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

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

"We just want to beat whoever’s in front of us."

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.

How does it feel to return to LAN after your short retirement and start with a win?

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

How do you feel about your group heading into the tournament?

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.

How has your experience been traveling abroad at such a young age and competing far from home?

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.

Many people still see North America as a one-team region, but you already beat NRG earlier this split. How confident are you in NA and in your own chances at this tournament?

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.

How do you feel about your personal growth over the last few months since coming back from retirement, including reaching #1 on the ladder?

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.

You are one of the first people in the world to retire at 15 years old. How was this period, and did it help you refocus or find yourself as a player?

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.

How do you balance esports with school?

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.

Does being on camera often and doing team content ever feel mentally draining, or is it manageable for you?

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

With your last match today and two important matches tomorrow, how are you approaching the schedule and preparation?

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.

What has been the best part of your time in Paris so far? Any standout memories, or has it mostly been downtime behind the scenes?

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.,

How does your friendship, especially with teammates like Reveal, impact you as a player and the team overall?

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.

If you were stuck on a desert island, which teammate would be best to survive with and which would be the worst?

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.

What would be the ideal scenario for you over the next few days at this event, given how fast-paced it is?

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

Just smash your way through?

zach: Yep.

Any specific teams you’re looking forward to facing in the bracket?

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