It’s been a tough week for SK Gaming fans. After starting their League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Summer run with an 0-2 record, the German organization already finds itself with its back against the wall, with only two matches left to avoid early elimination. In an exclusive interview, new jungler Duncan “Skeanz” Marquet sits down with Sheep Esports to discuss the losses to Team BDS and Fnatic, his return to the league, and his determination to make the most of this opportunity.

After these first two matches and a 0-2 start, how are you feeling now?

Duncan “Skeanz” Marquet: "It’s been a bit complicated. On the first day, at least we showed some things, but during the second match, we showed nothing and that was pretty disappointing. We were too passive; we watched the game too much instead of forcing plays. That said, I’m still happy to be playing in the LEC and with how I performed against BDS.

What will it take for this SK roster to bounce back, especially with only two matches left against Team Heretics and G2 Esports?

Skeanz: It’s going to require a lot of work. We only had a month of practice, which isn’t much. The good thing about official matches is that they really expose the problems you need to fix. So, we’ll be doing a lot of reviews, especially on our macro play, mid-game, and decision-making, which weren’t very good today.

Do you see this Split as a chance to prove again what you’re capable of? And do you think the team can aim for the playoffs at its best?

Skeanz: Honestly, I don’t really know what our peak would look like. My main goal is to reach the playoffs—that would be really great with this team. Like you said, the most important thing for me right now is to show what I can do. That’s why I was really happy with the match against BDS: no one really expected anything from me, so it gave me a chance to prove what I’m capable of.

This is your first time back in the LEC since 2021 and you’ve been with several teams since, in Europe and internationally. At your age, after coming back to the top level, where do you see yourself in your career?

Skeanz: For me, it’s a chance to bounce back and show what I can do. I wouldn’t say I’m at the halfway point of my career because I still have the same desire to play and try hard—that hasn’t changed. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where I stand: I know I can match up with LEC junglers, but since it’s a team game, some players will be better in that context. It’s complicated to evaluate. Anyway, I don’t see this as the end of my career. Maybe by the end of the year I won’t want to play anymore, I don’t know, but for now, that’s not at all how I feel.

After all these years, do you still love League of Legends? What is your relationship with the game today?

Skeanz: I started in Season 3. What helps me stay motivated is that I also play other games alongside. I play LoL every day, but it’s not my only game, which helps avoid burnout. Yes, I still love the game, even if it’s a different kind of love than when I started. Back then, I was just a kid discovering everything, so it was pure passion. Today, I still really enjoy playing, whether it’s solo queue or scrims, but in a different way—and I think that’s normal over time.

When you received the offer from SK Gaming, did you hesitate to accept, knowing the team had struggled in the last two splits?

Skeanz: No, I did not hesitate at all. As soon as SK made their offer, I told the other teams that SK was my priority, because it’s the LEC and I wanted to come back. Even though, like you said, the team had finished near the bottom twice, I focused on myself, on what I could give and learn. I think we have a very good head coach here, and I’ve learned a lot over the past one or two months. It might sound a bit selfish, but I take in everything I can learn. The coach warned me before I signed: "It’s going to be tough, don’t expect us to win every scrim, you’ll have to be mentally strong." I told him I had no problem with that. I knew I was joining a project that wouldn’t become the best overnight, but I really enjoy playing with this squad.

Your contract ends after the Summer Split. Have you discussed a possible extension with SK, or is this just a solution for this split? How do you see your future after this split?

Skeanz: We haven’t talked about it at all with SK. For now, I have this opportunity to play one split in the LEC, and as I said, I’m jumping on it without thinking about what comes next. I’m giving it my all, and if SK wants to re-sign me, great. If not, that’s fine too, because I’ll have learned a lot. From the first talks with the coach, I told myself I wanted to be here to learn as much as possible. Anyway, like you said, I initially planned to go back to the LFL, so this LEC offer is already a big plus.

When you were at Papara SuperMassive, did you play on-site in Turkey or remotely?

Skeanz: I spent the first split on-site. For the second split, I had to do half from home due to visa issues. And for the third split, I was back in Turkey.

How do you compare the atmosphere and pace between your time at SuperMassive in Turkey and your current experience in the LEC with SK?

Skeanz: It’s completely different. At SuperMassive, it was very chill: one scrim block per day, four or five games, sometimes less because of cancellations. We showed up when we wanted in the morning, and in the evening we did solo queue or whatever we wanted after scrims. It was really the bare minimum. At SK, it’s much more professional. We often have two scrim blocks a day, we have to be there early for solo queue, meetings, proper meals, and sometimes go to the gym in the evening. There are many more reviews, more games, more scrims. The difference is huge… but I love it."