"I don’t think I’m a player that the team can replace" - DRX MaKo reflects on 7-man roster, Corrode meta, and more

In the aftermath of a closely contested match between DRX and Gen.G Esports during VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 2, DRX's in-game leader, Kim "MaKo" Myeong-kwan, opened up about the team’s preparation, composition strategies, and his thoughts on managing a seven-man roster.

While the match ended in a disappointing 0-2 loss for DRX, the conversation offered some valuable insights into the team’s mindset and future direction.

Reflecting on the narrow defeat, MaKo didn’t shy away from owning the performance.

“We made so many small mistakes that just snowballed into a huge score difference.”

Despite rigorous preparation, Gen.G's adaptability on the newly released map Corrode proved to be a deciding factor. DRX had prepared the map with victory in mind, but the unexpected pick of Sage in Gen.G’s composition presented strategic challenges that DRX struggled to counter effectively.

VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Pacific Stage 2

DRX

0

X

2

Gen.G Esports

Group Alpha, Best of 3 - July 16, 2025 - 10:35AM

6

Corrode

13

8

Haven

13

DRX

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

MaKo

1.24

237

35/27/12

+8

1.30

74.9%

157.3

37%

50%

1

1

Flashback

1.09

243

35/29/2

+6

1.21

72.3%

153.8

40%

75%

3

1

Estrella

0.71

152

19/32/15

-13

0.59

74.7%

95.1

24%

30%

3

7

HYUNMIN

0.60

148

21/32/2

-11

0.66

69.4%

101.7

38%

46%

6

7

free1ng

0.59

135

17/33/7

-16

0.52

62.8%

85.9

31%

55%

6

5

Gen.G Esports

player

Rating

ACS

K/D/A

+/-

K/D

KAST

ADR

HS%

FBSR

FB

FD

t3xture

1.27

264

37/26/9

+11

1.42

82.6%

173.4

27%

55%

6

5

Ash

1.21

211

34/18/9

+16

1.89

90.0%

130.7

31%

60%

3

2

Karon

1.20

201

30/31/19

-1

0.97

82.3%

115.9

38%

50%

4

4

Munchkin

0.97

206

27/28/15

-1

0.96

72.3%

131.8

22%

38%

3

5

Foxy9

0.90

182

25/24/9

+1

1.04

80.7%

124.8

38%

63%

5

3

Exploring the Meta on Corrode

MaKo shared his perspective on the evolving meta of Corrode, a map that has already sparked debates among pros and analysts. While dual controllers have become the standard, North American voices like Erick "aspas" Santos and Evil Geniuses’s head coach Christine "Potter" Chi suggested dual Duelists might also work.

“I respect their opinions. I think they’re both right. But personally speaking, I think it’s more about what the team prefers to play and what their playstyle is.”

DRX has tested various team compositions and continues to evolve their strategy and compositions. MaKo hinted at openness to different setups, even showing eagerness to run a 4-Initiator comp if asked by the coaches to maximize their chances.

Although DRX lost their pick on Corrode, MaKo emphasized that abandoning the map is not an option.

“Well, for any professional team, we must prepare for the new maps… because that gets you an advantage in the map ban and picks.”

DRX plans to continue incorporating the map into their practice regimen, treating it like any other map in the game. With enough time, MaKo believes the team can develop more refined tactics and find consistent success.

Managing a 7-Man Roster: A Double-Edged Sword

With Cho "Flashback" Min-hyuk rejoining the main roster, DRX has expanded to a seven-man team, opening the door to greater flexibility and potential mid-match substitutions. However, MaKo expressed reservations about rotating players on a per-map basis, emphasizing the delicate balance of team dynamics.

“Just because one player changes for a special map, it changes the overall vibes of the person sitting next to you as well. I don’t think it’s the best choice for our team heading forward.”

He stressed the importance of synergy and consistency, implying that switching players too often might disrupt team chemistry. When asked if a larger roster might confuse opponents, MaKo was unconvinced, reiterating that team composition matters more than player identity.

Leadership Without Days Off

Despite the team’s expansion to a seven-man roster, MaKo made it clear that some roles can’t simply be swapped out. When asked lightheartedly if the larger lineup meant he could take a day off and let someone else take over in-game leader duties, MaKo responded with honest humility and a touch of self-awareness.

“It’s not noble for me to say this myself, but I don’t think I’m a player that the team can replace.”

His comment spoke volumes about his dedication and the trust the team places in him as DRX's IGL.

Looking Ahead: MVP Dreams and Champions Ambitions

Though Stage 2 didn't begin with a win, MaKo has clear objectives for the future.

“The team’s goal is to win and qualify for Champions. But my personal goal… I was MVP in 2023. I think I have a desire to try that again.”

With his sights set on both team glory and personal redemption, MaKo remains focused—and DRX fans have plenty to look forward to in the matches to come.

You can watch the full interview with MaKo below;

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: Riot Games