DetonatioN FocusMe is first-ever LJL team to reach Worlds groups

Nicholas James Published 07/10/2021

DetonatioN FocusMe has made League of Legends competitive history by becoming the first Japanese team to reach the World Championship group stage.

The LJL has fought for a long time to be recognized as a competitive region on par with its more recognized peers. DFM defeated the LCS’ Cloud9, securing themselves first seed out of the group and a spot in the group stage.

Worlds has always promised upsets aplenty and 2021 is no different than usual. With the third day of Play-Ins over, the story on everyone’s lips is the historic achievement by the Japanese representatives. After dropping a game to Unicorns Of Love, the favorites of North America’s Cloud9 were tied with DetonationFocusMe at 3-1. One had to advance to groups and the other would be seeded into the second round of Play-Ins. DFM rose to the challenge, snatching Elder Drake and Baron from C9 in one fell swoop and winning.

With that win, Detonation FocusMe made history. The emotional reaction of the LJL casters at the moment of victory shows the magnitude of this for the Japanese fans. The relief, shock, and utter pride are plain to see, and DFM deserves every ounce of praise.

Who is Detonation FocusMe?

Detonation FocusMe is the reigning LJL champion. DFM won the 2021 Spring Season, qualifying for MSI only to fall to DWG KIA and Cloud9 in the group stage. DFM returned home, with Gaeng rejoining the starting roster, and once again claimed the domestic title.

The top side of the map for DFM has been around for many years now, with Shunsuke “Evi” Murase and Moon “Steal” Geon-yeong in top and jungle. One of the newcomers to the roster has been Lee “Aria” Ga-eul, the rising star mid laner. Yuta “Yutapon” Sugiura is the longest-term veteran on the roster, and one of the longest-standing players on a roster in the world. He’s been playing for Detonation FocusMe and winning finals since 2014. It’s near impossible to find a player who has reached for Worlds as long as the DFM AD carry has.

Rounding out the roster is Yang “Gaeng” Gwang-yu, who returned to the roster after being replaced by Kazuta “Kazu” Suzuki earlier in the year. Fans may recognize Gaeng from his brief appearance at the 2018 Mid-Season Invitational with PENTAGRAM.

DFM has made history with its ascendency to groups and now must contend with the LCS’ 100 Thieves, the LCK’s T1, and the LPL’s EDG. DFM will return in the group stage, which begins on October 11.

Nicholas James

About Nicholas James

Nicholas James is a gaming writer with a passion for all things geekdom, as well as live theater. Nicholas is best known for covering League of Legends and other top MOBA titles, but his expertise covers numerous games across multiple genres. When not watching the LCS or playing the latest new release, Nicholas can be found doing some tabletop gaming and painting his favorite miniatures. Nicholas has also published with Hotspawn, TheGamer, Dexerto, Esports.gg and other industry outlets.

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