(Banner image: Ubisoft/Joao Ferreira)
No one currently aggressively exploits an advantage, no matter however slight, quite like Team oNe. They’re the reigning Major champions, and rode a metaphorical tidal wave of momentum in their title run.
Now, in Sweden, they’re looking to duplicate that performance, and they don’t feel any different than they did in Mexico.
“We are with the same mindset: we want to win, and we have the conditions to win,” said Karl “Alem4o” Zarth in a Ubisoft-organized press conference.
“We are very relaxed about it,” he continued, stating that there isn’t any extra pressure on the team following their victory at the Mexico Major.
If their day one results are anything to go by, Team oNe might just have to keep their current momentum rolling to at least make another final. Only FaZe Clan, who literally did not drop a round on day one, had a better opening two matches.
(Photo: Ubisoft/Joao Ferreira)
“Everything worked the way we planned,” said Team oNe head coach Arthur “TchubZ” Martins on oNe’s strong first day. “...We’ve been preparing for this Major since the BR6, it’s the same preparation. We’ve been preparing for this for a very long time. And now, everything’s going right to the plan.”
Team oNe took care of business against SANDBOX, who Alem4o was complimentary of, despite the 7-2 scoreline and decision to take oNe to Coastline, one of their best maps. Alem4o added that he thinks APAC is moving up the ranks in terms of the “best region” debate, and that NA is currently last.
“We’re feeling very confident about qualifying for the playoffs,” said Alem4o.
They pulled away from DarkZero with a 7-3 scoreline next, and after the first day appear as though they’ll cruise through their group. It’s early, and there’s a lot of “Siege” to be played, but currently it appears that all oNe need is to maintain their current form to make another deep run.
“Momentum is what gave us the title the last Major,” said TchubZ. “After the way we turned the table and qualified with 0.4 percent chance … We kept this momentum to the BR6, we won the important matches … We tried our best to bring this momentum to the Major.”
Team oNe’s title defense campaign continues with a match against Vitality tomorrow at 10:30 UTC.