How satisfied are you with the group stage, and what learnings can you take from it?
Overall I'm very satisfied with the group stage. Results-wise we did well, even though we dropped two games. But you could also see that some of the games were very close, which reminded us that we're not yet at the level we want to be at and still need to improve more as a team.
I'm really happy that we made it to 1st place, because it gives us the extra time to prepare for the semifinals.
In the semifinals you're facing either AFW or TOG. Things got exciting against TOG on the last matchday. Which opponent do you want in the semifinals?
Both AFW and TOG look very strong right now. With TOG that's not really surprising to me, because you could tell from the start that it would be a strong roster. With AFW I had some doubts about how good they would be, but they've now shown that in the other group they're a team you have to take seriously.
We've prepared well overall and I think only our own play can really stand in our way. We need to get our own stuff in order, and then it doesn't matter whether we play AFW or TOG at the end of the day. We need to focus on ourselves and therefore don't have a preferred opponent.
How specifically are you preparing for your opponents right now?
Our preparation will involve analyzing their quarterfinal matches to see how they draft and play and what potential weaknesses we can use for our game.
We want to make ourselves the best "complete package" we can be, so there's a strong focus on perfecting our own play, especially since we also have the ambition to represent Prime League at EMEA Masters. Now that EINS has won this cup as well, it's time for us to secure the second one for our trophy cabinet.
What does the division of work with Pandar look like?
Pandar and I have a "natural" division of work because we both have areas where we have strengths and weaknesses. Specifically, I take on more responsibility for drafts, while Pandar handles the bulk of scrims, opponent preparation, scouting other leagues, and presentations.
When it comes to strategies, our team identity, or training, we complement each other really well because we have very similar visions here, though we naturally have disagreements sometimes too. I'd say we're a very well-coordinated team.
After almost 5 years you're back at BIG: What does that feel like?
My comeback at BIG is really great for me. I'm very happy to be back with the team where I spent the longest and most successful part of my career. I was given a lot of trust back then, which I'm very happy about. That's why it feels great to be at BIG now in this new role and have the opportunity to compete for titles again. When I first came into esports as a player, I had a real fire in me that has now been reignited. I'm confident we can go far with the roster we've built here.