Topson recently returned to OG ahead of upcoming The International events, bringing his championship experience back to the active roster. The two-time champion, who claimed titles with the organization in 2018 and 2019, outlined the core traits that divide top-tier professionals from the rest of the competition.

According to the veteran midlaner, mechanical skill alone is not enough to maintain dominance at the highest level. True tier-one competitors rely on original concepts rather than following established meta trends.

“I believe having one’s own opinion is what separates the best players from good ones. The strongest constantly invent something new and look for fresh ways to influence the game,” Topson said.

Topson emphasized that while good players typically copy successful strategies, elite competitors constantly innovate and find new methods to impact matches.