This year, Team Vitality began the LEC season on the right foot, securing a confident victory over Team BDS. Their cohesive performance showcased the potential of their new roster, hyping up fans longing for a Split trophy. But doubts could creep in as they face Fnatic on the second day.<\/p>
Among the new faces in team Vitality, few stand as the reassuring veterans to lead the team to new heights, and no one more experienced than Vitality\u2019s support Zdravets \u201cHylissang\u201d Iliev Galabov. In a post-match interview, Dot Esports sat with the veteran support player to discuss his upcoming match against Fnatic<\/a> and share his thoughts on his new teammates, the shifting meta, and how Vitality is preparing for the challenges ahead.<\/p>
While Vitality started the split with a win, Fnatic is under pressure to prove themselves<\/a> after a tough loss to KOI \u2014 but Hylissang doesn\u2019t seem to be preoccupied too much. Pointing out that the meta may not favor Upset\u2019s champion pool, Vitality\u2019s support shared some doubts about Fnatic\u2019s current form. However, Hylissang praised Mikyx a lot, citing his selfless playstyle and describing him as a player willing to sacrifice his life for the team.<\/p>
While preparing for Fnatic, Hylissang has also been adjusting to his new teammates. Vitality\u2019s roster features two rookies, Mateusz “Czajek” Czajka and Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan, who he admires for their lack of ego. \u201cI feel like they’re just very normal people, and they’re just very genuine, normal people. I love that about them. I think they’re also very skilled players. I hope they can show it, \u201c said the support player. The team\u2019s quick cohesion and the positive environment can also be attributed to the team\u2019s staff, including coaches Mac and Pad, who\u2014coming into 2025\u2014shared their process in an interview with Esports News UK<\/a>.<\/p>
But for Hylissang, his new roster is not the only change of the season, as this first LEC Split of 2025 is also defined by Riot\u2019s significant gameplay changes, including the introduction of Atakhan, a new jungle monster.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>
Speaking about the new Noxian map<\/a>, Hylissang highlighted the value of Atakhan roses, which provide global XP and adaptive force. He acknowledges that teams are still experimenting with strategies around Atakhan but says the new monster spawn area is a bit too unpredictable. While he found this frustrating, he appreciates how the monsters\u2019 roses grant global XP, helping supports cope with the loss of experience from clearing wards and making roaming more rewarding.<\/p>
With all eyes on the upcoming match against Fnatic, it\u2019s clear that Team Vitality could become a team to watch this season. Hylissang\u2019s thoughts reveal his respect for the game\u2019s changes and his confidence in his team\u2019s ability to adapt and dominate. Fans can tune in on Twitch or LoL Esports\u2019 official website<\/a> to watch Team Vitality go up against Fnatic at 2pm CT.\u00a0<\/p>