On the 24th, at the special stage of '2026 PlayX4' held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Park Sang-hyun secured his second consecutive ASL title. In the 'Google Play ASL Season 21' finals, he overcame even Lee Young-ho, who had returned after six years, following a spectacular match that showcased an incredible psychological battle between top-tier Zerg and Terran players.
Below is the full interview with Park Sang-hyun, the winner of Google Play ASL Season 21.
Q. How do you feel about winning after defeating Lee Young-ho 4:3?
I had confidence in my skills, so I thought I might be able to win. But actually beating Lee Young-ho felt almost surreal. I’m experiencing a feeling I’ve never felt in my life. I’m happy that I played my own game without being intimidated by Lee Young-ho.
Q. It seems like the emotion is even more overwhelming because your opponent was Lee Young-ho.
It wasn't that I failed in my professional challenge, but rather that I chose to study when I was 17 because I was moving on to StarCraft II. Even when I was just starting out, I always regarded Lee Young-ho as a god. He was a player I never dared to think I could beat, so to have come this far and stand beside him is deeply moving.
Q. How did you prepare for the matches?
I knew he would come in strong early on, but he exceeded my predictions. Still, there were games I won because I kept those possibilities in mind.
Q. You attempted a bold 4-pool after three consecutive hatch-first builds. It must have been nerve-wracking since your opponent went for an 8-rax.
In Game 1, I had actually prepared the 4-pool specifically to counter a hatch-first build, but I changed my build yesterday. It’s a shame, but the situation in Game 1 itself was fine; my judgment just wasn't good. I never imagined he would go for hatch-first again in Game 2, so I got caught off guard. The 4-pool on Polarity was a prepared build. Technically, it was a build that should have lost to an 8-rax, but it worked out well, and I think that shifted the momentum in my favor.
Q. Your opponent didn't use any Starport plays, such as 1/1/1 or Valkyries.
Since it's Lee Young-ho, he’s capable of every build, so I couldn't assume he wouldn't use them at all. However, as the games went on, I became convinced he wouldn't use them. I practiced a lot against Starport plays for my match against Shin Sang-moon, so perhaps Lee Young-ho was conscious of that.
Q. In the final set, your Zergling and Drone rush was extremely bold.
I saw his hatch-first build, so I built the Spawning Pool first and played based on instinct.
Q. You’ve achieved two consecutive championships. What is your next goal?
I went to the military at 30. Looking back at my 20s, I felt like I could have worked harder but didn't. So, I’ve been pushing myself really hard because I don't want to have any regrets moving forward.
Q. Lee Young-ho's participation in the next season is uncertain. You must want to meet him in the finals again? Any words for Lee Young-ho?
Personally, he is a player I truly respect. I want to tell him how grateful I am, and if we meet again, I don't know if I'll be able to win. I won today, but I don't think I've surpassed Lee Young-ho. He is that great of a player, and if he ever returns to the ASL, I intend to face him with my best effort.
Q. Any final words?
Although the ASL players are getting older, everyone is practicing and preparing with absolute sincerity. I hope people recognize the players' dedication, and I am truly grateful to the fans who cheered for me.
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