Karmine Corp’s 2026
VALORANT season got off to a tough start with a loss against NAVI, but Burak
"LewN" Alkan made it clear that this result does not define the potential of the new
Karmine Corp roster. In our post-match interview, the
Turkish Duelist reflected on the team’s early identity, the small errors in the late rounds that decided key moments, and more topics.
How are you feeling after this first match of 2026 under the new KC jersey?
Burak "LewN" Alkan: Of course, my expectations weren’t this. I can’t say I’m happy, but we need to rewatch the match and understand what went wrong. We’re a new team, so we need to learn, fix our mistakes, and keep going.
Against NAVI, we saw strong moments, including your Duelist multi-kills and chaotic rounds on Split. How did the team reset and attempt the comeback on the first map?
LewN: We knew we were playing well in the early rounds, but in the late rounds, we made mistakes, and it snowballed. We could have won more rounds, especially on defense. You can’t lose those kinds of rounds in Tier 1. We played well, but we couldn’t finish rounds.
In your opinion, what part of KC’s identity showed the most today, something you can still be proud of despite the loss?
LewN: I’m proud that we didn’t give up. We always believed in each other. Even on the last map, we started very badly; it was 2–10, but in VALORANT anything can happen. You can start bad or start good and still lose. The key is understanding your teammates and trusting each other. That’s what I felt from us.
If you had to take one lesson from today, what would it be?
LewN: During the match, I didn’t clearly feel every mistake, so I need to rewatch it. But I think we’re playing well as individuals and as a team overall. We just made small mistakes, and in Tier 1, you can’t make those small mistakes.
KC is a big French organization with a huge fanbase and big expectations. How has your arrival at KC been so far?
LewN: I’m very happy. The fans, staff, players, coaches, and everyone have been so good to me. I’m saying it from my heart. Everyone helps and supports me, especially the fans. I feel a lot of support, and I feel I’m in the right place.
LewN with kyahoo for KC content. Credit: Karmine Corp
We didn’t see you speak much during the offseason. Can you share what happened that led you to KC?
LewN: As people saw on social media,
BBL moved to PCIFIC Esports for their main roster, so I became available. KC wanted to trial me, I played well, and they liked my personality too. Everyone was happy to work with me. I was happy as well because KC is a huge French org, and I feel a lot of support from everyone. It feels amazing.
People know you as an aggressive Duelist. How would you describe your identity in that role?
LewN: We all have tasks in the team. My strength is my aggressive playstyle, and that’s what I bring.
You’re known for a sharp aim. What helps you stay so consistent mechanically?
LewN: Playing a lot and keeping a routine. Every morning I go buy a croissant and drink coffee, then I do some deathmatch and practice, and at night I play ranked.
Last year at Ascension, we saw several Turkish players rise quickly into VCT. In your opinion, why do Turkish players adapt so fast to Tier 1?
LewN: From what I’ve seen with teams like BBL Esports, their mindset is like a family. They trust each other a lot, and that makes them better day by day. It should be like that in every team. Also, they’re very young, many are 18, and even the IGL is around 22 or 23. When you’re young, you’re hungry. You want to be successful and prove yourself, so you work hard.
What are your personal goals for this year, individually and with KC?
LewN: My goal is to be on top. I want to win everything. Today wasn’t a good game result-wise, and I need to rewatch to judge my performance, but my goal stays the same: I want to win everything.
