Sergio “Legolas” Vicente has proven to be one of the best performing players in the Superliga Dominos. In this interview, we have sat with the ADC for Barça eSports—who have qualified for the Superliga Final Four—to talk about his level of performance, the key moments of the year, the ERL system, and the opportunities of joining the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC).

How does it feel to be back playing on stage?

Sergio “Legolas” Vicente: "Being back on stage is a reward for all the effort we have put in throughout the year. I think it's one of those things I live for, competing in front of people. When I played traditional sports, it was something that really motivated me; it's the reward for having done a good job all year long.

It's been a year of many ups and downs for your team, reaching the EMEA Masters final and winning the Spring Split. What happened in Summer Split?

Legolas: I think that the change in jungle affected me mentally. I'm happy for Thayger, he deserved to promote to the LEC and maybe I did too. I saw it from a close distance. Not receiving any interest from the organizations in the LEC put more pressure on me. We have to add that to the fact that 113 demoted and was one of the best junglers on the market. It took its toll on us. We also got overly relaxed after having reached the EMEA Masters final. Now it's time to prove that, at least on an individual level, I'm still one of the best ADCs.

Has Thayger’s absence been noticeable from a gameplay's point of view— macro, playstyle…— aside from the mental aspect?

Legolas: I’d say that the biggest difference has come in terms of playstyle, since 113—coming from BDS—played differently from us, and I think the team cohesion has also dropped. In the end,Thayger and I got along pretty well with each other, and it made me sad that when knew each other the best, he left to the LEC.

You’ve also played previously for Bisons, S2V, Movistar Riders Academy, Guasones… you’ve had quite a career in Spain. In your opinion, what are the things that stand out in Barça eSports?

Legolas: There are always negative things, on the internal side, but honestly, the most positive thing is that from the first day I’ve felt like part of the club. We’re like a family. The atmosphere is very good and you feel at home… very similar to when I was at Bisons, it felt like a big family.

What do you think about the “LECgolas” movement? You have a big fanbase in Spain and many people would like to see you in the LEC… Even though the opportunities haven’t arrived yet, do you still think it’s possible that it becomes a reality in the near future?

Legolas: First of all, thanks to everyone. This year I’ve felt super loved and supported; reaching the EMEA Masters final I could feel more people believing in the movement, so thank you very much for that. I also think I’ve had a very good year—keeping this last Split aside—and I hope the scouters do their job properly and take a look at the whole year, and how, in important series, I’ve shown better performances than 3XA, Comp, and many other players who believe they should be in the LEC. I hope they do their job well. I’m not saying they should hand me a direct pass, but at least give me the opportunity to prove what I’m worth. I still have the drive, and I still want to be there.

Are LEC organizations afraid of promoting new players to the LEC? Should the ERL system be changed?

Legolas: I think that organizations are hesitant when it comes up the idea of bringing new players to their LEC rosters. I feel like maybe they are afraidof losing, and that’s why teams stick with the same players. It feels like they prefer to play it safe. I think more opportunities should be given—there’s a lot of hesitance. Honestly, I think I deserve at least the chance of doing some tryouts. There have been some recent examples like Hans SamD, who got his chance late, but finally did. He has been able to prove he might have deserved a spot there. I think that franchising at the LEC has been a problem, since some organizations adopted the strategy of just holding onto their spot so they wouldn’t risk relegation. Many clubs have done this. Honestly, when there was promotion/relegation and the Challenger Series, the level was higher because organizations and players knew they could lose their spot; thus their job and their opportunity.

Lastly, any final message for your fans?

Legolas: Thank you so much for supporting me. At the end of the day, as a player, it really helps me a lot to read your messages—especially when things are going badly. Thank you so much for being there, my triumphs are always yours.