Twisted Minds are the final team to qualify for the
Rocket League Esports World Cup Playoffs, closing out Friday’s action with a 4-1 victory over
NRG to join NiP.eStar, Team Vitality, Team Falcons, Spacestation Gaming,
Karmine Corp, Shopify Rebellion, and Gentle Mates in the next round. TWIS will have a chance to confirm their status as the MENA’s No. 1 seed, as they will face
Team Falcons in an all-Saudi quarterfinal.
It was after this comfortable victory that French player Evan
“M0nkey M00n” Rogez spoke to us about the team’s performance today. He also looked back on Twisted Minds’ evolution throughout the year, the Saudi fans who made the trip to Paris, their upcoming clash with Falcons, and the importance of the EWC in the
Rocket League calendar.
What did you think of the team's performance today?
Evan “M0nkey M00n” Rogez: “I'm really happy with the performance. I didn't expect it to go this well, especially since we played against the reigning world champions, so I'm really happy with the team overall.
Did you feel there was a particular context around NRG? Did they look a bit below their level?
Monkey M00n: No, they were a bit below their level despite everything. They had a difficult tournament, especially at the beginning when they lost to TSM, maybe one of the weaker teams in the tournament. So we knew we had a small advantage there and that we were more confident.
How do you judge Twisted Minds' evolution since the Major final’s defeat?
Monkey M00n: Everything is going well. Even though we lost the final, we're not angry. Everything is good within the team. Even the atmosphere and everything, there's nothing we need to change. It might even be better. Obviously, in Boston, we came off a top-twelve finish, and it was a bit complicated. In Paris, we got a top two, so it's all positive. Everything is going well within the team.
How do you feel about the team's progression and current form?
Monkey M00n: It's getting better and better. Thanks to that top-two finish, we gained a lot of confidence. I think teams respect us a lot more now. So we're getting better and better.
There was quite a large number of Twisted Minds supporters here. Did you expect that?
Monkey M00n: Honestly, I didn't expect it at all. I thought the fans would stay in Saudi Arabia because it's quite a long trip. But in the end, seeing that there are so many Twisted Minds fans, I'm really happy. There are also a lot of fans of the other teams. So honestly, it's incredible. I think French fans now know how good Saudi fans are.
Had you already experienced that atmosphere before?
Monkey M00n: I've played in the Saudi League, so I know it a little bit. And honestly, they create a lot of atmosphere.
Were you surprised by NiP's level yesterday?
Monkey M00n: I don't think we were surprised because we know them. In Europe, they've had some really good results. They've beaten KC several times, Team Vitality and so on. So no, we know them very well, even though they didn't have a great performance at the Paris Major. Knowing the players, since I've known them for a long time, I was a bit surprised that we got caught out like that. But at least we managed to bounce back today.
Is this the kind of defeat that can actually do you some good?
Monkey M00n: It's honestly a defeat that does us good, and one that we needed to take. Just like at the Paris Major when we lost to Shopify Rebellion. It's a bit the same kind of wake-up call, and it's all positive.
Team Falcons are coming back into form. What's the current balance of power in the MENA region?
Monkey M00n: We know them very well. They've had a somewhat difficult part of the season, but we know they're still very experienced players. We know what Dralii (Samy Hajji) has done this season, and last season he had an exceptional season. So you have to take them seriously. Even though it's difficult, we know they're coming back into form. But we're Twisted Minds, so we're going to try to push them and beat them.
Two years ago, you were in a similar situation with BDS. You won the EWC and then Worlds. Do you feel like this competition can help build momentum for Worlds?
Monkey M00n: Exactly. It gives you confidence for Worlds because Worlds take place shortly after the EWC. It's momentum that carries over to Worlds. If you win the EWC, obviously you go into Worlds with a lot of confidence. But the EWC isn't a warm-up. It's still a very big competition, one of the biggest now across all games globally. So we take it seriously.
You said the Major was the best competition of your career. How do you rate the Esports World Cup so far?
Monkey M00n: It's a little different because we're not in the same venue. But honestly, it's still extraordinary because the crowd is right next to us. There are still a lot of people. There are players who struggle to get used to playing in front of a crowd like this, so I'm extremely happy with the EWC. We've been welcomed really well and everything, so honestly, I'm happy.
There is a lot of competition in France. You weren't selected for the Esports Nations Cup. How did that make you feel?
Monkey M00n: It doesn't really affect me. I've had my time with that. There are players who are much more in form than me and much more motivated. So honestly, even if I had been called up, I would have almost preferred to let more motivated players compete in tournaments like this. I'll give up my spot. I'm going to follow it and support France.”
