Ruler reveals he considered retiring before getting an offer from JDG: “I’m too good to quit”

Dexerto sat down with Ruler after his extremely shut collection towards T1 at MSI 2023 to meet up with him on how the swap to JDG has gone, whether or not or not he thinks he’s the very best ADC on the earth, the distinction between “in-game” Ruler and the way he’s in-person, and his ideas on retirement.

Although it’s been years since Park ‘Ruler’ Jae-hyuk took his one and solely World title in 2017, he’s held onto a crown of his personal as arguably the very best ADC within the LCK. Although his rivals have had massive moments domestically, Ruler stored himself at or close to the highest for years within the eyes of gamers, followers, and analysts whereas different ADCs got here and went.

But, till 2022 Summer season, he by no means took a home title. Worlds 2017 was the one first-place end he needed to his title. Regardless of him being thought to be the most effective gamers within the position, the best way he completed tournaments by no means fairly lined up. Even his end with GenG in 2022 was disappointing, with the staff getting knocked out earlier than T1 although they’d overwhelmed them simply weeks prior.

That brings us to at this time. Ruler not solely took the LPL title throughout his very first cut up taking part in in China, however he’s carried that sturdy efficiency proper to MSI 2023.

Nevertheless, regardless of his latest success individually and together with his staff, Ruler was in a reasonably introspective temper sizzling off of beating T1. He even revealed that he considered retiring at one level, ideas he’s since pushed apart with regained religion in his personal play.

Discovering who the “in-game” Ruler is

For anybody who’s watched Ruler play however has by no means had the chance to take a seat down to talk with him, it might shock you to know he’s soft-spoken, humble, and a bit shy. He’s all the time grateful for many who are supporting him.

Maybe a little too thankful at times.

Joking apart, it’s clear that Ruler values his place and the individuals who acquired him there. Even throughout our interview with him, he took the time to individually thank us and everybody concerned in getting the interview arrange earlier than leaving. It truly is the little issues that stand out, and Ruler stands out for all the fitting causes.

Nevertheless, his character is, in a whole lot of methods, a departure from that of many different laborious carry gamers which have the identical stage of success. Gamers like Uzi, Doublelift, Bin, and Knight are gamers who know they’re close to the highest of the world as opponents, and so they aren’t afraid to trash-talk the competitors.

Sturdy opponents don’t have to name out their opponent to be nice, however they’ve each proper to. In distinction, Ruler is pretty quiet, soft-spoken, and introverted.

Out of the sport, that’s.

Ruler is aware of the way to flip up the warmth when he must.

“I feel I’ve two totally different egos: One is in-game Ruler and one is real-life Ruler.” Ruler defined. “In-game Ruler could be very talkative, he’s actually aggressive and such an extrovert. In actual life, I’m a bit extra of an introvert.”

When he’s in a match, Ruler’s character adjustments drastically. He’s acquired a large enough presence to be a frontrunner and carry for his staff, however he simply retains that aspect of him suppressed till he wants it. And, whereas he doesn’t assume that this shift improves his gameplay instantly, there are various ways in which being such an energetic communicator has aided him.

The language barrier together with his assist, Lou ‘Lacking’ Yun-Feng, was a battle he needed to overcome, and the truth that he’s a lot extra extroverted when his head’s within the sport has definitely helped him out with overcoming different challenges just like the language barrier current on JDG.

Ruler and Lacking are one of many strongest bot lane combos on the earth

“Attempting to get together with Lacking… I solely spoke Korean. That was the most important stress I had. However now I may also perceive him a bit, and I additionally communicate a little bit of Chinese language now. It’s getting higher.”

The concept communication is one thing Ruler’s nonetheless engaged on when JDG look so coordinated already ought to positively be scaring another groups, however Ruler appears to be adjusting effectively to taking part in within the LPL. In line with him, a transfer to the LPL had been behind his thoughts for some time.

“I had to consider it for a very long time earlier than I made a decision to maneuver to the LPL. However I used to be all the time curious in regards to the LPL type, the gamers, and the atmosphere. I acquired this chance from JDG with such nice staff members, so I made a decision to maneuver.”

Issues have labored out effectively for Ruler all issues thought of. He acquired picked up for JDG’s roster, one of many few latest “tremendous groups” that has dished a ton of cash for big-name gamers and had their gamble repay. They succeeded the place different massive spenders like High Esports didn’t domestically.

Nevertheless, Dexerto’s dialog with Ruler led him considering his illustrious profession. He revealed that he was, at one level, contemplating retiring however in the end needed to push himself to be higher.

JDG Ruler says he’s “too good to give up”

Dexerto’s dialog with Ruler about his profession began with a callback to our interview with Zhao ‘Elk’ Jia-Hao simply days prior. Elk spoke about how he was watching Ruler from the sidelines even earlier than he acquired his massive break within the LPL, and we needed to ask Ruler in regards to the pretty distinctive privilege of taking part in alongside gamers that he instantly impressed.

“It’s such an odd factor that gamers who grew up wanting as much as me are actually taking part in with me. I’m simply considering, ‘Hmm… Have I been taking part in too lengthy?’ I really feel actually grateful that persons are impressed and influenced by my play.”

Colin Younger-Wolff/Riot Video games

Ruler celebrating his win over T1 with Knight

This led to the subject of how Ruler feels about being ranked as one of many best ADC gamers of all time. Not solely does he have a observe report of excellence individually, he’s additionally carried that observe report throughout the higher a part of a decade. He nonetheless isn’t too certain the way to really feel in regards to the thought he could also be thought of the all-time nice within the position relying on how he performs this 12 months.

“I’m actually glad that I’m getting these compliments and that my effort has paid off, however, on the identical time, I’m additionally curious… Like, am I that good?”

We then circled again to Ruler’s comment about whether or not or not he’s been taking part in too lengthy and introduced up the subject of retirement. Surprisingly, there was one level the place he was contemplating it.

“It did come throughout my thoughts. I used to be considering that I’d possibly play one other one or two years after which give up. However, on the identical time, I simply thought, ‘I’m too good to give up.’ (laughs) So, I’ve stored happening.”

Alongside gamers like Faker, Ruler’s one of many few who has stood the take a look at of time and is actively combatting the notion that older gamers can’t keep a excessive stage of efficiency. Whereas he might have been contemplating retirement sooner or later, Ruler made it sound like he’s right here to remain.

Upon being requested whether or not or not he had a message or any pointers to offer to Lee ‘Gumayusi’ Min-hyeong after his win over T1, Ruler had this to say: “He’s such a terrific participant. Somewhat than giving him recommendation, I’d prefer to take some from him.”

Colin Younger-Wolff/Riot Video games

Ruler expressed that he totally expects to have a rematch with T1 within the Finals, and, although he was pleasantly stunned by how effectively Delight was taking part in as GenG’s new assist, he didn’t assume they’d make it previous T1. Seems, his former staff didn’t even stand an opportunity towards BLG.

For both final result of the match between BLG and T1, Ruler’s in for a rematch. In opposition to BLG, he’d have to copy their LPL Spring Cut up win. In opposition to T1, he’d must run again their latest and really slender victory.

JDG could have an enormous problem forward of them both manner, but it surely’s a problem Ruler is greater than prepared for.