Rafael "Targamas" Crabbe, the support and captain of Karmine Corp, shared his thoughts ahead of the match against G2 Esports. This showdown is crucial, as the winner will secure a spot at Worlds 2025, set to take place this fall in China. The interview with Targamas, published in L’Équipe, offers a unique insight into the player's preparation and mindset before this key clash.

How the setback against Vitality affected them

After the loss to Vitality in mid-August, which cost Karmine Corp the top spot in Group A of the LEC, many wondered how it affected the team's morale. Targamas responded candidly:

No, it wasn't hard to take. Of course, we wanted to win and take first place because I think everyone would prefer to face Fnatic rather than G2. But now our goal is to win the LEC, and qualifying for Worlds is part of that goal. We understand that sooner or later we will have to face G2.

 

Fan expectations and the atmosphere around the match

The match against G2 is seen as a real final for Karmine Corp, and the club's fans are very anxious about the outcome of this showdown. Targamas acknowledges the special atmosphere surrounding the match but tries to remain calm:

We all have in mind that we can secure a spot at Worlds as early as Sunday. But it's not the final, it's just a bonus. The winner will be very happy, but if something doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world.

 

Karmine Corp's readiness and G2's development

Many analysts believe that G2 has significantly improved their game in recent months, especially thanks to the excellent form of players like Caps and BrokenBlade. However, Targamas disagrees with this assessment:

I think it's an analysis influenced by results. G2 had a perfect series, but their opponents were weaker. We played against stronger teams. Yes, we weren't perfect, especially against Vitality, but we've also progressed. We've made changes in our game and preparation, and we've brought in Nisqy.

 

The "sixth player" project and Nisqy's significance

Nisqy, the recently joined mid-laner, is likely to play a key role in these playoffs. Targamas shared that his participation will be an important factor for the team:

It's almost certain that Nisqy will play in these playoffs. We would have liked to integrate him into the game earlier, but he brings us great flexibility in drafts. He's an experienced player, and we're confident he will handle it. We give him every opportunity to prove himself.

 

He also mentioned the possible use of the "sixth player" tactic, which involves rotating players depending on the situation:

It's what CFO does in the Pacific League. Changing players based on the situation can be very beneficial for the team.

 

Lack of rhythm and the importance of drafts

There has been a lot of criticism directed at Karmine Corp's draft choices, especially after the setback against Vitality. However, Targamas emphasizes that it's not fair to reduce all the team's problems to the champion selection phase:

Drafts aren't a science. Everyone can have their opinion on what's right or wrong. Of course, drafts are hugely important, especially when two opponents are roughly equal. But it's not just about how you choose champions, but also how you play. We haven't shown our best game this season, and that needs to be fixed.

 

Readiness for the decisive battle against G2

In conclusion, Targamas confirmed that his team is ready for the decisive match with G2, despite their last meetings with this opponent being many months ago:

The last time we faced G2 was at the Arènes in Évry-Courcouronnes — that was four months ago. It's surprising since we play in the same league and train with each other every week.

 

The match against G2, set for September 7, 2025, will be decisive for Karmine Corp. The winner will earn the much-anticipated spot at Worlds 2025, and the entire League of Legends community eagerly awaits this spectacular showdown.