BAR Koldo: "We know we can compete with anyone, go toe-to-toe or even be better. We’ve already taken that mental step from Kickoff"

Momentum is starting to build for Barça Esports as the 2026 Spring Split heads into its decisive weeks. After a hard-fought 2–1 comeback victory against LUA Gaming and a key win over UCAM Esports, the team is beginning to solidify its position as one of the main contenders for the title. With crucial matches against GIANTX, Falke, and Team Heretics still ahead, Barça’s trajectory will be defined by how they handle the pressure in the final stretch of the regular season.

In an interview with Sheep Esports, jungler Luis “Koldo" Pérez García reflects on the team’s recent performances, the lessons learned from their shaky start against LUA, and the growth they’ve shown since the Kickoff. He also opens up about balancing competition with university studies, his long-term motivation after years in the ERLs, and what it will take for Barça to go all the way this split.

Luis “Koldo" Pérez García: “Honestly, we didn’t expect to lose a single map. I think we came in a bit sluggish. I mean, it’s an excuse, but the day before we couldn’t scrim because it got canceled, so we lacked some rhythm. We got caught cold.

Even so, I think losing that map helped us wake up. We came in confident, we felt superior, and they caught us off guard. They probably played their best games of the split. They got a really strong early game and their comp was easier to execute. From there, the game became really hard for us.

Koldo: He loves that (laughs). He’s always asking to pick on 4-5. He likes to see the full comp and feel comfortable. He has a lot of experience on carry ADCs, and many of those picks can only be played as last picks.

Also, the more “OP” picks usually get taken earlier, and he prefers to save things like Zeri, Xayah or Kai’Sa for the end. It’s something he likes and something we also work on as a team.

Koldo: The series against LUA wasn’t our best version, but it’s normal to have ups and downs. The important thing is that we got the win. I do think we’re at our best level right now.

We’re working on new things to reach playoffs with better drafts and better macro. I’m convinced we’re going to see the best Barça. A slip-up in the regular season is normal—in fact, I consider this our first one—but overall we’re delivering.

Koldo: (Laughs) The exam was hard as hell, it was assembly programming. I thought I barely had a 5, and in the end I got a 6.5, so pretty good. I was happy.

With UCAM, honestly, I’m really happy. Being able to study and compete at the same time is something I’ve never had before. It’s a really great opportunity, especially for players who are kind of in limbo about their future. It’s great.

Koldo: I think we have everything to win the league, especially offline. We have the personalities and the level. What we lacked was fully believing it.

When we had it in front of us, it was like: “holy shit, can we actually win this? Can we lift it?” We lacked that final confidence, that sense of reality. Now, after Kickoff and the regular season, we know we can compete with anyone, go toe-to-toe or even be better. We’ve already taken that mental step.

Koldo: I mean, I have less time, that’s obvious, and there are more stressful periods during exams. But honestly, I think I’m showing my best version. People tell me I look in great form, and I think it’s true.

I play fewer hours, but with higher quality. I enjoy it more, I feel less pressure. Before it was all or nothing—make it to LEC or nothing. Now I still want to win, but I don’t sink as hard when I lose. Mentally it’s helping me a lot to handle everything better.

Koldo: Passion for the game. I still love LoL. The feeling on match day, the stage, events… that gives me life.

As long as I can balance it and keep enjoying it like this, I want to keep playing. Obviously there are better and worse periods, but it still feels very worth it. I enjoy it a lot.

Koldo: If I couldn’t compete, I’d probably do content. I like the game too much to leave it. Maybe if I couldn’t play competitively, I’d grind solo queue or do something else related. I just enjoy the game too much to drop it any time soon.

I can’t say short-term, because esports contracts last a year and mine with Barça is ending, so I don’t know what will happen. It’s a very personal situation—I’ve just started my degree and I need to finish it.

But right now I still want to compete. My situation also depends on teams, because not all of them want someone who’s studying. If I find that balance, perfect. If not, content would be an alternative.

Koldo: Top laners are usually pretty quiet, so Werlyb (Jorge Casanovas) has to be there 100%. He’s a really funny guy and by far the one I’ve laughed the most with.

Mid: Xico (Francisco José Cruz Antunes), 100%. That topside would scare any coach.

ADC: Jopa (Josip Čančar). I’ll throw in a foreigner too. He’s very charismatic and really funny.

Support: it has to be Stend (Paul Lardin), I think. Or Oscure (Víctor Guzmán), but he doesn’t know Jopa. I’d go with Stend. I think it would also be a pretty competitive team.

Koldo: My winrate against Th3Antonio (Antonio Espinosa) in top lane was below 50%, but my winrate against him in the jungle is much higher so far (laughs).

Koldo: I’m very grateful for all the support. During Kickoff, in the final, I saw a lot of people supporting me even over KOI, and that meant a lot to me.

Just know I’m still fighting for my goals, I love playing, streaming, competing… and thank you to everyone who keeps supporting me.