Fayde “The world can doubt us, we choose to believe” – Wolves Esports eliminate Team Heretics from Masters Toronto

Day 4 of Masters Toronto brought with it the tournament’s first eliminated teams. The very first of those was Team Heretics, beaten by a Wolves side that continues to perform at a considerably higher level than many had thought them capable before the event began. Wolves will now need one more win to reach the playoffs, while Heretics return to EMEA without a single win in Toronto.

Masters Toronto a disaster for Los Niños

Given their roster’s highs of the last year-and-a-half, Team Heretics were understandably one of the pre-tournament favourites. But it appears that the effects of their Stage 1 loss to Fnatic — which left the side visibly crushed — may still be affecting the side.

Another loss today in what was a very winnable matchup has guaranteed the team’s early exit. The side needs to pick up the pieces if they’re to salvage something from the season.

Speaking to the media in a post-match press conference, coach Neil “neilzinho” Finlay was asked for his thoughts on the series and what he thought led to the defeat.

“Last year was obviously an incredible year. We made a lot of progress as a team. I think every good team struggles — EDG did the same thing last year at the second Masters in Shanghai. They bombed out like we just did. They won Champions. Some of these things happen. Some of the lessons aren’t very nice. And this is one of those.

“But every single one of these guys has the capability to be the best. I just think, simply, we just aren’t playing as a team right now. The comms are not good enough, the teamplay’s not good enough. And if you play like that at this level- to be honest, even if we played like this in EMEA right now, we wouldn’t win a game, not even joking.

“So, on reflection, it’s probably even harder because then I realise the difference that we’ve shown now. And sure, it’s been hard with the time to prep, but that doesn’t make us play like we’ve just played the last couple of days and that’s the most disappointing thing.”

Though the timing may not have been ideal, he was also asked for his thoughts on keeping rosters together for multiple seasons, despite some saying that changes are needed to keep things fresh

“I think it’s very dependent on the group of players you’ve got, to be honest. I don’t think it’s a one-answer-fits-all. We’re lucky enough to have an amazing bunch of players that all have the same attitude, the same mindset to grow, the same desire to do and be the best.

“I’ve got a simple outlook on it. For me, as a coach, we picked this team based on a very high benchmark of what we expect in terms of comms, teamplay, dedication, playing the game. And as long as everyone still sticks to that, then there’s literally no reason, in my opinion, to change the lineup And it’s just a simple fact.”

On a more positive note, Benjy “benjyfishy” Fish was asked to comment on the huge support that the side has received in Toronto during their short-lived run.

“I was really shocked on the first day. Every other international we’ve been to before, during the group stage games, there was never as many people. Madrid was probably the most we’ve had during the group stage — obviously we’re a Spanish team, so there’s going to be a lot…

“It’s a little sad that we didn’t really get to win a game so we could do a fan meet. But yeah, the support we’ve had is, yeah, we love it. I think we will never be able to perform our best without fan support. You guys did your job, we just didn’t do ours. So yeah, I want to thank you guys for being here.”

Wolves silence the doubters with help from Zellsis

For Wolves, though their opening game against Sentinels brought defeat, the way in which they put up an impressive fight against the Americas second seed looks to have bred confidence. The team grew throughout their series win against Heretics, building on their 13-10 opening map to take the second 13-9, securing a 2-0 victory and the organisation’s first on the global stage.

In Wolves’ press conference, in-game leader Pong “SiuFatBB” Ka-hei was asked about the team’s vibes coming into the match, and whether his prior back-and-forths with Sentinels’ Zellsis helped him find the right headspace for such important clashes.

“Definitely, yes. Since the first matchup when we faced Sentinels, we had a lot of interactions and I feel like the five of us just really enjoyed the stage. They also taught us that they aren’t afraid to lose the game and we don’t have that kind of strong desire to win that matchup. And I just told the players that in today’s matchup, we need to stand up together and yell together as well. We can encourage each other.”

On causing upsets and ruining many fans’ Pick’Ems, coach Hoc Wah “Fayde” Chong had some concise words for those sceptics.

“The whole world can doubt us, but we choose to believe in ourselves.”