Movistar KOI Fénix’s toplaner Ivan ‘
NightSlayer’ Bilous has emerged as one of the standout names in Spain’s rising generation. Speaking to
Sheep Esports during the
LES Kickoff Tournament in Madrid, he reflects on the team’s synergy, his growth in the top lane, and how he ended up playing in Spain at just 16 years old.
What are your first impressions of the series against UCAM Esports?
Ivan ‘NightSlayer’ Bilous: “I'm happy to give you an interview. My experience against UCAM Esports was largely about LAN because we had never played on LAN before—especially me—so it was much more difficult compared to scrims. I think we are capable of beating them. We just need to adapt a bit more and try it again. On a personal level, I’ll play much better tomorrow. I’m pretty sure. Compared to my normal games, I think I can do much better.
You managed to come back on map two and tie the series but lost game three with some spicy picks such as Lee Sin or Tristana. What happened in that third map?
NightSlayer: I can't say too much, but people thought something was better—including me. I thought it was better if I played into Ambessa, but to be honest, it was not the best way to do it. We have some things to learn.
You will face Falke or AlmaMater tomorrow. How are you approaching the next series and the remainder of the tournament?
NightSlayer: The approach is to try to do my best. I'll prepare, do a pregame routine, and focus on the game and what's needed. I'll also scout something before the game so I can perform as well as possible. I don't have too much information about both teams—I’ve only played against Falke.
Movistar KOI Fénix recently added Mohamed “Myrtus” Rahli to the roster. How has he adapted to the team dynamics and gameplay?
NightSlayer: I think it's much better now because Myrtus is a support that is playing with my ADC; they are both French, so their communication is much better now, and they are getting close to each other, which is really good. The team environment improved a lot because of that, both outside and inside the game.
NightSlayer vs Falke Esports. Credit: LES
How would you describe your relationship with Thiago ‘Time’ Almeida? You’ve known him for at least two years, dating back to your time in GIANTX.
NightSlayer: We are friends with everyone in KOI. Time and everyone else are friends. Even though I know Time for more years than some of the others, we are all friends and we treat each other like friends.
How would you describe your relationship with the main team? Do you have contact with them?
NightSlayer: Yes, of course we have contact with the staff and players from the main team, so we can sometimes talk to them and ask some questions, or they can give us advice. I also have some contact with
Alphari (
Barney Morris), and he helps sometimes. It's really useful.
You started your career in Spain at a young age. How did that opportunity come about?
NightSlayer: I was playing in Spain's second division with Tan’i Esports. I was kinda young at the time—I don't remember exactly how old I was. I peaked some elo, some Challenger at 16, even at 15 actually. And I had friends and a coach, Nico Perez (Nicolas Perez), who helped me a lot and he gave me a shoutout to GIANTX, so I got an opportunity there.
Now that you’ve been in KOI for more than half a year, what are your thoughts on the organization and its fanbase?
NightSlayer: I think it's a really good organization. They are developing players very well. Without them, I wouldn't be as good as I am right now. I don't know many teams that do what they do, so I really appreciate this team. The fanbase makes us happier, and it's good to interact with them.
Last question, where do you see yourself in the next two years? Do you believe you can reach the LEC?
NightSlayer: Yeah, most likely. It can happen. Yes, it can happen.”
