Movistar R7 has etched its name in esports history with a stunning victory over 100 Thieves during the 2024 League of Legends World Championship play-in stage. For R7 jungler Oddie, this triumph signifies more than just a win; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the Latin American League (LLA), marking its farewell as an independent region on the global esports stage.
Going into the match, R7 faced skepticism as the underdogs, yet they defied expectations, destroying the nexus turrets of 100T amidst deafening cheers from the Riot Games Arena in Berlin. In an exclusive interview with Dot Esports, the veteran player, Sebastián "Oddie" Niño, shared his emotions: “I didn’t think I was going to beat NA; this win was for our region and our rookies.” Considered by many as the GOAT of LLA, Oddie’s passion for his homeland is palpable.
With the impending merger of the Latin American and North American regions looming, Oddie conveyed his strong desire to showcase his region’s talent on the world stage. While he remains uncertain about his future in 2025, his immediate focus lies on securing the 2024 World Championship for the LLA and its dedicated fans. “It’s not like we have to win because we’re better,” he expressed. “We’re just trying to win because we have to win for our region. I don’t want to win because I’m better now than I’ve ever been; I just want to win so that they, the LLA fans, can be happy.”
Reflecting on the emotional journey, Oddie revealed that the final World Cup anthem, "Heavy is the Crown" by Linkin Park, resonated deeply with him. “Obviously [the song] was for Faker and T1, but I listened to it and thought to myself why my whole region is literally dead now,” he said. The weight of expectations is evident as he carries the hopes of the region, a burden he feels yet embraces wholeheartedly. “When I see people calling me the GOAT of my region, I realize how much rests on my shoulders,” Oddie noted. “So I feel like that song is really good to hype me up.”
The announcement of the dissolution of the LLA as an independent region was a moment of personal reflection for Oddie, who has tirelessly risen through the ranks over the past decade. With every passing moment, he has etched his name into the hearts of fans and fellow players alike. Initially, the news of the merger didn’t affect him deeply, but the reality soon set in. “I was surprised, but to be honest it didn’t hurt because we still had two or three months left until the end of the Split,” Oddie recounted. “But as soon as I won I thought, ‘oh, this is the last time here.’ That’s why this World Cup means so much to me. That’s why I put so much effort into playing important matches.”
Despite being hailed as the GOAT of the LLA, Oddie remains grounded and selfless, shifting the spotlight onto the promising younger generation he stands alongside. Recognizing the influx of rookies making their international debuts, including some of his teammates, he acknowledges these young stars as the backbone of the game’s future. “The arrival of new faces keeps veterans like me in shape by making the game ‘more fun,’” he said, revealing how these dynamic players push his limits while reminding him of his own youthful aspirations. He particularly takes pride in the strong performance of his rookies against 100 Thieves.
Yet, for Oddie and R7, this journey isn’t merely about personal accolades; it’s about ensuring that Latin America’s final appearance as a standalone region is one to remember. Each victory is aimed at bringing joy to their ardent fans, with Oddie hoping to celebrate their legacy on the world stage. As heavy as the crown may feel, he wears it with unwavering pride, fully committed to representing his region one last time. With their next challenge awaiting against GAM Esports tomorrow at 7:00 am CT, R7 aims to solidify their place in the Swiss phase of the 2024 World Cup, carrying the hopes of a passionate community with them.
