Itâs 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 âSkeanzâ 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 âSkeanzâ Marquet: "Itâs 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, Iâm 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: Itâs going to require a lot of work. We only had a month of practice, which isnât much. The good thing about official matches is that they really expose the problems you need to fix. So, weâll be doing a lot of reviews, especially on our macro play, mid-game, and decision-making, which werenât very good today.
Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
Do you see this Split as a chance to prove again what youâre capable of? And do you think the team can aim for the playoffs at its best?
Skeanz: Honestly, I donât really know what our peak would look like. My main goal is to reach the playoffsâthat 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. Thatâs 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 Iâm capable of.
This is your first time back in the LEC since 2021 and youâve 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, itâs a chance to bounce back and show what I can do. I wouldnât say Iâm at the halfway point of my career because I still have the same desire to play and try hardâthat hasnât changed. Itâs hard to pinpoint exactly where I stand: I know I can match up with LEC junglers, but since itâs a team game, some players will be better in that context. Itâs complicated to evaluate. Anyway, I donât see this as the end of my career. Maybe by the end of the year I wonât want to play anymore, I donât know, but for now, thatâs 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 itâs not my only game, which helps avoid burnout. Yes, I still love the game, even if itâs 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 itâs solo queue or scrims, but in a different wayâand I think thatâs 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 itâs 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 Iâve 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: "Itâs going to be tough, donât expect us to win every scrim, youâll have to be mentally strong." I told him I had no problem with that. I knew I was joining a project that wouldnât 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 havenât talked about it at all with SK. For now, I have this opportunity to play one split in the LEC, and as I said, Iâm jumping on it without thinking about what comes next. Iâm giving it my all, and if SK wants to re-sign me, great. If not, thatâs fine too, because Iâll 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: Itâs 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, itâs 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."
Header Photo Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
