Regarded as one of the top supports in the
League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), Labros "
Labrov" Papoutsakis now faces the biggest challenge of his career as he prepares to join
G2 Esports, the league's most decorated team. Despite the challenges, Labrov exudes confidence in this exclusive short interview with Sheep Esports, where he discusses his offseason, expectations for his new squad, and his hopes and dreams for the future.
How do you feel right now, coming off a loss against T1 but joining G2 for this big step in your career?
Labros "Labrov" Papoutsakis: "Honestly, I’m feeling very well and I'm super excited for next year. My goal is to win Europe and do well internationally, so I’m really looking forward to it.
You're moving from several years on BDS, competing with the same players, to joining what is considered the elite of Europe. Do you feel any apprehension or fear about this, or are you confident heading into next year?
Labrov: I'm personally not feeling stressed at the moment. I just enjoy playing with my teammates. We're a new team, so I don’t try to think about expectations, even though we should do really well. I just focus on the moment, game by game, and drama by drama.
You picked Bard against T1, a champion you’ve never played in competitive before. What do you think of the champion?
Labrov: Actually, I used to play a lot of Bard when I joined the LEC in Season 10. He was kind of strong back then. I haven’t played him in competitive for a long time, so I was happy I got to play him again on stage.
Going from BDS, a team with a slower style, to G2, which has a more explosive playstyle, how do you feel about this change? Do you think you'll adapt well, especially with Hans Sama?
Labrov: As you said, G2 and BDS have different playstyles. I don't feel like I'll have any issues swapping styles and adapting. I’m confident we’ll find what works best for us. And yeah, I’m just really excited to get started with this squad.
Labrov will now fill the shoes of Mikyx. Credit: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games
Two teams wanted Parus, and you ended up leaving BDS while he stayed. How does it feel to now be on G2, especially after such a strange offseason?
Labrov: I didn’t expect to get
an offer from G2, but I was obviously really happy with how the season ended up. So yeah, I mean, every offseason is kind of weird. A lot of unexpected things can happen, and I’m just happy I ended up on G2.
Do you think there will be any rivalry with Parus?
Labrov: I wouldn’t say so, I don't really see a rivalry between Parus and me. I just want to be the best in Europe anyway, and I’d have to beat him to achieve that. But it wouldn’t be personal.
Do you think you and Hans Sama have what it takes to become the best bot lane? Last year, you were regarded as one of the best supports in the LEC, but many people still underrate you. Do you think this is the year you can prove you're the best support in Europe?
Labrov: Definitely. I think this year with G2 is my best opportunity to prove it and I'll make sure that I seize it. I will be the best, and I'm looking forward to proving it.
G2 has a history of winning and going to Worlds, though you’ve only been once. Are you excited about the chance to compete internationally again?
Labrov: Yeah, I think, as you said, I went to Worlds only once, and it was probably the most fun experience I’ve had in my career. So, I’m just looking forward to all these international tournaments, and hopefully, we’ll be there representing Europe.
Do you have any final words for the fans, especially since you're one of the less outspoken players?
Labrov: Just a big thank you. It feels good so far. I feel like the fans have been very welcoming to me, and I just want to thank them and hope they’ll keep supporting me."
Header Photo Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
