Excel jungler Mark “Markoon” van Woensel took time to chat with WIN.gg about the team’s playoffs hopes, mid-split changes, and Markoon’s view on the state of the game today.
This interview took place after Excel’s game against G2 Esports, and Excel qualified for the LEC spring playoffs the next day.
You’re fresh off a loss to G2, but you’re nearing Excel’s first playoff qualification. How does it feel to be so close to the playoffs?
Mark “Markoon” van Woensel: Honestly, pretty bad. I really wanted to make top four [in the LEC] and I knew that if we won today our chances of making the top four were pretty good. Now that we’ve lost [to G2], it’s not really in our control if we make the top four or not. Obviously, it would be nice to make playoffs for Excel and everything, but winning today would have been really nice. It wasn’t the best game, but I’m still confident we’ll make it.
Your team underwent a big change during the split with support Mihael “Mikyx” Mehle joining. We all know the importance of coordinating jungle and support roles. How are you enjoying playing with Mikyx?
I’m definitely enjoying it. It’s a different experience because with [former support Henk “Advienne” Reijenga], we’d been playing together for a year. When you play with somebody that long, you can sort of read each others’ minds. I didn’t need to ask what he’s thinking, I know how he thinks and how he wants to play.
Playing with [Mikyx] has meant having to learn that all over with a new support. He’s really good, but I don’t know what he’s thinking all the time just yet. We’re working on it. It comes with time.
You said you’re disappointed the G2 loss because you want to make the top four. What’s the bar for you to be satisfied with your performance this split?
Making top four would be really great. Making the playoffs is great, but I really want to make top four. I don’t know how far I want to make it in playoffs [before I’m satisfied], but I hope we can still make [top four] this split.
