With 2017 shaping up to be one of most competitive years of League of Legends of all time, we take a small detour from the preseason roster madness with the 2016 All-Star Event.

Before the All-Stars players from the LCK flew for Spain this weekend, the players took some time to share their thoughts on 2016, the upcoming season, and the All-Star event.

Daily eSports and Akshon Esports collaborate to bring you translated interviews with Faker, Smeb, Pray, and Madlife.

Faker

A: It's already my 3rd time going, I guess I'm used to it now. I won't let that get in the way of performing well for the fans. I'll do my best and put on a good show.

Q: This year's All-Stars are taking place in Spain.

A: The only thing I know about Spain is FC Barcelona. I better go online and start studying. The only words I know are "hola" and "adios".

Q: How do you think the Faker-Mata matchup will go?

A: I'm not sure. I'll have to see. Last year my hand was frozen and was disappointed in losing to Froggen's Anivia.

Q: You have new teammates in Huni and Peanut.

A: They're still on vacation, so I haven't seen them yet. I think they'll be good.

Q: Any final comments?

A: The LCK looks to be extremely competitive in 2017. It's what strives me to work harder. Next year will force me to try hard, so it's going to be fun. All I can say is, it's going to be so much fun.

Smeb

A: It's a big corporation, so unlike before, there's a strict set of rules and schedules. It's a good opportunity to find my old self and start anew.

Q: You're going to be teaming up with Score, one of the best junglers in the LCK. Your thoughts?

A: We knew each other a bit, but we weren't all that close. Score is older, and he was very accomodating. I don't think there will be a problem.

Q: You also joined forces with Deft and PawN. Any comments?

A: Everyone has a longing to win, so I think it'll go very well.

Q: This is your first All-Star event. Any comments?

A: It's an event I always wanted to attend, so thank you for this opportunity. I'm excited to learn and play with great players.

Pray

A: 2016 was a bit disappointing for me. I wanted to have a better result than in 2015, but we couldn't do it. The most disappointing moment was the semifinals against SKT at Worlds. We thought we were so close when it came down to the 5th set, but we failed. It was the most heartbreaking moment, so it's still lingering in my mind, but of course, it has become a bittersweet memory now that time has passed.

Q: You announced your new team, Longzhu-IM.

A: When we started as the GE Tigers, we weren't really thinking too much about performance. This time, I'll play even harder to bring home good results.

Q: The Pray-Gorilla duo is back together at Longzhu.

A: We thought we were going to be separated since there weren't a lot of options available for us, but luckily we were able to reunite in Korea. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to stay together, and we'll try hard to make 2017 the best year for the duo.

Madlife

A: Thanks to the fans for all their love and support. I'll make sure to play well and bring joy in response.

Q: What are some memorable moments at the All-Star event?

A: The first one I always think of is my time with Doublelift. This year will once again display the best plays from each region, so I want to become friends with them all.

Q: You're facing Uzi in the 1v1 tournament.

A: It'll be an accomplishment just to beat him.

Q: What's the story behind Blitzkrank in 2015 All-Stars?

A: Faker made me pick it, I didn't have a choice. I don't think I'll have the decision-making power this year, either. I'll just do as I'm told (laugh).

Q: It must have not been easy to depart from CJ.

A: It wasn't, but I needed newer experiences for the future. I needed a broader prospective, so we parted our ways.

Q: Do you have an idea on your next destination, whether it's domestic or foreign?

A: I'm pondering over various options. I'm still not sure yet.

Q: Any final comments?

A: I'm joining players who have played excellently this year. I'll be hoping to perform well myself.

Image credit: Riot Games