KC Caliste: “I just want to become the best version of myself”

I got a chance to talk with Caliste “Caliste” Henry-hennebert during Red Bull League Of Its Own about his young but busy career. Many eyes are already on the 18-year-old prodigy as he will make his debut in the LEC with Karmine Corp in January. A whole new dimension for a player who has always been looking even further ahead.

Ethan: I’ve been following your rise since you were playing for ViV Esports in French Div2, and I think there was a switch between then and your time in the LFL where you moved into another dimension.

Do you have any idea of what happened? Have you ever tried to put your finger on that turning point between ViV and KC? What are the areas where you’ve made the most progress in your opinion?

Caliste: I think there was a big jump, that’s for sure. But individually, I didn’t feel much of a difference in my level. I think the most important thing is that I’ve played with and against good players. From there I’ve adapted individually and also necessarily to my opponents. What also made the difference in the LFL was that the games were much closer. It often came down to small details. I quickly learned to force people into making mistakes and to abuse those.

Ethan: It’s now official that you’ll be playing for Karmine Corp‘s LEC team and moving to Berlin in 2025.

Does this total change of atmosphere frighten you a little?

Caliste: In my everyday life, nothing’s going to change honestly, I’m still going to give it my all and work hard every day. That’s already been the main part of my routine over the last few seasons, so there’s not much that’s going to change in that respect. However, Berlin is very different from Paris, because that’s where I lived during the LFL. As far as I know, Berlin is a lot less vibrant *laughs*, it’s a bit less attractive… But my ambitions remain the same:

“I’m going there to work hard and become the best. Yes, if things go badly it can get a bit depressing but I don’t have that in mind, I just want to become the best version of myself.”

What are your expectations for KC in 2025? What would you have to achieve to be able to look back and say it’s been a good year?

Caliste: Being consistently at least in the top 4, all year. Win a split, and then just go to as many international events as possible and put up some good performances on those stages. The most important is that we maintain ourselves in the top 4 all year long though and obviously, to qualify for LoL Worlds 2025 in China.

Rapid Fire Question:

1. Draven or Kai’Sa? Draven.
2. Uzi’s career or Ghost’s career? Actually, if we’re just talking career and not level, I’d say Ghost. Because he won Worlds.
3. Win your lane on stage against Supa or against Hans Sama? Against Supa.
4. Winning all the trophies of the year but Worlds or only winning Worlds? Only winning Worlds, Worlds just have too much value.
5. Ruler or Viper? Viper.
6. Exakick or 3XA? It’s hard to answer because one hasn’t proved himself yet… But Exakick was pretty damn rubbish, so I’d say 3XA.
7. Caliste’s LFL rookie season or Caliste’s LEC rookie season? The thing is surpassing Caliste’s LFL rookie season is very complicated… But I hope to make just as smashing an entrance into the LEC, and even do better. So I’d say LEC.

Check out our interview with Raphël “Targamas” Crabbé as well.