Following a 1-1 finish to the
LFL Days 2024 in Nice,
Vitality.Bee is now regrouping ahead of some difficult upcoming matches with hopes of contending for the
LFL 2024 Spring Playoffs. Following a
victory against Team Du Sud, Vitality's jungler
Selfmade, took the time to talk with our interviewer in an
exclusive interview to discuss his new start and expectations for the future.
Vitality.Bee, competing in the 2024 LFL Days in Nice. Credit: Elliot Le Corre
| Vitality.Bee just came out with a win against Team Du Sud, ending the LFL Days with a 1-1 score overall. How are you feeling after this hard fought game?
Selfmade: "Well, you know, a win is a win, right? But honestly, our team is quite goofy, I'd say. We have our moments of brilliance, but at the same time, we've had some pretty rough patches. Like in this game, for instance, we were really solid in the first 20 minutes, but then we turned it into a complete mess. I don't think that should happen at this level, so we definitely have a lot of work to do."
| Is there some communication issues going on with Vitality.Bee at the moment?
Selfmade: "Oh yeah, definitely. Communication is our biggest issue right now, along with figuring out how to play in the late game. So yeah, I guess you could say this game pretty much highlights everything we need to work on."
| Regardless, you are now sitting at 4-4 [Note: VIT.B is now 4-6], still definitely in contention for playoffs. Do you think that these results are representative of your power level? Does your team have what it takes to compete with the best LFL teams?
Selfmade: "To be honest with you, I haven't even checked the standings lately. We're just focusing on playing the game and hopefully making it to playoffs because in these best of ones, anything can happen. So our main goal is to secure a spot in the playoffs, and then the real competition begins. That's when we'll find out if we're good enough to win it all."
| You took a very long break before coming back here. We've heard rumors that you rejected other offers in the past as you did not think they were up to par with your expectations. Are you happy joining the LFL? Do you think this roster could be the one to help you make your comeback?
Selfmade: "I'm really happy with our roster; we enjoy playing together both in and out of the game. I'm extremely grateful to Vitality for bringing me back, and I have to give a big shoutout to Neo because he's the one who reached out to me when I was going through a tough time. So, thank you, Fabien."
Playing in the LFL has been great. I've really missed playing in front of a crowd because the last time I did was even before the LEC. I mean, I don't count the LEC studio crowd, obviously, right? It's just like 20 people from Berlin on stage every week. It's been about five or six years since I played in the LVP, so it's been a while. The French fans are incredible; they're so loud that sometimes they're all you can hear when playing. It's amazing to experience."
| How was it playing on stage then? Did you have trouble hearing each other?
Selfmade: "So, here's how it works: In the LEC, when you step onto the stage, you have this constant white noise in your headset. But here, you have fans cheering throughout the entire game. It's really wonderful, you know? Essentially, the fans become that white noise, that's how it feels."
| When people see you, they think "Isn't that the guy who used to be one of the LEC's best jungler?". Now playing in the ERLs again and after taking a break, would you say your goal is still to re-join the LEC?
Selfmade: "Honestly, right now, I don't really think about the future too much. I'm just grateful to be playing again, to have a purpose in life, and to have reasons to wake up and compete, which is what I love to do. Whether it's in the LFL, LEC, or other leagues, I don't mind as long as I can compete in League of Legends. And yeah, I mean, I used to be pretty damn good; I'm kind of rusty right now, so I need some time to get back in shape. Or who knows? Maybe I'm just so washed up that I'll never get back to that level. I guess only time will tell, right?"
| So you're treating this as a new start to your career right?
Selfmade: "Yeah, it's kind of like a fresh start for me. I don't even feel like I'm a veteran or anything anymore. Plus, with all the changes in the game, like the new map and everything, it just feels like we're starting from scratch again. I'm pretty sure a lot of players feel the same way. So yeah, I'm really looking forward to it."
| What is the main aspect that you are working on individually?
Selfmade: "I think I mostly have to focus on playing more Solo Queue and working on my communication, especially with my team."
| If you're not playing Solo Queue, are you playing other games like VALORANT or something [laughs]?
Selfmade: "I'm playing real life [laughs]."
| You've been winning a lot of games on Rell lately. You pulled out the Kha'Zix in Week 3 and it didn't go very well...
Selfmade: "It was a very bad day. I was awake for like 18 hours and some crazy guy woke me up in the morning, I couldn't play that game. Then I picked Kha'Zix, I jump in and ultimately I'm like, what the…"
| [Laughs] Are you okay with playing different play-styles like this? Are you comfortable playing more supportive and tanky champions for your team?
Selfmade: "I mean, I really enjoy playing champions like Rell or Vi because I can just go forward, you know? But overall, I'd love for the Lee Sin meta to make a comeback. That's when the real fun begins. But if the meta stays like this, I'll have to adapt and overcome my meta issues, or whatever you want to call it."
| Do you feel comfortable with your teammates overall? Is there any specific one you like most?
Selfmade: "As I mentioned earlier, we all get along really well on the team. I've never been on a team where all the players were so cohesive, so it's something new and definitely a good thing. So yeah, I'm enjoying it so far, and hopefully, it'll only get better and better."
| Do you have a personal goal for this year?
Selfmade: "I'll just try my best and see what I'm capable of."
| Any last words for the fans?
Selfmade: "Yeah, of course. “Bisoux” ("Kisses" in French)."
Photo Credit: Elliot Le Corre
