The Story Of Deft: The Legend Who Defeated a God

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Players who want to succeed in League of Legends have to be strong.
But how many times could you fail before you stopped believing that victory was possible?
Before your regrets piled up and buried your hopes of ever finding a way?
And, if you somehow kept going, could you turn your last chance into the greatest story that Worlds had ever seen?
This is the Story Of Deft.
Written by: Josh Bury (@throwngauntlet)
Edited by: Connor Dunn (@ConnorDunn_)
Narrated by: Danny Burke (@lurkeyburke)
Produced by: Danielle Rosen (@Daniel_Rosen) & Matt Massey
Production Assistance by: Jason Lo (@JasonLobsterr)
Footage Credits: pastebin.com/4...
Music used under license from Associated Production Music LLC (”APM”).
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[@theScoreesports]

Deft did the impossible on his path to win it all, but you don't have to work hard to improve your internet browsing experience. Download Opera GX for free right here: operagx.gg/TheScoreEsports8

[@dt6432]

The greatest Cinderella run in League history. Period.

[@ransum_]

gaming history*

[@thanatos238]

@Freelogen truuuuuu

[@fatchuck]

@@ransum_ og ti8

[@ViXoZuDo]

@freelogen nah... C9 didn't go through qualifiers... they were already qualified since they were bot8 of the Kraków 2017 major. This was definitely a way better Cinderella story. The only important part about c9 run was that it's the only NA major. Nothing else. Other than that, there is nothing impressive about it.

[@reelbigpokemon]

i dont get the cinderella reference, wouldnt it be more like a david vs galiath or something like that. its not like deft lost his shoe and is now marrying faker.

[@tofu1244]

That was the most perfect Worlds Finals so far. It's hard to top that one story-wise. Deft vs Faker, Deft and Keria, Kingen's anime powerup moments, Zeka and Pyosik doing masterclasses, and DRX's story itself from barely qualifying for Worlds to Champions. Truly perfect *chef's kiss*

[@Nekroz05]

The fact that 5 drx players has plot armor in that statement, and only 2 for skt, might be the deciding factors

[@benj4845]

Pyosik masterclass at missing smite

[@MikoYae]

Kind of intrigued about Deft and Keria, Kingen's anime powerup moments, Zeka and Pyosik doing masterclasses. Could you please explain if you have the time?

[@euanwarkentin7204]

@@MikoYae This is super late but heres the rundown Deft and Keria used to be teamates Kingen randomly turned into a god at certain points in the tournament Zeka Pyosik were generally dominate throughout the tournament NOTE: with the exception of Deft this whole roster was pretty mid before the tournament

[@hansoel1610]

@@MikoYae Keria also promised Deft a world championship with him when he was a rookie I think back on DRX coming form academy.

[@Gomace]

Deft's strategy: Swap teams, train everyone to play a certain way, then, after 10 years of buildup, you take advantage of all your old teammates' weaknesses that you maticulously placed throughout the different teams. Plan ahead, guys.

[@bryniac5]

damn, that sounds like like the most op villain ever lol

[@subhodipbhowmick6193]

Wait that's genius nah?

[@sekaihunter9378]

Me realizing the teams on the opposite side of Deft all have an ex-teammate of him (Meiko in EDG, Doran and Chovy in GenG and Keria in T1): He is out of line, but he's right!

[@pokemonfan155]

​@@sekaihunter9378scout on edg as well

[@QTnameless2401]

the fact that Deft and Faker come from the same high school makes this literally an anime storyline . And what the hell does this school feed their students ,? lmao

[@Kuro-oq4wp]

kimchi

[@vucci8378]

@@Kuro-oq4wpkimochi*

[@jayr.3720]

Been watching competitive league since 2012, before Deft or Faker debuted, and I can't tell you how happy I am to see Deft win worlds. It was such a satisfying tournament at the time but now that the story's over it's so satisfying to re live the experience.

[@ade1174]

Deft is the ADC GOAT. I still can't believe he actually pulled off the miracle run a month after the moment. DRX's mental fortitude was insane. Sometimes dreams come true, and I'm glad that Deft's lasting dance was fulfilled.

[@aminefera5880]

It RULER

[@francisreidpalmes3348]

Bro tried to get another last dance run but failed miserably thanks to his support and midlaner in DK.

[@KandM9999]

he got carried for 2022

[@rickroll9978]

the biggest and most legendary ESPORTS run ever and the best storyline. deserved win, all players stood up and excelled when they most needed to (pyosik missed smites but who tf cares he still played well),

[@alibinqauizhiersarapuddin7860]

I'll have og's ti8 run as the best eSports run ever But this take the 2nd place for sure And 3rd would be cloud 9 winning the major

[@tutowo7304]

@@alibinqauizhiersarapuddin7860 No one cares Dota actually

[@obscuregamer642]

OG's Cinderella story is still the best.

[@alvinudani5767]

Nope

[@reformed827]

@@alibinqauizhiersarapuddin7860 dota only relevant because of 33 year old people like you talking about it in league related vids

[@joelupetz5157]

The story between Faker and Deft definitely made Worlds 2022 a lot more special and interesting🔥✨

[@francisreidpalmes3348]

2 schoolmates in the biggest stage in competitive League of Legends is not something we see everyday

[@rainin8956]

@@francisreidpalmes3348 like some anime rival shit

[@playboicarkeys9038]

How have we not got a story of beryl. The most underrated player in the world bro won worlds one year went to the finals the next and then won worlds for the second time with a different team the next

[@fvjxznvueaepd8u]

his story would be nuts. a league 2x world champion who doesn't even play the game anymore lmAO (yep he only plays scrim and tournament but he never plays solo q for years now)

[@dg5872]

Right? I was thinking that too, Beryl will prolly be still underrated after winning his 3rd worlds because there are other supports who look better in game than him. He has so many intangibles that he adds to the team that makes him vital but people like flashy plays more.Pyosik as well, the biggest coinflip in that team on his successful redemption arc would be a good story to cover

[@Michaelthacrow]

All while playing Genshin Impact a majority of the time

[@nobody-bt7mu]

He's not underrated though. Every pro would rank him top 5 support of all time by now.

[@blitzcrank4840]

BeryL is that one kid who plays a game once and immediately becomes a god of it. He spends 1-2 hours of soloq sometimes even less and 5-6 hours reviewing games mf have photographic memory

[@donnieblue420]

I watched the finals at a local movie theater that was streaming it. The screaming and cheering when they finally clinched the last win damn near shook the projector loose. Just pure magic.

[@davidfrost8975]

At my theater they ended up having technical difficulties during game 5 draft lmao. Me and a bunch of people ended up streaming the game on our phone for game 5.

[@griffins750]

Just a reminder of two things: 1. This 20min video makes it feel short, but this journey was more than a decade for Deft, and as good as this video is we can’t forget that. 2. Deft’s Draven was so lucky, at one point early on he had a ton of adoration, but he got caught botlane in a play that should have set him super far behind, but instead he got his ult off and killed Renata at like 50% hp before he died which meant he got a ridiculous amount of gold. He died and was up like 1,500 gold or something and then snowballed from there, if he hadn’t pulled off that play, things would not have looked good for Deft, but he did, against all odds he did…

[@cstrange8101]

Yes he got lucky with the Draven, but compared to how unlucky he got in that game two??? Not even comparable my friend.

[@Mezha07]

He truly was the protagonist's rival everytime he reached the peak he meets faker there and now he finally conquered the one player who stood on his way truly poetic

[@bartterp88]

I'm not the biggest LoL fan nor have I played the game a lot if anything, but I like watching Worlds every year for obvious reasons. But this final had me on the edge of my seat. The conclusion of the whole storyline leading up to this made it extraordinary special.

[@Eohor]

This video has been in my watch later playlist for a year. Watching it after 2023 worlds adds an other flavor. Deft and his legendary Cinderella run, it created something: the final form of T1 He is the antagonist in Keria's story, left him in tears at the end of 2022 and little boy came back and wrecked the 2023 worlds championship

[@junsake2797]

not only did deft do all this, he was formerly teammates with both keria and chovy. he felt that he was dragging the rest of his team down, so he recommended chovy to gen g and keria to t1. much respect to this legend for bringing it back and showing everyone that he wasn't losing his touch

[@aqwmachine945]

Nope chovy and deft both joined HLE after leaving drx in 2020 after a not so good year deft and chovy both left hle for drx and gen g

[@moondrop5359]

This worlds was literally an anime story

[@TM-NSTK]

Yeah absolutely👍

[@jamiewestwood7827]

Man, there are very little things in this life that would compare to a feeling Deft must have felt through this whole season. Just watching from the outside gives me the chills. Congratulations to him he deserves it.

[@Vernafveik]

This was the first ever Worlds I sat down and watched, and my God was that one of the best choices I ever made

[@cubandarknez]

such a pog story. If someone gave me a movie plot like this, I'd say that it suspends disbelief too much, and should be more grounded. But whose to say dreams can't be made reality.

[@MartinG2109]

“When his longest shot ever to win worlds came his way, Deft had to believe it was possible… It was possible for a team coming into worlds as a fourth seed with a losing record to win it all. And even if it seemed impossible at first, Deft made all of us believe it too.” Facts.

[@yamiRic]

Since there are very little of Zeka, Kingen, Pyosik, and Beryl mention in this video, I'm sure you guys are preparing at least another two features, Zeka and Beryl

[@teofrancisdelacruz8421]

Really one of the greatest story of League's history.

[@DjGaiden]

Skip Bayless: “Kingen picked Aatrox and SAVED Deft’s legacy!!!”

[@ikenaiiwnl]

“I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING QUITE LIKE IT!”

[@pemsapascual8521]

its a team game

[@brianj1r144]

lmao. didnt think skip bayless would make it on to a esport comment section xD

[@jonistmp8484]

@@pemsapascual8521 yes, is a team game. But kingen is a beast when he pick aatrox. T1 underestimate his pick.

[@awesomeadi2]

Fuck off with that Skip Bayless shit. I knew that was coming 😂😂😂

[@neoxisval6177]

Faker: The Unkillable Demon King Deft: The Untiltable Demon King

[@azrrrrrrrr]

As someone who has been Deft fan since season 4 this worlds were absolute dream. The passion,tragedy,disbelief and happiness in worlds finals winning moment made me so emotional. I wish i could expirience this kind of feeling once again. Long live GOAT ADC - Deft!

[@peytonsmith1062]

It ain't just Deft tho give Kingen and Zeka some credit. BeryL and Pyosik had their moments where they were inting in that series against T1. But Kingen and Zeka were consistent. There was a rumor after they won Worlds that they would love to run it back again but unfortunately DRX didn't expect their whole roster to actually win Worlds so their contracts are only limited and not for like 3-4 years so all their contracts are ending and have to look for another team. DRX also don't have the money to keep the players but there's honestly more to it. DRX isn't really a good org in the LCK if you dig deep more of their org's history. Their staff is actually toxic to their players and more. Pyosik was the last one standing in DRX until he got a good deal in TL in NA so he took it which is best for him because I don't ever want any of these 5 players to remain in DRX where the org is just toxic. Would love to see all 5 of them again tho.

[@Israelevii]

Tbh I wanted Faker to win his fourth title but now knowing Deft whole story it's make me happy to that he won.

[@yoxinori515]

What a man. Fell down 9 times, stood back up 10. Very few people could handle the overwhelming emotions of continuous defeat but Deft is not like most people. What a wonderful run it has been for him. He is incredible.

[@nyxus007]

It's amazing to look back on this run and see how good it was every step of the way. And the finals was the most hype I've ever seen.

[@jinada27]

Damn, you cant write a better storyline than Deft 2022 Worlds journey......

[@nostalgiacorner1999]

The legend! So many heartbreaks, but he conquered them all

[@crashycrash5848]

His story will be remembered! And possibly the story of the next worlds anthem :)

[@bellenomura]

Wow! Spot on!

[@desire1857]

I attended this years finals in person. So fortunate to have witnessed such an iconic moment in League of Legends history. Nothing will match the energy in that stadium throughout the duration of that match. It was breathtaking to say the least.

[@Hosigie]

Just one thing, neither Deft nor Faker graduated high school. Both dropped out. Later Deft took his GED but Faker never did.

[@chanceredman7965]

i remember watching all of this live was such a beautiful cinderella story and greatest worlds ever

[@logik99]

Here again after GODS worlds video came out. Hits even harder.

[@saifeddinemahmoudi1138]

Hey man, RIOT took your video and made it 2023 worlds anthem

[@aqma8729]

coming here after watching newjeans song and now I know why I feel so emotional.. I’m so proud of u deft

[@crazedzealots]

I have been a fan since forever. I have been astonished by the rise of Faker and his three championships. I always believed in Deft. When they both faced each other in Worlds Final 2022 I was excited to see either of them win. I thought Faker would have a higher chance of victory. But I knew I would be even more shocked to see Deft pull off the miracle run. When Deft won I felt incredible excitement and joy for all he had fought through to get to that point, that victory, that magical winning moment. What an incredible story by DRX. Every team member of DRX had to step up and carry different games throughout the World Cup. It's wasn't just a Deft domination, but Zeka, Kingen, Pyosik, and Beryl all had magical games and moments to get them the team victory. It was a DRX team victory and it was really wonderful to see it all happen over the weeks and all the games.

[@shadonk]

Kingins 2v1 to stop the back door has gotta be one of the most heart pounding moments ever

[@fabiancamargo5545]

I watched it live, I cried... it was the best worlds for me. It was simply amazing. The stories behind both players... it was so emotional. Thank you for this amazing video :)

[@undyingrex5485]

The most scripted worlds ever. And I fing love it. This had to be the best worlds and story line I’ve ever seen. What and amazing plot.

[@edwardwongliupepelutivrusk1262]

I can't imagine how good Deft felt the moment he won Worlds.

[@JannDaMann]

The BEST ever storyline to be ever seen in Esports, DEFT

[@justarandomfatguy3300]

Came here after hearing the 2023 Worlds Anthem and this makes me it even more beautiful

[@frailty7280]

fresh outta highschool his arch rival was on T1 and rapidly becoming the goat and his team didnt even have a liquipedia article thats mad rough

[@cmja09]

8:19 you know it's a game 5 when the commentator's voice sounds like this

[@foryoutube9960]

me hoping Peanut gets one of these even if he doesn’t win worlds, my all time favorite (Canyon also deserves one of these too)

[@rickroll9978]

canyone for sure!

[@gerrymilgarcia7300]

Every time he meets Faker in an international final he beats Faker. First it was MSI 2015 now it’s Worlds 2022.

[@Primaeva]

LEGENDARY ALPACA

[@RideAfterMidnight]

Best Cinderella story in recent history. I still think TPA's run was more unexpected!

[@weedyDefTnT]

Still remember Deft Sivir flash into imp > qss penta, balls of steel, those were adc times

[@lukaradisavljevic2834]

This whole video is pain for as t1 fan, but i am so glad for deft

[@Hydrodictyon]

Wait gimme a sec. So deft left EDG who then became world champions… to obliterate EDG as well as T1 and become a world champion? Now that’s a villain arc the world needed.

[@risk3134]

obliterate ? bro plz

[@ablecantaim7112]

Kinda disappointed to not see any mention of PawN, he and Deft were teammates on Samsung Blue, EDG, KT Rolster, and Kingzone

[@Jakaro22]

I was at work watching the finals. Damnnn, that was the best worlds I've watched so far.

[@nadgrinch5391]

Even though I have known his story, this video gave me goosebumps. Great video

[@minttea4503]

this is so fucking legendary, big respect to him for not giving up!

[@OblivionXDDD]

Uzi tried and failed. Rekkles tried and failed. Bang has 2 but he always had the team to back him up. All other LPL worlds winners were good but never consistent enough and their lows were pretty bad. Deft was always in the conversation and as much as i hate the fact that DRX won Deft getting ADC GOAT status was the silver lining.

[@io4142]

Now, this explains the "GODS" MV.

[@OwOKrieger]

Don't ever say it's over if Defts breathing.

[@smoloms]

I'm gonna be completely honest, I was so taken aback by the information that you made all your coffee for the week all in one go, that I couldn't completely focus on the rest of the video without being in disbelief.

[@SalaShane]

They made this video into the worlds 2023 song, amazing story of deft :)

[@Eppi_Pen]

Watching this because Faker & Deft will meet once more to see who will make it to Worlds 2024 tonight. I am excited

[@Tmssef]

10 years' worth of tryhard and never giving up on his dreams, its more of a Human getting his fate from a God.

[@zorandire3946]

The best League Storyline

[@seokmae2]

why is deft's life a movie lowkey

[@sungjinwooman4767]

"Dont ever say it's over if im breathing"

[@animeroxperiod123]

Absolutely amazing run I was so happy for Deft! I literally cried. He worked so hard was sad to see faker lose but even happier for Deft! Tearing up again just watching this vid

[@ThothGrowth]

I watch a lot of conventional sports too, this is one of if not the most storybook improbable underdog stories I've ever seen. The caliber of player they had to go through and perform against, veins of ice, my god.

[@SgtBallsworth]

The players from this team should have a permanent 'Tilt Proof' emblem on their nameplates in pro games.

[@henabeee6110]

World's 2022 made Deft a living Legend in Leagues

[@marcellodepaula4749]

This is such an anime plot

[@syzygi_]

feels wrong to have a deft documentary that doesnt even mention imp

[@IAMMRON]

Brother Deft ❤

[@geniushoy]

Did the Riot Worlds MV team make a reference on this video? Feels like it has a very similar narrative with this one

[@justpassing5994]

I mean they're based on the same story..

[@DeRang3rMan]

Old League feels like peak E-Sports. The games were entertaining, the commentating was legendary. You had some amazing story lines. I know its all nostalgia as the play is better, the production quality is higher, but I feel like thats what made it so good. It seems so much more honest and raw. Less "big business" and more "I love this fucking game, this is hype as shit".

[@azrrrrrrrr]

100%. Esports back then were pure passion. Nowdays it is complete sellout...

[@JerichoTheCity]

I know everyone has faker as their goat but this run from drx is so special

[@cmja09]

most hype worlds ever. 2019 great run by G2, but failed. 2020 great run by Suning, but failed. 2021, idk didn't follow that one. 2022, ABSOLUTE BANGERRR!

[@fakerfakerblademaker68]

2021 was pretty banger too. 4 silver scrapes and a 4 way tie in group stage, though it pales in comparison to 2022 narrative wise (it could've been on par if T1 and DK faced each other in the finals instead)

[@jacebeleren9682]

Lmao at 11:05 mata is the only one to make sure they finish the nexus XD

[@cedr7c]

The story of Deft: the man who got denied of a "last dance"

[@hazimhashlamoun6785]

So enjoyable video 22min felt like it was like 2 or 3 minutes

[@torrevillaskimharold160]

CONGRATS ARTHUR NERY

[@lulkaku]

Been watching league since the beginning. This was the craziest run ever.

[@derekchuan]

I'm not crying, you're crying

[@WinterzPlayz]

Serious question though. Why aren't deft and Faker on the same team. Wouldn't that be massive?

[@darkeye1244]

Deft has said he and Faker be rival for so long.That why they can't be friend

[@Potato_Panda7]

You can defeat a God but you can never kill him

[@junevue9665]

U just salty

[@Potato_Panda7]

@@junevue9665 whooo last time I check Faker just won another world

[@junevue9665]

@@Potato_Panda7 last time check he got clapped by gen g

[@Potato_Panda7]

@@junevue9665 name another person with worlds chips that what I thought

[@reformed827]

greatest worlds run ever

[@minoro2441]

Faker being faker, always the final boss to beat Victims: pray uzi kuro etc

[@blitzcrank4840]

Finally a video about worlds and Deft. Now do "The Story of Knee 2.0" he's popping off rn and just last year he achieved all TGO on all characters

[@ElectroWolfZ7]

The fact that the world’s anthem 2023 is called gods… very funny

[@WinterzPlayz]

Two of the greatest players of all time came from the same school. Where do I apply?

[@Potato-ei4fd]

Please do anything competitive TF2 related like it is so cool.

[@cybermdo1292]

on NBA term this is when Dirk win it all for the mavs, against all odds, against all superteam, and against the G.O.A.T HIMSELF!!!

[@mauriellas]

Had to watch this after watching the mv of Worlds 2023 Anthem GODS ft. NewJeans🎉

[@LeAlpacaPlays]

“Both graduating…” both didn’t graduate cause both dropped out of Mapo HS

[@thedislikebutton3564]

2 anime MC's just dueling it out

[@yonesobi]

When after watch 「GODS」MV and watch reaction MV video with DEFT and fans. I got to watch this video why the MV has a backstory so i know why he became GOD and defeat a GOD on Worlds.

[@topiaslaitinen8387]

it's a deft video but it still needed the gumayusi steals.