DRX MaKo on triple duelist comp, life after IGL, and team mentality shift - “Even when we're losing, it doesn't feel like we're losing”

KIWOOM DRX pulled off a reverse sweep, clawing back from a map deficit to secure victory against DetonatioN FocusMe, and they did it with a smile. In the aftermath, DRX's Kim "MaKo" Myeong-kwan sat down with THESPIKE to break down the storyline dominating everyone's timeline: the now-infamous triple duelist composition across all three maps, along with his evolving role on the team and the mental shift that's carried DRX through a rollercoaster season.

Disclaimer: MaKo's original responses were given in Korean. This article uses a combination of the in-house event translator's live interpretation and AI-assisted translation to prepare the English-language quotes below. For the full, unedited exchange, scroll down to watch the original interview.

The Triple Duelist Experiment

The comp that had analyst desks buzzing wasn't some calculated meta read—it grew organically out of DRX's identity as an aggressive-minded team.

"The reason we came up with this triple duelist comp is that originally, we used to run a lot of comps that had no turning back," MaKo explained. "Also, since our team style naturally favors an aggressive approach, we thought, 'Let's just give it a try.'" What started as a scrim experiment quickly became a fixture in their competitive toolkit.

"It worked out very well, actually. So we were like, 'Okay, let's try it again, and let's try it again,' and then it just kind of became a staple in our competition."

Coach Termi Owns the Chaos

With analysts' desks openly mocking the comp, joking that Coach Pyeon "termi" Seon-ho wants to stay relevant with the kids, there was speculation over who exactly greenlit such an unconventional pick. MaKo didn't hesitate to give credit where it was due.

"We'll admit right away that it was Termi's idea. When he brought it up to the coaching staff and the players, we all said, 'Oh, that's actually something we can work with.'"

The team wasn't blindsided by the backlash, either, with MaKo admitting they'd fully anticipated the analyst desks' disapproval from the start. "We were expecting this kind of a response even if we did win, so it's just fun to watch right now."

Life After the IGL Role

MaKo's transition away from in-game leadership—handing the reins to Kang "BeYN" Ha-bin—has coincided with DRX's broader tactical shakeup. Rather than centralizing calls under one player, the team has moved toward a shared-leadership model where all five players contribute shotcalling duties.

"Right now, it feels very liberating. If the team isn't playing smoothly, I have the breathing room to advise them like, 'Hey, we tried this in scrims, so let's try it this way.'"

That flexibility has also let him focus more on his individual performance. "I can focus on my own play, so I'm very satisfied right now," he added. The dynamic has effectively decentralized decision-making entirely—no single player is locked into the IGL burden anymore, with teammates stepping in fluidly depending on the situation.

A Contract Through 2028 and a Collective Vision

With his contract recently extended through 2028, MaKo has long-term security with DRX—but he was quick to reframe the conversation away from individual leadership.

"Rather than me leading the team, it feels like a team where we all push and pull each other together. I really feel that we can accomplish things together."

He emphasized that his tenure gives him a responsibility to support teammates through rough patches, not dictate direction. Since he's committed to the team long-term, MaKo wants to draw on his past experience to “offer a helping hand whenever the team faces difficulties”, helping the whole team rise together. As he put it through his translator, the mindset isn't about "where can I lead the team," but rather "what we can all do together."

A New Voice Behind the Scenes: Mental Performance Coaching

Perhaps the most revealing moment of the interview came when MaKo was asked about DRX's visible shift in mentality—smiling and enjoying themselves even while down a map. His answer traced back to a candid personal admission.

"I don't exactly have the greatest mentality, especially when we start to lose."

That vulnerability is exactly why the team's newly signed mental performance coach has made such a difference. MaKo explained that the coach has introduced structured mental training methods, healthier ways to relieve stress, and better tools for expressing emotions in high-pressure moments.

What used to spiral into frustration during losing rounds now gets processed constructively, letting MaKo and his teammates stay composed—and even smiling—through adversity. It's a small but telling detail about how DRX's off-server support system has evolved alongside their on-server experimentation.

“Even when we're losing, it doesn't feel like we're losing.”

First Impressions of Summit

Closing out the interview, MaKo shared his thoughts on Summit, the newest map added to the competitive pool, which DRX just debuted in an official match against DFM.

Known for being critical of new map releases in the past, MaKo was surprisingly complimentary this time around. "In the past, I used to complain quite a bit whenever new maps were released, but Summit doesn't have weird spots like other maps," he said.

"It turned out really well, and I think it's a very fun map to play."

DRX’s comeback win was a snapshot of a team redefining itself in real time. Between an unorthodox triple duelist strategy, a redistributed leadership structure, and a newfound focus on mental performance, DRX's identity this season looks markedly different from years past. If this trajectory continues, DRX may not just be experimenting this season—they could be building a more sustainable formula for long-term success.

You can watch the full interview below:

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