"It is kind of a way to amp yourself and get yourself fired up to play as hard as you can" - Jawgemo on reading comments online

Day 2 of the super week of VCT 2023 - Americas League witnessed back-to-back matchups going to deciders in an intense showdown between Evil Geniuses and FURIA, both searching to improve their record at the tournament especially Evil Geniuses who had just secured their first win last week against KRU Esports. While they are finally getting a hold of their reins, they could not capitalize on this consistency and fell to Furia 1-2 and following the loss THESPIKE.GG was granted the opportunity to conduct an interview with Alexander "jawgemo" Mor breaking down his thoughts on the game, coming off a loss, individual performances and more.

Jawgemo talks about the switch to Omen and Demon1 filling in

THESPIKE.GG: That was an unfortunate loss. What were the emotions running like immediately after the result became apparent?

Jawgemo: we had a few mistakes like we weren't really controlling the map and that's pretty much what I was thinking the whole time. Had we done better with that aspect of our gameplay, I am sure the result would have been different.

THESPIKE.GG: Out of the four matches EG played, you have been only able to take one how much does that how much does the result of weigh on the team's morale going forward?

Jawgemo: We are not too worried about the record because you know I think today was a good loss as we at least had a map the and the rounds were not that far apart either. So, we did not really lose that much for map differential or round differential. We played a little better than we usually do, and today’s loss won’t be as significant in the long run.

THESPIKE.GG: So, you started off well on Ascent but then let them take and let them take control of the second half. Would it have been better to ensure more control so that it would not have gone to an overtime in the first place?

Jawgemo: Yeah, I think if we had we had our game plan correct but a few unlucky rounds were enough to throw us off. We had some control initially but sometimes with VALORANT, you lose momentum and suddenly you’re looking at the scoreline being 11 or 12 wherever the case which made the entire team was too pressured on that and we had a couple bad overtime rounds as well but I think it's just another step that we have to figure out how we can control the half and effectively change our pace. Once we figure that out, I think we will be just fine in the league.

THESPIKE.GG: In the earlier game in the League, you played Jett on Ascent and then today you chose to go with Omen what did that thing what change what did what part on that change?

Jawgemo: So, right now we're having Demon1 play most of the Jett maps and I'm the flex smoker and Raze so we’re trying new roles out for me and I'm just learning the new Omen role and smoke controller role.

THESPIKE.GG: Do you feel comfortable with the change and how impactful do you think it has been to your team's gameplay?

Jawgemo: I think as a person I just need a lot of reps on the Agents I do play. While I do have some reps on the Omen, there’s a lot of rust from last year so I'm just trying to build up the confidence again and figure out how do my integrate my own gameplay and style into that role. Despite that, I always have the smokes down, but I need to figure out when do I get the kills and be an Offensive weapon.

THESPIKE.GG: Talk about your individual performance or today did it feel up to par compared to last few weeks or do you think you have been getting better over time?

Jawgemo: I think I have been okay with Raze. The biggest issue I think right now is the learning curve associated with Omen. and trying to make sure my team benefits from my support. My Omen has not been as flawless yet but it's in the works you know so eventually as long as I have enough time before playoffs I think I'll be pretty well on the controller role itself.

THESPIKE.GG: If you were to rate it on a scale of 1-10, what would you give it and why?

Jawgemo: I think a little better today I think I would give myself like a six and a half or a seven. It is almost there. My mechanics were fine, but I just need to make smarter decisions and have my own play style for Omen.

THESPIKE.GG: You will not get a weak gap between your next game so does this difference scheduling limit your practice times and how well you will be prepared going to the next match or do you think staying hot helps the team?

Jawgemo: Last season we played multiple days in a week, and I think staying hot was our specialty, and we enjoyed playing every day. So, I do not think the schedule should affect us that much because we've been practicing pretty hard every day.

THESPIKE.GG: Your next match however is against LOUD, a team on top of the table and the best in the League at the moment? What are your thoughts on them?

Jawgemo: I think our team has been excited to play LOUD and I think we're ready to play them. Our collective performances have been on an upward trajectory and l think we are pretty confident in going into these matches.

THESPIKE.GG: I don't know if you have been paying attention but there have been a lot of concern and comments about how EG’s performance has stacked up against the rest of the competition. Does seeing those comments online affect the team’s morale or spirits?

Jawgemo: Maybe I am one of a couple people on the team that read it. It is kind of a way to amp yourself and get yourself fired up to play as hard as you can whenever you do play so I don't think it really affects us. I think it can for some people, but I have not really seen anybody down or anything like that.

Make sure to check out our VCT 2023 Hub for all the information about the VALORANT events this year.

Featured image courtesy of Riot Games.