![[Hero Story] 'Knee' Jaemin Bae, the Lone King of Tekken, Steps Onto the New Stage with ROX Gaming](https://cgeimage.commutil.kr/phpwas/restmb_allidxmake.php?pp=002&idx=3&simg=2017090709553507159_20170907095728dgame_1.jpg&nmt=27)
The first interviewee of [Yoonji Lee’s Hero Story] is Tekken’s ‘Knee’ JaeminBae, who recently entered ROX Gaming. Originally an independent player of a comparably unpopular sport, JaeminBae, who trod a thorny path to the throne, has now stepped onto a new stage of life with ROX Gaming in support. Let’s hear how Jaemin had reached his position, and what he seeks to achieve in the future with ROX.
There are some notable names when it comes to Korean Tekken scene, and ‘Knee’ JaeminBae would be one of the first that comes to mind. Knee is a renowned player who has played Tekken series from the first game, Tekken, and won numerous local and international tournaments. One of Knee’s best achievements is the 2010 World Cyber Games, when he shot to fame by winning the tournament.
How would it feel like to become the best player in the entire sport? For games like League of Legends or Overwatch, winning the world championship means huge fame and wealth. However, this was not the case for Knee. Although his name would be honored, he still couldn’t afford to participate in international tournaments due to costs, as Tekken was, and still is an unpopular sport, and as he did not have a team to support him.
However, Knee waited patiently while retaining his position at the top. And his time finally came early August, when Knee entered ROX Gaming, a professional eSports team. It was his long-term goal to be in a team and wear the uniform. To Knee, ROX Gaming provided physical and psychological stability.
Now, Knee stands as ‘ROX Knee’ in setting a step into Act 2 of his life. Let’s dive into his arduous yet successful gaming life.
![[Hero Story] 'Knee' Jaemin Bae, the Lone King of Tekken, Steps Onto the New Stage with ROX Gaming](https://cgeimage.commutil.kr/phpwas/restmb_allidxmake.php?pp=002&idx=3&simg=2017090709553507159_20170907095728dgame_2.jpg&nmt=27)
◆ Chapter 1?A Kid in Love with Video Arcade
Knee’s first rendezvous with Tekken was when he was in elementary school, at a video arcade. Knee wasn’t even aware of the name of the game, and was a small curious bystander during the days of Tekken and Tekken 2. He learnt how to play the game by watching his seniorsplay it.
It was during middle school times when Knee began to enjoy Tekken 3, and he first dreamt of being a pro player after he went to high school, when Tekken 5 was released. Ironically, it wasn’t because he felt he was talented, but because he found out there were much better players out there. The competitive spirit he felt then, was what made Knee as he is today.
"When I was in high school, I thought I was the best. My hometown is in Gyeongbuk Province, and I was the best in the town(Laughs). But after I lost 30 games straight to a player from Daegu, I realized that there was another world out there, and that I was a babe in the woods. After the incident, I got to know lots of other players, and I received someone’s recommendation to play in a tournament in Seoul. That broadened my vieweven further, and I learnt to know that there are lots of Tekken players. That’s when the desire to become the best in Korea came to me, and so I began to play the game in earnest when I turned 20."
As a kid who grew alongside Tekken, Knee gradually gained fame, and became the biggest Tekken star after winning the 2010 World Cyber Games. He also seemed to remember it vividly.
"I always wanted to win in famous tournaments, and so winning the WCG is by far the most memorable moment of my gaming life. Since it was a multi-eSport event, with lots of famous players from various games participating, it was amazing to stand between those famous players (Laughs).What made me even happier was the fact that I was the first Tekken champion, since the game was adopted to the tournament on the very year. It was just ecstatic to have a medal hung around my neck. I think it feels even more special, since the tournament does not exist now."
Knee’s gaming career is too diverse to be covered by a single page. Practice and consistency was what made him stand where he is today. He polishes his skills in practice mode, learns to manage the game through scrims, and feedbacks previous games. Usually practicing for 8-9 hours a day, Knee has recently started working out, and has been taking dietary supplements to maintain his best condition.
![[Hero Story] 'Knee' Jaemin Bae, the Lone King of Tekken, Steps Onto the New Stage with ROX Gaming](https://cgeimage.commutil.kr/phpwas/restmb_allidxmake.php?pp=002&idx=3&simg=2017090709553507159_20170907095728_3.jpg&nmt=27)
◆ Chapter 2?Life as an Independent Player of Unpopular Game
There were some notable Tekken teams in the past, including Najin e-mFire. But Knee was never scouted by Najin. During a decade of reigning as one of the best Tekken gamers, there was no team to support Knee.
"Even I am still curious why I wasn’t in a team. None of the teams contacted me, even after I won big tournaments. I think it was because PC games are hotter than arcade games in Korea, and also because Japanese teams would prefer Japanese players over me. When I was on the latest Tekken World Tour, many people would say ‘I don’t understand why Knee doesn’t have a sponsor yet’. Some foreign teams did contact me after my foreign audiences commented on my stream, but it never got to a negotiation stage."
It’s never easy for a player to be independent. Knee was literally alone, preparing for everything from application, scheduling the trips, and participating in tournaments.Participating in international tournaments were one of the biggest difficulties. Although have been one-time sponsored to play in international tournaments, there was nothing left for him, even after winning one, due to the high costs. No wonder Knee envied players with teams, dressed in team uniforms during tournaments.
"I used to envy players with teams. When I was playing in Tekken Crash, I saw players in Najin e-mFire uniforms, and they looked nice. With the team names in front of their names, and dressed in uniforms, it was certainly an enviable thing to look at."
"It was also a rough patch going to international tournaments. I wasn’t able to participate in the tournaments I wanted. Since it cost a lot just to make a trip to other countries, there was nothing left for me, even if I won the tournament. It was a break even. I couldn’t make a living out of playing the game. My friends would tell me to stop playing professionally.I labored myself under various concerns. I believe every player who plays comparably unpopular games undergo the same dilemma."
The common dilemma of players of unpopular games. This was what shook and stirred Knee, while playing without a team. Many players competing in less popular games tend to depend on streams, as only a small number of tournaments are hosted. But their streams also fall behind streams of popular games. This was what concerned Knee and his surroundings.
"As I got older, there were pressures from my surroundings, like ‘you should do this or that when you’re this old’. I had to fry with vexation. There were situations when I couldn’t manage both the game and what I had to do for my life. My parents does not like me playing. All my old friends look decent grown-ups, or as what the society calls them. Any player competing in unpopular games would think the same. They love playing the games, but big sigh comes out when we talk about our lives."
![[Hero Story] 'Knee' Jaemin Bae, the Lone King of Tekken, Steps Onto the New Stage with ROX Gaming](https://cgeimage.commutil.kr/phpwas/restmb_allidxmake.php?pp=002&idx=3&simg=2017090709553507159_20170907095728_4.jpg&nmt=27)
◆ Chapter 3?Act 2 of Life as ‘Knee’ of ROXGaming
At the end of his concerns, Knee met a helping hand, ROX Gaming. After coming in third place at EVO 2017, held in Las Vegas in July, Knee soon received a call from ROX Gaming. Knee first thought if they were calling the wrong person, and even checked if the call came from ROX’s official account several times.
He half filled with half anticipation, and half thrill when meeting ROX for the first time. He was soon able to sign the contract, confirming his first entrance to a professional team in his entire gaming career. Prior to the official announcement, Knee posted a comment on his social network, saying “I have long dreamt of wearing a uniform with my nickname on it.” He went on to comment, “When the thought became real, it was ironically the most unreal moment, and flashback of my career swept through me.” It was certainly a special moment, with a special relation.
"I thought I would never get to be in a team in my career. I would be in my mid-thirties a few years later, and I thought I would never get to have the chance. And so I was so happy when the final confirmation was made. I felt as if the sun had finally shone.It feels like a completely new beginning."
Act 2 of Knee’s life had opened. With ROX in front of his nickname, he expressed a determined resolution and aim for his future.
"My first tournaments as a ROX player were Korean World Tour and Chinese tournament. Strangely, it was a bit awkward to see myself play (as a member of ROX). I realized that I should have me and my team more well-known. Since I don’t have any difficulties in participating in international tournaments, I want to become famous in the international scene. My first goal is to beat Echo Fox."
"I have become more confident with the team behind my back. When people asked me “Hey Knee, are you in a team?”, I had to quibble “I just play on my own”. Now I’m confident as a member of ROX. I even think that people are looking at me differently. I also tend to practice a lot more. I intend to do more than my best, since showing a good performance is beneficial not only for myself but also the team."
With new goals set, Knee has leaped over the barrier of age. Feeling burdened by age, according to Knee, is a limitation set by himself, and only acts as an excuse for losing. Knee quoted the case of Roger Federer, a legendary tennis player who overcame the prejudice of being a has-been by winning the Wimbledon this year. “I am inspired by older athletes,” exclaimed Knee, “and age is just a number”.
As an independent player of unpopular game, Knee was labored by concerns. His mind sometimes reeled. Although ROX recently gave him a helping hand, what made Knee endure until then were his fans. Nearing the end of the interview, Knee expressed his genuine gratitude to his fans.
"I can’t be grateful enough to my fans, who have cheered for me and supported me. Fans are whom I get my energy from. When I was younger, I was used to saying ‘Thank you’ to my fans, but nowadays I tried to really show it from the bottom of my heart. People usually communicate with their surroundings, and my surroundings are the viewers of my stream, from whom I realize my sense of life. I will continue to try my best to share good news with my fans. I will always do my best to bring you good results."
Translated by ROX Crew.
*This translation was provided through a partnership with the ROXGAMING.
