G2 Esports Mikyx discusses loss to Team Liquid, Bard, and pizza

G2 Esports approached Rift Rivals with an innovative mindset, treating the tournament as a strategic testing ground rather than purely focusing on victory margins.

Their initial match against Team Liquid featured a composition never before witnessed in professional play, incorporating an assassin role in the bottom lane. Head coach Fabian “Grabbz” Lohmann revealed the team made these selections primarily due to competitive ennui after establishing dominance in earlier contests.

The coaching staff acknowledged these experimental drafts carried significantly reduced win probabilities, estimating success chances below 50 percent. This calculated risk-taking demonstrates G2’s commitment to strategic evolution even during live competition.

Following the initial loss, G2 deliberately pursued another unconventional strategy against Team SoloMid, specifically designed to enable Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski’s Pyke debut.

WIN.gg conducted an exclusive interview with support player Mihael “Mikyx” Mehle to explore their drafting philosophy and identify what factors might challenge their competitive assurance.

What motivated your unconventional draft selection against TSM?

Mikyx: Our primary objective was securing Pyke for Jankos, who remained the sole team member without experience on this champion. Personally, I advocated for Bard due to his exceptional utility and alignment with my playstyle preferences. Wunder expressed interest in Olaf top lane. Essentially, we prioritized personal comfort and champion mastery over meta considerations.

Did you anticipate securing victory with this composition?

The bottom lane matchup appeared considerably more challenging during preparation. Initial stages confirmed this assessment, but one critical misplay from our opponents created the snowball opportunity we needed. While I expected a more competitive contest, their bot lane collapse eliminated any realistic comeback potential.

When did you recognize TSM’s defeat became inevitable?

The first blood engagement eliminating both Lux and Jarvan IV established irreversible momentum. Subsequent failed gank attempts further cemented their disadvantage, creating an insurmountable lead.

What preparatory work preceded this particular match?

Minimal specific preparation occurred. We had scrimmaged against them previously and identified their Sona preference, which we consider excessively powerful and tedious to counter. Preemptive banning provided the optimal solution, especially considering upcoming nerfs in the next patch.

Examining your earlier match, what strategic thinking informed the draft against Team Liquid?

I selected Yuumi based on extensive solo queue experimentation with Zed combinations demonstrating remarkable synergy. Their Sona-Taric selection surprised us, representing an unfun but strategically sound counter. Presumably they prioritized regional representation over entertainment value.

We complemented this with Twisted Fate mid lane, leveraging exceptional compatibility with Yuumi’s ultimate ability. Evelynn represented another consideration, as her stealth mechanics could conceal attached Yuumi. Unfortunately, their superior five-player mid composition proved more effective.

How did the loss against Team Liquid impact team morale, especially considering your pre-tournament undefeated prediction?

The defeat doesn’t substantially affect our confidence. While victorious execution would have generated considerable amusement, securing one win for North American fans maintains competitive balance. Consistent Sona bans would likely have preserved our perfect record, but we accept the competitive outcome.

What fundamental differences distinguish European and North American competitive approaches?

North American organizations demonstrate pronounced grouping tendencies and five-versus-five teamfight preferences. They typically prioritize late-game scaling over early proactivity. European teams consistently seek actionable opportunities throughout match progression.

Which region demonstrates superior competitive performance?

European teams consistently outperform North American counterparts. NA squads frequently adopt passive postures, awaiting opponent errors rather than creating advantages. Their five-player grouping strategy relies heavily on hopeful outcomes rather than calculated plays.

Will North American teams assimilate lessons from these matches?

Optimistically, yes. The Mid-Season Invitational should have provided sufficient learning opportunities, yet similar patterns persist. Their solo queue environment presents additional developmental challenges compared to European practice conditions.

Player mentality potentially contributes significantly. Some competitors may not exert maximum effort, possibly due to preconceived limitations. The exact psychological factors remain uncertain.

What’s your competitive history with League of Legends?

My journey began during Season 1 in 2010. Professional competition commenced summer 2016 with Splyce, followed by one and a half years tenure. Misfits occupied one subsequent year before my G2 transition.

I anticipate extended collaboration with G2 Esports moving forward.

What initially attracted you to League of Legends?

A friend’s recommendation introduced me to the game. Demonstrated aptitude combined with viewing the Season 1 World Championship inspired professional aspirations. Achieving this objective after five competitive seasons represented significant personal accomplishment.

That achievement must have generated tremendous satisfaction.

The experience proved exceptionally rewarding. Traditional education failed to engage me comparably.

Without professional gaming, I’d likely pursue competitive excellence in alternative titles.

Why does G2 specifically provide such compelling competitive environment?

Our roster demonstrates exceptional interpersonal compatibility unmatched across the competitive landscape. Immediate chemistry developed remarkably, creating familiarity typically requiring years within weeks. Individual excellence combines with synergistic team performance, creating virtually no disadvantages beyond potential overconfidence issues.

Do you currently struggle with excessive confidence levels?

We acknowledge considerable self-assurance currently. Only repeated defeats, particularly in best-of-five series, would potentially moderate this attitude.

Did the Team Liquid loss generate humbling effects?

Not substantially. Initial best-of-five defeat would likely produce meaningful perspective shifts. We maintain strong adaptation capabilities and extensive champion proficiency for extended series. Until that occurs, both confidence and overconfidence will persist.

Will Rift Rivals strategic experiments translate to future tournaments?

We’re evaluating effectiveness before implementation decisions. Bard demonstrated considerable promise today. Potential exists for deployment in more significant competitions pending further evaluation.

What aspects of Rift Rivals provided the most enjoyment?

All stage matches delivered substantial entertainment value. Champions like Gragas, Yuumi, and Bard created exceptionally engaging gameplay. The LCS facility impressed, culinary offerings satisfied, and overall experience proved positive despite travel inconveniences.

What was your travel duration?

Twelve hours duration.

Which Los Angeles dining establishments have you experienced?

Catering typically supplies our meals. Hotel cuisine provided additional options. We shared Korean barbecue with TSM members, which proved satisfactory. Team Liquid’s facilities also provided quality meals. Yesterday included MJ’s Grill. In-And-Out anticipation builds based on positive reputation.

Two distinct pizza experiences yielded acceptable results. Airport pizza particularly impressed.

How does Slovenian pizza compare internationally?

Slovenia features exceptional pizza quality surpassing international comparisons across Korea, Berlin, and America. Overall culinary standards demonstrate consistent superiority for reasons unclear.

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