Solo: ‘I think we can go toe-to-toe with everyone’

Clutch Gaming came out on top against a struggling Counter Logic Gaming this Saturday, climbing to a 2-1 start in their inaugural split as members of the North American League Championship Series.

Following their rout of CLG, their top laner Colin “Solo” Earnest sat down with The Game Haus to talk about their win, his ascension to the LCS and what it’s like to play with a veteran-filled lineup.

Alright, so the CLG game was a stomp. What made it such a one-sided game?

“It seemed like we were really ready for all of their aggressive plays. Their team is like, if one person goes in, they all go in. We were just able to counter their aggression with some good plays of our own.”

Prior to signing on with Clutch you spent a few years in the Challenger Series. How has the jump to LCS been for you? And what do you bring to the table as a player?

“The jump has been pretty good. I have played in a lot of stage games and best-of-five series, so I’m experienced some of the LCS teams. It is a much different animal being week-to-week and against playing some of the really top teams. I’m just trying to get as comfortable as possible stage against some of the really good strong opponents.

Photo courtesy of Riot Games.

I think I just have a really solid base to grow on. I’m a really good teammate, a strong leader and I think I bring a lot of x-factors, as well as my play.”

Now most of Clutch came over together from Team Envy and Febiven arrived after an impressive career in Europe. Has it been tough finding your place in this roster?

“It’s been a little different, they’re definitely really talented guys and they been in the scene for a really long time. I’m really willing to just listen and learn a lot from them. They’ve been really great teachers.”

Speaking of Febiven, you’re playing with one of the most accomplished Western mid laners over the past few years. What’s he like as a player? As a leader?

“He’s a really strong player, can do everything and is willing to make sacrifices for the team. He’s a really funny guy, really great guy to be around and is really strong mentally, which is surprising considering Europe’s reputation with that.

I’ve had a really great time playing with him. We’re very similar in how we look at the game and how we think a team should function.”

Now there’s been a lot of talk about some of the newer faces, such as AnDa and Licorice, and not as much about you. Why do you feel that is?

“I think it’s just because I’ve been around for a lot longer. At least in the spotlight, I’ve done challenger for a long time, so I think people will take for granted how good I am as a player. It’s a lot easier to get excited for someone who kinda just started out than it is for someone who has been grinding for so long.

Photo courtesy of Riot Games.

I don’t really worry about too much, at the end of the day I’m just going to do my best for myself and the team, and take it from there.”

Where does Clutch stand amongst the rest of the LCS?

“I think we can go toe-to-toe with everyone. I think we are going to have losses and we’re gonna have wins, but depending on how well we learn from them will dictate how we do in playoffs.”

Tomorrow you play against against a hyped up Team Liquid. What’s it going to take to win?

“We’re gonna have to have a really solid draft and really solid game plan going in. And then we’re going to have to play as a team and really focus on our strengths and making sure they don’t roll over us with their really strong individual play.”

Featured image: Riot Games

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