SGE Jamelinho: "My main goal was simply to show what I was capable of. In the end, it paid off."

At just 16 years old, Ryad "Jamelinho213" Bentot has already established himself as one of the most promising talents in the European VALORANT scene. After helping SGE secure a place in the VCT EMEA Stage 2 Play-In , the French duelist is set to reach the top level much sooner than expected.

After first making a name for himself through ranked play and impressing in Challengers DACH and during the off-season against several VCT teams, Jamelinho is now on the verge of competing against the best teams in EMEA. Sheep Esports spoke to the young player about his rapid rise, his team's journey to VCT, the support he has received from his family and his ambitions for the future.

Ryad "Jamelinho213" Bentot: Honestly, I feel incredibly happy. Making it to the VCT has always been one of my dreams and one of my main goals. I could not have imagined a better outcome. At the beginning of the year, I had just turned 16 and was playing my first season in the VCL. Back then, simply competing in that league already felt unreal to me. Now, I find myself in the VCT, so I can only be happy.

Jamelinho213: To me, it still feels completely unreal. Initially, I wanted to progress step by step. Since the rule at the time was that players could only join the VCT at 18, I thought I would be ready around that age. In the end, I made it at 16, and I even believe that I have what it takes to perform at this level. I skipped a lot of steps along the way, and I am very proud of that.

Jamelinho213: At the start of the season with SGE, things were going well in Challengers DACH, but we were a team that relied heavily on individual performances. We were not really playing as a unit yet and were essentially five players capable of making the difference on their own. That was what allowed us to win, but as the months went by, the other teams became far more prepared, especially during the second split.

At that point, our individual level was no longer enough. We realized that we needed to start playing much more collectively. The arrival of our coach, TonY (Nino Keijman), midway through the season also changed a lot of things. After our loss to FOKUS in Berlin, everything shifted: we started playing better as a team, putting in more work, and developing a genuine desire to win. Thanks to all of those changes, we have now qualified for the VCT.

Jamelinho213: Honestly, it gave me a tremendous amount of confidence. I delivered some very strong series against VCT teams, which allowed me to realize that I was already ready for the Challengers season with my team. Mentally, that offseason helped me understand that I was capable of competing with VCT players and that I was more than good enough to face many of the players competing in the VCL.

Jamelinho213: Honestly, yes. We had a very strong team at CGN, although they were still established VCT organizations. My main goal was simply to show what I was capable of. In the end, it paid off: we managed to beat Gentle Mates and came very close to defeating FUT as well. The series went all the way to the fifth map, where we were leading 10-5 before eventually letting the victory slip away.

Jamelinho213: It boosted my confidence tremendously. Maybe it gave me a bit of an ego, but not in a negative sense. More than anything, it gave me an extra layer of confidence that allows me to enter a match without worrying about the names on the other side of the server. Nowadays, regardless of the opponent, I know that I can compete.

Jamelinho213: At the time, I was still in school. My routine was simple: classes during the day and ranked in the evening. Even when I was tired, I kept playing because becoming a professional player was my dream. I would grind deathmatches, stick to my training routine, and queue for games for hours on end. Honestly, my life revolved around school, ranked, and a lack of sleep.

Jamelinho213: My brother played a huge role. He was the one who supported me mentally and encouraged me to continue chasing my dream of becoming a professional player. I never really had an idol in esports or a player whose path I wanted to follow. More than anyone else, it was my brother who made me believe that it was possible.

Jamelinho213: Interestingly enough, it was not because of VALORANT. I have been playing video games since I was very young. Around the age of ten, I was already highly ranked in games such as Rainbow Six and Rocket League. I also went through a Fortnite phase. When VALORANT was released, I had to choose between Rocket League and FPS games. In the end, I chose VALORANT, mainly because the esports ecosystem was much more developed. That was the moment when I realized that I needed to fully commit if I wanted to become a professional player.

Jamelinho213: At first, my parents were not particularly happy to see me spending so much time playing video games. Gradually, however, they came to understand that it was more than just a hobby and had become a genuine passion. They started giving me more freedom, even when I occasionally prioritized gaming over school. I have been very fortunate because they never really imposed any barriers on me. And once again, my brother played an essential role. He was the one who introduced me to video games and has supported me ever since the beginning.

Jamelinho213: Yes, during Monster Reloaded in Turkey. I was playing against Gentle Mates while my entire family was watching the match together at home. My brother was explaining the importance of the tournament and the level of the teams involved. After the match, he told me that everyone had been cheering for me in the living room. I think that was the moment when they realized that this was no longer just a game.

Jamelinho213: I would say that I am quite a complete player. I do not really have any major weaknesses, but I am not perfect in every area either. I would still like to improve my communication as well as my individual mechanics. The truth is, I simply love clicking heads. That is what fascinates me about FPS games, and it is why I will always continue working on my individual level.

Jamelinho213: For me, adaptability is the most important quality. The meta changes all the time, so you need to adapt to it rather than trying to be different at all costs. If Neon is the strongest agent in the current meta, then you should play Neon. That is exactly what I am doing right now, and it is working very well.

Jamelinho213: I genuinely believe that we have the roster to compete with every team in EMEA. Of course, we are going to learn a lot, whether we win or lose. But I am convinced that we can surprise a lot of people.

Jamelinho213: I would like to face all of the French organizations to prove that I did not get here by chance. And if I had to choose one player, it would probably be kaajak (Kajetan Haremski). I have already played against him in scrims, but never in an official match. He is one of the best duelists in the region, and I want to show that I can compete with him.

Jamelinho213: Honestly, in five years, I see myself lifting the Champions trophy. I am also open to competing in different regions. EMEA, North America, and the Pacific are leagues that appeal to me a lot.

I would take Yoru’s ultimate, Neon’s sprint, Waylay’s double dash, and Phoenix’s flashes. That way, the character would have everything: mobility, aggression, and the ability to create space.”