Sonic: "Once we paired with the Swedes, I knew we would grow at a rapid rate"

Ahead of the Wildcard's best-of-one match versus M80 at DreamHack Atlanta, one of the team's veteran players in Aran "Sonic" Groesbeek took some time to talk to Dust2.us' Jeffrey "Mnmzzz" Moore to discuss temporarily swapping in Sebastian "fr3nd" Kuśmierz, his own individual form, and how he manages to balance school and Wildcard with potentially more competition on the horizon.

What are your thoughts on the Wildcard v. M80 rivalry?

It’s always a good game against them. Right now we’re each other’s biggest contender, in North America at least. Both teams have been putting in a lot of prep for the RMR, so we haven’t really seen what they have to show and they haven’t really seen what we have to show. Unfortunately it’s a best-of-one, and everyone knows anything can happen. There’s beef and friendly banter, but it’s all for the love of the game.

How much time have you had to prepare with fr3nd, and how has the transition been?

We haven’t done any prep with him actually, because we just had the Katowice qualifiers where we lost in the final. Obviously the RMR is the most important tournament coming up, so we prioritize that by sending Love "phzy" Smidebrant back for his visa. So we knew we wouldn’t really have any prep time (with fr3nd), so we just have to slot him in. We were actually looking at him before signing the current roster, so we know he’s a good player and a good fit for the team. I’m sure we’ll play more of a pug-ish style instead of by the book.

What influenced your decision to recommit to being a full-time player?

I initially had second thoughts joining up with Wildcard because I’m a full-time student, and that’s a lot of work. Being a full-time student is how I can stay in Canada, so I can’t let anything jeopardize that. And if it ever got to the point where the team was competing internationally that required us to be in Europe for half a year, then I wouldn’t be able to compete with the team any longer. I wasn’t sure if I could balance it, but I decided to take the risk and join up with them. I’ve been managing my time quite effectively and I’m happy I did it; I think we’re a strong team and we’re a very powerful contender, even on the international scene. Just wait and see.

Has this school-compete balance been harder with the team progressing quicker than you expected?

I thought the team would progress to this level. Once we paired with the Swedes, I knew we would grow at a rapid rate, especially with the experience on this roster. It’s quite hard though; I’m constantly emailing my professors and managing my time, and doing quizzes and exams online has been a struggle. With where the team’s at, going to the RMR and possibly competing consistently overseas next year, it’s difficult to say.

How do you feel about your individual level?

Right now, at my ripe old age of 25, I think I’m a better player in better form than I was. Maybe I'm not as fast or as snappy or as flashy a player as I was when I first entered the US scene, but I’m for sure a better player. I’ve even surprised myself with how good my form is. I’m very confident in myself, and I think that comes with age. I feel like I deserved to be in the Major at previous times in my career, but some things are out of your control. But my time will come, and I’m working towards it.

Wildcard's opening match at ESL Challenger Atlanta 2024 will be a best-of-one against M80 on Friday at 02:45PM.