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The highly anticipated opening match of the 2024 League of Legends World Championship kicked off with a thrilling showdown as VCS representatives Viking Esports (VKE) squared off against LEC’s own Mad Lions Koi (MDK) in the vibrant city of Berlin. In a debut that showcased their readiness to impress, VKE delivered a commendable performance on this monumental stage, yet it was MDK who emerged triumphant with a 2-0 victory.
For MDK, this moment is both a nostalgic return and an exciting venture into the unknown. While the organization has made multiple appearances at this prestigious event in the past, this roster represents a fresh blend of talent. With Javier ‘Elyoya’ Prades Batalla, the team’s seasoned jungler, leading the way, the lineup largely consists of newcomers eager to shine. These four rookies have already proven their skill level by reaching the World Cup, but the true test lies ahead as they must elevate their gameplay to avoid another early exit from the Play-Ins. The path to success will hinge on how swiftly these young players adapt to the international environment and how effectively Elyoya can steer them through the challenges they will encounter.
After celebrating their victory against Viking Esports, Cecilia Ciocchetti sat down with Elyoya to delve into his role as team captain, the preparations leading up to the World Cup, and the burgeoning expectations resting upon MDK’s young roster.
Cecilia Ciocchetti, for Esports News UK: The drafts in both games were strikingly similar. Why do you think Viking Esports opted to leave everything open for you again?
Elyoya, Crazy Lion Koi: Honestly, I’m not sure. I believe it was a mistake on their part. From our first game, it seemed we showed significant confidence, and perhaps they thought they had missed their chance and felt certain about their draft. We put so much emphasis on those champions that we ended up picking the same three again. It was a bit puzzling, to say the least.
You mentioned during the broadcast that despite being rookies, your team exudes confidence. How was the preparation process leading up to the World Cup?
I feel we conducted a fantastic bootcamp in Madrid. We established our objectives, aligning the ambitions of all five of us towards a common goal. This unity has been critical as we headed into the World Cup. We mapped out possible pitfalls—what could derail our progress—and I believe we’ve tackled everything effectively. In competitive gaming, even if you prepare thoroughly against an opponent, you can find yourself in unpredictable situations. So, we prioritize preparing ourselves over simply gearing up to face an opponent.
Next up, you’ll likely be facing PSG Talon. What are your thoughts on their playstyle?
I’m extremely confident going into that match. I anticipate that this will be the first truly strong jungler I’ll encounter in the tournament, so it’s an exciting challenge for me.
Elyoya: "People have been skeptical about us having rookies for a whole year. We’ve continued to prove them wrong, so it’s not a concern for me at all."
What can you say to fans who should view MDK as a competitive team aiming not only for the play-ins and Swiss stage, but potentially the finals?
We are the only team to take G2 down in a best-of-five this year at the national level. That in itself is a solid reason to watch us closely. When we execute our strategies well, we tend to outperform. Our fundamentals are solid; however, inconsistency has been our main hurdle. I am aware that on our good days, we play like the best team in Europe.
Regarding the roster’s rookies and skepticism about MDK—your thoughts?
Skepticism has followed us for an entire year. Yet, we’ve continually proven them wrong, so I don’t let it bother me.
Now, considering this is the World Cup, and with most of your team being Spanish, I have to ask about potential changes in the ERL next year. Why do you think it’s crucial to maintain the current system?
That’s what distinguishes us. We have an unrivaled ecosystem within our ERLs for developing talent. If you look at North American teams, they often rely on imported Korean players. They don’t cultivate their own talent as much. The European landscape is different. G2 and we have developed our talent from here without relying on Korean imports. Four members of my team are homegrown from the ERL, and I truly believe this is the best approach to nurturing talent globally.
MDK’s lineup consists of Spanish players Myrwn, Elyoya, Supa and Alvaroplus, alongside Polish player Fresskowy.
During the play-ins, is there a specific player or team you’re keeping an eye on as a potential wild card?
I’m eager to go up against Tarzan from Weibo. But for now, I think PSG will present the toughest challenge during the play-ins.
What would reaching the 2024 World Cup final in London mean to you?
That would be absolutely surreal! I try not to imagine it too much because the disappointment would hurt if it doesn’t happen. Yet, achieving that milestone is what I have been striving for over the last three to four years. The feeling would be indescribable, and we certainly keep that vision at the forefront of our minds every day.
Is there a message you’d like to convey to your fans? Perhaps you heard some supportive chants during the match?
A massive thank you to every single “little rat” in Twitch chat. Your support fuels us, and it’s a tremendous motivation—thank you so much!
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