AL Breathe on being the LPL’s first seed: "We’ll show what the LPL first seed can do in this tournament"

Seven years in, Breathe finally lifted the LPL trophy — and the tears that followed travelled well beyond China. Now he arrives at Worlds 2026 as the LPL’s first seed with Anyone’s Legend, with Karmine Corp and Canna waiting in two days. DPM Esports sat down with Chen “Breathe” Chen before the tournament to talk about that title, fitting into a new team overnight, and the weight of carrying a region’s top seed.

I remember watching you after the LPL final — you were very emotional after winning it, and a lot of people in the West were moved by your reaction. Can you explain what it meant to finally lift the trophy you’d chased for so long?

I think it’s the reward, the prize of my seven-year career. That championship definitely boosted my confidence and my mentality. Overall I’m very thrilled to have it.

You joined AL very late this year. How do you explain getting such a strong result straight away — did you expect to win a trophy that fast?

When I first joined the team, I didn’t think about it too much. All I thought about was fitting into the team and into the playstyle. But as we kept competing, we started to think we might have a chance to win the trophy.

Top laners usually aren’t the centrepiece of a team. How do you explain that the moment you joined, AL suddenly looked like the best team in China? Are you actually that good?

I think toplaner is a very important part of matches. In the early phase, toplaners don’t have much impact — but as the game goes on, there will be a moment when the team needs the toplaner to stand up, and I can do that.

Being the LPL first seed means more expectations at an international event. Do you feel more responsibility now that you’re here as your region’s first seed for the first time?

As the first seed there’s definitely some pressure, but it’s motivation as well. We’ll show what the LPL first seed can do in this tournament.

Last year, Anyone’s Legend came very close to eliminating the team that eventually became world champions, T1. Do you feel the team has found that form again with you joining, and that you can chase revenge for last year?

For me, the 2026 AL is different from the 2025 one — the scenario will be totally different. What I’m focused on is trying our best to get as far as we can in this tournament.

In two days you face Canna and KC. What do you make of that opponent?

Canna is a player I’ve had my eye on for a long time. He did really, really well in the LCK and in the LEC as well. He’s good at playing Jayce and Kennen, so for this match I’ll try my best to bring out my best performance against him.

Does that mean we won’t see Jayce when you face him?

Maybe. [laughs]

Any last words for the international fans watching?

Thank you all for the support. I know some of you watch our matches late at night, so I appreciate you watching us.