Not always polished nor particularly dominant,
GIANTX nevertheless continue to progress through the
LEC Versus playoffs. Despite a decisive defeat to
Karmine Corp earlier in the week, the Spanish side recovered by overcoming their counterparts from
Team Heretics with a 2–1 scoreline.
Ahead of their upcoming clash with NAVI for a place in Barcelona next week, the team’s top laner, Eren “Lot” Yıldız, spoke with Sheep Esports. Despite their inconsistency, the players remain confident in their ability to secure victory.
What’s your first feeling after this game?
Eren “Lot” Yıldız: “I think we played well. We made some mistakes in the second game. I think we were in the favorable position to win the game, but we kind of threw it. We had a few bad calls, but overall we played good I think.
Are you satisfied with the way you played compared to the game against KC at the beginning of the week?
Lot: Yeah, for sure. I mean, we only care about the second game against KC, to be honest, because, this split, we are trying to focus on the problems we have with officials, rather than trying to just be in a good place. We just look to see our problems and fix them as much as we can so we can be ready for other games. But the first game against KC, we just didn't play the game; we did too many things that we didn't want to. We just want to play the game; if we lose, we lose, and if we win, we win, but we just want to play the game. So today was much better.
You still lost the second game against Team Heretics today. Is it related to the problems you’re trying to fix?
Lot: Yeah, there are two things that we are trying to fix. For example, we could have easily won the fight around Drake. I think it was the fourth or fifth drake. We could have won this fight. But we’re still trying to fix those things, and also I got caught; I should have checked
Xin Zhao. We want to fix those plays; it's not like gameplay issues, but the mindset issues are what we want to fix.
Collectively, do you think you have upgraded as a team compared to last season, or are you stagnating?
Lot: For sure we are stronger. But we couldn't transition into officials, I think. In best-of-one, we can win against best teams and we lose against the worst. And in best-of-three, we just want to solve the issues in our gameplay. In scrims, we are playing better as a team. Right now we are trying to play the same in officials. And that's why I think we are playing better as a team. And our mindset is just to keep improving. We have the time, and we can do it.
Do you still feel like there is a small gap between you and the other top teams?
Lot: I think gameplay-wise there is not that much of a big gap. The biggest gap is in the mindset. If we keep our mindset good in the game and if we focus on the game more than the feelings, I think we can match the top teams, and we can even beat them. Like I said, our problems right now are not the gameplay, but it's more about mindset.
What would be your main goal for this split then? What would you consider a successful performance from your team?
Lot: To be honest, I don't want to curse it so I will not say it. But I think everyone will accept us if we are successful. I will not say what we want to do, because I don't want to curse it, but I think if we do our goals, then we will be successful and everyone will see it.
On a personal side, what do you think about your own performance this split? Do you feel like you upgraded compared to last year?
Lot: I don't think so. The thing is that I'm so inconsistent in officials. I think I upgraded, but in officials I'm still inconsistent. I have bad games, and I have good games, like one day is good, and one day is bad. So I'm focusing on my consistency. In scrims I'm fine consistency-wise, but in officials it depends. I'm mostly focusing on this. I'm trying to fix my mindset. I wouldn't say I'm playing better in officials. I think that compared to last year, I'm playing better, but I can still do better.
You’re going to play against NAVI tomorrow. How do you see the matchup going for them?
Lot: I think it will be exciting. They are a good team; their main strength is probably their flexibility. But I think we have good answers for them, and we can be fabulous in this match, and I'm looking forward to playing against them.”