After a difficult start in the
League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC),
Team Heretics have nevertheless shown promise. Currently at 1-2, the team must bounce back before facing Team BDS, GiantX and Karmine Corp in Week 2. In this exclusive interview,
Paul “Stend” Lardin looks back at his team's results, discusses his promotion to the LEC and shares his goals for the 2025 season.
How do you feel after this first week?
Paul "Stend" Lardin: "I’m a little bit frustrated with this defeat, we got kind of stomped. But overall, if I take a step back, I think it could have been worse. We finished the week with a 1-2 score, and I feel like we’ve made some progresses along the games. If you compare our first game against Rogue to those of yesterday and today, I feel like there is a huge difference. As a competitor, I’m a bit disappointed because of the two defeats of course, but that’s ok.
For your first match, we had the impression that you didn't really get into the game. What changed for you to play better?
Stend: The first game wasn't about stress, we just didn't have a game plan. We each went our own way and played for the 6 grubs, Rogue for the 2 Drakes, and they stacked it. We talked a lot afterwards and we realised that we weren't using our priorities, we weren't playing for towers. That's what we corrected before the match against SK, and it was already better. Today, after the grubs, it was a bit complicated and the draft was difficult to play, especially if we fall behind in the early game.
Despite that, are you still confident about next week? Do you know what you need to improve?
Stend: Yes, I'm confident. We'll analyse the games, see what worked and what didn't, and we'll focus on the next games.
How did you come to join Heretics this year? This is your first split in the LEC after a stint in the LFL. Were you expecting to be promoted during the mercato?
Stend: Before the Mercato, I thought it would be complicated because few supports were switching teams. But I had a few contacts, including Heretics, who were the most serious, and I was on their shortlist. I also had offers in the LFL, but I was waiting to hear back from Heretics before making my decision.
Has Vitality considered promoting you in the LEC?
Stend: No, they already had Hylissang (Zdravets Galabovet) and Carzzy (Matyáš Orság). Their aim was to strengthen the solo lanes, not to change the bot lane this year.
Heretics, as well as Vitality, have picked rookies for their solo lanes. You're one of the most experienced players in the team. Do you consider yourself as a rookie or more of a veteran?
Stend: I don't want to come in with ego, but I'm trying to bring my macro knowledge to the team. At the start, it was complicated, but I want to come up with solutions so that we can progress together. I don't see myself as a rookie who has to follow the group, I also bring ideas to help us improve.
Why was it complicated at first?
Stend: Our lanes weren't stable, and our mid-game was bad. We didn't know how to play sides or use mid priority, basic concepts that we should have mastered. That's what I tried to bring in.
How does shotcalling work in the team?
Stend: I'm in charge of shotcalling for the lanes and sides management. It's still a bit vague at the moment, so everyone has their say.
Do you see yourself with Heretics in the long term, or was it more an opportunity to go to the LEC?
Stend: It's both. It was an opportunity to go into the LEC, but everyone is aware that it's a long-term project. There's less pressure to perform immediately, as long as you put in the effort to progress.
What are your goals for 2025?
Stend: My dream would be to qualify for an international tournament, hopefully for the Summer. If that happens, I'll be very happy.
Kamil ‘Kamiloo’ Haudegond, in mid lane, skipped a step by arriving in the LEC without having played in the LFL. Do you have confidence in him, and do you think he has the required level?
Stend: Yes, I trust him. He has made great progress, even if he had difficulties at the start. He needed time to adapt. In official matches, I don't sense any stress in him and he's doing his job. I'm very happy with him.
What is the difference between Team Heretics and your former teams?
Stend: The biggest difference is that with Vitality, we were a top team in the LFL, playing for the top 3 and in the finals of the EMEA Masters. Here, we're more of a bottom team, so it is quite different.
How do you compare yourself with the other LEC supports?
Stend: The other LEC supports are good, but I feel legitimate here. In the beginning, it was complicated in bot lane, but with Flakked (Victor Lirola), we did a lot of 2v2 and it paid off. Even against Fnatic, although we lost, we contested, took priority early and even got a kill.
Do you have a model among the support players?
Stend: I don't really have a model, but if I had to choose one, it would be Keria (Ryu Min-seok). His champion pool is impressive, he's creative and has changed the meta during the Worlds.
Is your champion pool similar to the one used by Ryu "Keria" Min-seok?
Stend: No, it would be arrogant to say that (laughs), but I find his style impressive. He changed the meta several times during the Worlds, in particular with some surprising picks that have shaken up the drafts. That's very respectable."
Header Credit Photo: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
