch from Tian to Kanavi in the jungle. How is it playing with your new jungler, and what differences are there with your previous lineup?

Creme: Changing to Kanavi as a jungler made us way more aggressive in the early game, pushing for kills right from the start. We're a completely different team now.

You’ve been known for playing champions like Yone, Akali, and Sylas, but this year we've seen you adapt to a lot of different champions with varying playstyles. Do you feel like you can play anything for your team now? Also, what do you think are your best champions at the moment?

Creme: Honestly, I think I’ve already shown a lot of my champion pool and its extent so far. I can play these champions very well, and I’d say they’re all my best picks. However, I will say that since I started picking up more champions, Ahri has become a personal favorite of mine.

Do you have a message for the other teams that are going to be facing you?

Creme: I want to tell other teams that they better be ready for us.

Any last words for your fans?

Creme: Thank you, everyone, for supporting us. I wish you all good health and happiness."