"It definitely helped me re-appreciate the game again and gave me more motivation" — SSG zach about his temporary retirement

Spacestation Gaming opened their Paris Major campaign with a 3–1 victory over R8 Esports on Wednesday in Group D. The North American second seed is already in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs ahead of its two matches on Thursday against FURIA and Gentle Mates, one of the favourites in the group.

After the match, the youngest player in the competition, 16-year-old Zachary “zach” Stone, spoke in an exclusive interview with Sheep Esports about his team’s strong start to the tournament. The SSG player also reflected on his brief retirement period, which took place between late 2025 and early 2026.

Zachary "zach" Stone: “It feels nice to be back and start off with a win.

zach: We definitely have a tough group, but you have to beat good teams to go far in the tournament, so we're not mad about it.

zach: It's been good. My family always comes with me, and they support me, which makes it easier. But yeah, it's just fun being able to travel and play Rocket League.

zach: We feel great. I feel like NA is much better this season than it has been previously, especially this split. So we're very confident in ourselves for the rest of the tournament.

zach: I don’t know why but, after I came back, I honestly felt like I got better. I just kept grinding, and I feel like I've been seeing that progress.

zach: It was interesting, but I think it was necessary for my growth as a player. It definitely helped me re-appreciate the game again and gave me more motivation.

zach: It can be hard to balance both, but I just do the best I can. I’m still going through high school full-time.

zach: It can be, but it’s what I get paid to do. So I can’t complain too much.

zach: We’re probably just going to chill out there for the rest of the day and grind some more. Then depending on when we play tomorrow, we’ll come early and make sure we grind and are fully prepared.

zach: I wouldn’t say it’s been boring, but it’s just been overall a good time because I’m great friends with my teammates and coach, so it’s just fun being able to travel with them.,

zach: It definitely helps me and the entire team because we just get along well. We know what we’re doing at all times, we just have good chemistry together. It definitely helps, and it makes it way more enjoyable, way easier to grind.

zach: That’s tough, because honestly I don’t think either of them is going to help much. I feel like I’d do better on my own. Yeah, I can’t really pick. Both of them would hurt me more than help me. Some of my teammates struggle a little bit more than others. I also don’t know if they’re the brightest, so I think I’d do better on my own.

zach: I don’t know, just keep playing, keep winning. That’s about it.

zach: Yep.

zach: No, no team in specific. We just want to beat whoever’s in front of us.”