SGE Jamelinho213: "We did expect the teams to be stronger, so we’re definitely surprised"

Jamelinho213 and Eintraht Frankfurt Esports are qualified for the VCT EMEA Stage 2 playoffs after their victory over Eternal Fire.

Jamelinho213 after defeating Eternal Fire. Credit: Michał Konkol/Riot Games

"I expect the matches against the remaining Tier 1 teams to be much harder"

Like all of the VCL teams that impressed during the VCT EMEA Stage 2 Play-Ins, Eintracht Frankfurt Esports secured their place in the competition’s playoffs on Sunday with a final victory. After being sent to the lower bracket following their opening match, the team went on to eliminate Gentle Mates, Team Heretics, and then Eternal Fire in succession, qualifying without dropping a single map along the way.

The organization is enjoying a remarkable run after narrowly qualifying through the Last Chance Qualifier just a few weeks ago, and can now continue to dream of reaching Champions. Young player Ryad “Jamelinho213” Bentot, who has been making a notable debut in the VCT, spoke to Sheep Esports after his team reached yet another milestone.

What is your first feeling after the game?

Ryad “Jamelinho213” Bentot: “I’m happy. We qualified for the playoffs, and we’ve finally got what we deserve. Honestly, I’m just very happy.

You qualified for the playoffs after originally coming through the Last Chance Qualifier. You’ve now made it through the Play-Ins and into the playoffs. What does that feel like?

Jamelinho213: Honestly, we knew we had the potential to make it through the Play-Ins, reach the playoffs, and even make it to Barcelona. So we’re not really surprised. Personally, I’m happy because we made it, and the road was a long one, but I’m still very pleased. There’s nothing that really changes for me because, honestly, I expected us to get here.

You’ve beaten three VCT teams, including Heretics and Gentle Mates, without dropping a single map. Did you expect this kind of result?

Jamelinho213: Honestly, we expected to be able to beat VCT teams, but not to this extent, with nothing but 2-0s. We’ve now had three straight 2-0 victories, so we’re still a little surprised, but we knew we were going to win.

Were you surprised by the level of the teams you faced? Did you expect it to be more difficult?

Jamelinho213: Honestly, we did expect the teams to be stronger, so we’re definitely surprised. The matches have been easy, we’re playing really well, and every game ends in a 2-0.

Beating teams like Gentle Mates and Heretics is no small feat. What allows you to make the difference in each of your matches?

Jamelinho213: I think the difference comes from the confidence we have, and we’re also a good team, I’d say. We’re not just a team; we’re genuinely friends outside of the game as well. We’re really close-knit, and I think that makes a real difference compared to a lot of other teams.

That’s actually something other Tier 2 players have mentioned as well. How much does that confidence make a difference when facing more inconsistent teams like the ones you’ve played against?

Jamelinho213: For me, the difference is that in Tier 2, the rosters generally don’t change. Enterprise are an exception, but for the most part, teams stay together for the entire season, and there isn’t much turnover. That means they spend the whole year playing together without any changes. And I also think that when you move up to the VCT or play in the Play-Ins, there’s a lot more motivation and a stronger desire to win and prove what you’re capable of.

From an individual perspective, how would you assess your performances so far?

Jamelinho213: Honestly, I was pretty good against GIANTX, but in the last three BOs I’ve played, including this one, I think I’ve been fairly average. I’m not particularly proud of it, but as long as we’re winning, that’s what matters.

The feedback on your performances has been quite positive throughout these matches. What do you think you still need to improve?

Jamelinho213: I don’t think I’m quite at my peak right now in terms of my aim and things like that. I haven’t felt like I’ve been at my best over the last few BOs, but I’m glad it doesn’t show too much when you watch the games. From my perspective, though, I genuinely feel that I can do much better.

These were also your first matches on stage. How are you finding that experience?

Jamelinho213: I’d only played on stage once before in my career, during the Monsters Reloaded. Aside from that, I honestly haven’t felt much pressure. I’m pretty calm, without too much excitement. I’m just focused on myself, and I don’t feel like there’s much difference between being at home and being on stage. But we’ll see what it’s like when there’s an audience, because there isn’t one here at the moment, so it doesn’t really affect me. It feels like there are just five of us sitting at home. With a crowd, though, there might be a lot more excitement.

How do you see the rest of the competition playing out? Do you expect a significant increase in level in the next matches?

Jamelinho213: Yes, honestly, I expect the matches against the remaining Tier 1 teams to be much harder. There will also be some Tier 2 teams, but I’m not really worried about them. The teams I consider genuinely strong are Vitality and KC. Then BBL and, I think, Liquid; I think they are a little less intimidating. I think we can still fight our way to a spot in Barcelona and then see what happens with Champions.

You’re often asked which team you would like to play for if you were in the VCT, or which teams you would like to face, but is there a player you particularly admire or respect and would like to play against?

Jamelinho213: There’s one player I’d really like to play against: OXY (Francis Hoang). He doesn’t play in EMEA; he’s with Cloud9 in VCT Americas, and it’s because I think he’s incredibly good. I’d really like to see what it’s like to play against him. But in EMEA, there aren’t really any players in particular I’d like to face.

What does it mean to be the last French player currently competing in the VCT?

Jamelinho213: It’s nice to have so much support because I’m the last French and Algerian player still in the competition. But honestly, being the last French player doesn’t make much difference to me. Obviously, I’m a little happy to be able to represent France and Algeria, but beyond that, it doesn’t feel like anything particularly special.”