Following the emotional toll of their elimination from
VALORANT Champions Tour Americas,
Robbie "RobbieBk" Boerkamp reflects on the match that slipped from
LOUD’s grasp on Icebox, explaining why he felt it was more a mental than a tactical issue. He recounts his journey from being benched at
Gentle Mates to joining LOUD, detailing the initial challenges he faced, the warm welcome he received, and the difficulty of establishing a playing style with a new coach and in-game leader.
How do you feel about the team’s performance and your own individual performance today?
Robbie "RobbieBk" Boerkamp: "It’s hard to say. We came into today’s match very demotivated for the obvious reason that we already knew we were out. We still tried our best, but I think it was at the back of everyone’s mind. As much as we tried to hype each other up, it was very difficult today. I think that contributed to us losing some very avoidable rounds. Individually, I had a lot on my mind. We could certainly have done much better.
You dominated the early stages on Icebox, then MIBR came back. What happened, in your opinion, and what did the team lack to close out the map?
RobbieBk: : I think a lot of it was mental rather than strategic. We had the answers. It just felt like today we weren’t playing our game.
After being benched by Gentle Mates, how did the opportunity with LOUD come about, and can you walk us through the first talks with the organization and the transfer process?
RobbieBk: After Gentle Mates, I had tryouts with a few teams. Then, two or three weeks later, LOUD contacted me for an interview. We ran some trials; I showed them how I call as an In-Game Leader and explained my approach. We did a bunch of tryouts, and now I’m here.
On a personal level, how comfortable do you feel with the LOUD lineup after these matches?
RobbieBk: I feel very comfortable with the team. We just need more time. We’re a very new group and had a lot to work through language barrier being one of the biggest plus different region, different playstyle, and so on. Furthermore, we’re still growing and learning, but now the season is over, we’ll see.
What motivated you to join LOUD?
RobbieBk: It was a mix of things. First and foremost, I really liked the players they were welcoming from day one. On the first day in Discord, the team psychologist told me, "Robbie, the team is waiting for you, they’re excited to meet you." The players were great. The organization has a huge fan base. And I wanted the challenge. I knew the previous season had been rough, but there’s a lot of talent; we just need the right pieces to make it work.
How has the transition to life in North America been for you, both inside and outside the game?
RobbieBk: I love NA. Ranked is really fun people communicate and the region in general is nice. I’m having fun. It’s tough being away from family at first, but it was the same in Berlin, you get used to it.
Photo by Tina Jo/Riot Games
You stepped in as the In-Game Leader. How have you blended your calling style with LOUD’s existing system and playbook?
RobbieBk: We’re basically a brand-new team compared to before different ideas, different coach, different IGL. It’s a major transition. Our style isn’t fully developed yet, we’re still figuring out our strengths and weaknesses, what sorts of compositions we want, and so on. That takes time and a bit of calculated risk to find what fits best. We’ve been together a couple of months now and have a better idea it’s about putting in the preps.
LOUD’s roster is very international. How have you adapted to working with players from different backgrounds, and have you picked up any Portuguese so far?
RobbieBk: I get asked that a lot. My Portuguese is limited, mostly in-game stuff like “left” and “right.” I understand a bit because I speak Italian. And… yes, they’ve taught me a lot of bad words. I really like the team’s vibe.
What is the biggest difference between the competitive structure in Europe and in the Americas league? Does it change the kind of pressure you feel?
RobbieBk: There’s always pressure, no matter what team you’re on, as long as it’s Tier 1. It’s part of the job, something you hate and also enjoy.
What have you noticed about the meta in NA compared with EU?
RobbieBk: NA teams feel more similar to one another than EU teams, which tend to have more distinct identities. One thing that stands out here is how much teams like to take fights together. That’s been clear from a lot of scrims.
How would you compare the mentality of players in NA versus EU in terms of aggressiveness, confidence, or decision-making in clutch moments?
RobbieBk: Both regions have many excellent players, so I can’t say too much there. It’s very similar. Our schedule is much like what I’ve had on every other team.
Back to your VCL days with Joblife and Gentle Mates in VCT, if you had to summarize your story, how would you put it?
RobbieBk: My career has had a lot of ups and downs, but the overall trend keeps going up. I’m frustrated that we lost, but I know I’ll bounce back and higher than before. I started low, rose quickly, dipped a bit, and rose again. It’s part of growth. I’m excited for what next year brings.
What are you aiming for next year ?
RobbieBk: I don’t have the power to make those decisions. I really like this team and enjoy being here, but unfortunately that’s out of my control."
Header Photo Credit: Tina Jo/Riot Games
