Fresh off his move to Fnatic, Sylvain "Veqaj" Pattyn took the time to talk to Sheep Esports just before the VALORANT Red Bull HomeGround starts. We discussed his whirlwind signing, settling into an English-speaking locker room, his move from French Tier 2 to Tier 1, why he only feels under pressure once he's on stage with the cameras rolling, and more topics.

How do you feel right after joining Fnatic, and what does it mean to join this year’s Champions finalists?

Sylvain "Veqaj" Pattyn: "Honestly, it’s incredible. I’m joining the best team in Europe and the second-best in the world. There isn’t really a word for it. It’s another world, you meet so many people. It’s just incredible.

Can you share how the offer from Fnatic came? Were there other options for you?

Veqaj: I did have one firm offer and another one pending. I trialed with Fnatic for a day, and it went really, really well. In three scrims, about three hours, I clicked with everyone. I aimed well, I used my voice, I communicated like I’d been there a year. They noticed immediately. The next day, the coach FaceTimed me: “We want you”. I signed the pre-contract right after.

On the day of your announcement at the INZONE event, you played different roles versus GIANTX, which gained significant attention on social media. How did your arrival at Fnatic actually unfold?

Veqaj: I flew in the same day as the showmatch, landed in London at 4 p.m., and had a match an hour later. No time to rest, off the plane, straight to the stage. It went well. Everything moved so fast, I didn’t have time to overthink it. I just sat down and played.

You were a big prospect in VCL with Valiant, then confirmed your potential with Gentle Mates in VCT, and now with Fnatic. Did you expect an offer like this?

Veqaj: Honestly, no. At the start, I thought I might get nothing, after Gentle Mates, maybe another year in VCT on a lower-tier team. I didn’t expect Fnatic at all.

If you look back on your time at Gentle Mates, what stands out? What are you most proud of despite the losses?

Veqaj: Aside from the results, it was overwhelmingly positive. We had a good team and good vibes, no real internal issues. Everyone could shoot; we just couldn’t close out those cursed 12-round games. The CEO's were great, the managers too, they welcomed me really well.

Berlin was a new chapter with Gentle Mates. How was the move from France, and are you eager to return?

Veqaj: The transition went smoothly. Gentle Mates handled the apartment and logistics so I’d be comfortable. I’m excited to go back because the regular season means stage matches. But if I have to choose between France and Germany, I prefer France, of course.

How did you experience the path from the French Open Tour to VCL to VCT? It must have felt fast for you.

Veqaj: Yes and no. From Open Tour to VCT took four years. It was all work, reviewing tons of games, never letting up. That’s why I’m at Fnatic now. Never quit, believe in your goals, and grind the game.

Speaking of the future: if a 16-year-old just entering Tier 3 asked how to reach Fnatic, what would you say?

Veqaj: Work relentlessly. At 16, you might not grasp what good work looks like on a team, but never quit. Love the game, don’t be toxic, stay humble, keep good vibes. Train your aim, refine your communications, and be as clear as possible in English. There’s no secret, just grind. Play the game.

English doesn’t seem to be a hurdle for you. You’re entering a fully English-speaking roster, comfortable?

Veqaj: Early on, it wasn’t perfect. I didn’t understand every word, and the accents vary: British, American, even regional ones. At first it’s hard, but the more you’re immersed, speaking and hearing English, the more natural it becomes. I’ve studied English since primary school, then through middle and high school, and now in my daily life. I’m very comfortable today.

What are the biggest differences between Tier 2 and Tier 1 in terms of pace and pressure?

Veqaj: Pressure depends on the person, but the jump is huge. On stage, you’ve got the audience and cameras; it’s very different. With more years in VCT you learn to manage it. As for rhythm, in VCL you’re at home, you know what you’ll eat, you can sit at your PC right away. In VCT it’s more like office life: wake up, shower, breakfast, then to the facility to work with teammates. It’s a different world.

Fnatic routinely builds rosters that qualify for international events. Do you feel extra pressure because of that?

Veqaj: Joining Fnatic and aiming for international events doesn’t create pressure for me. The pressure is in-game, on stage, in a grand final, in that tight circle with everyone watching. That’s real pressure. But the idea of “Fnatic expectations” isn’t heavy for me.

Red Bull Homegrown is an off-season event, a chance to show yourselves and test things on stage. Do you have a team goal for the tournament, or is it more like the GIANTX showmatch, enjoy it and try things?

Veqaj: First, enjoy it. Maybe we won’t run troll comps like in London, but we’re there to have fun and build chemistry, find our identity, define my roles, and agent pool. If we can win Homegrown, we’ll take it, but the priority is enjoyment, connection, and discovering our style together."