100T Sniper: “This is the lowest point I feel like I’ve been at. Like, through my life so far.”

Sports platform Esports.gg interviews Rayan “Sniper” Shoura on his challenges during this season and the genuine impact of competitive esports on mental well-being.

100 Thieves initially dominated Game 1 against FlyQuest in their recent series, but FlyQuest managed to stage a comeback, winning the series 2-1, leaving 100 Thieves with a record of 1-4 for this split. Following the series, we had a chat with top laner Sniper about how this challenging period is impacting him and his strategies for overcoming these hurdles.

Sniper says he’s at his “lowest point” in life

It’s clear that the outcome of the series wasn’t what you hoped for. Can I ask how you’re coping with this situation? On a broader note, how do you stand regarding the current split in progress?

Speaker: “I must admit, I’ve never felt as low as I do now, it’s the worst I’ve ever felt in my life so far. It just feels awful, truthfully. Right now, I don’t really feel like myself; it’s as if I’m in a different world. All I can do is stay calm. In Game 1, I felt good because I got a character I was comfortable with. The other games were tough because Jax was banned, and I didn’t know what to choose blindly. I just need to improve.”

When you mention not feeling like yourself while performing on stage, could it be because of the absence of your preferred pick like Jax, or is there something else contributing to this as well?

“You’ve posed an excellent question. To clarify, my small champion pool isn’t the reason for my current performance. In fact, I’m quite versatile with multiple champions. However, I believe I could be achieving more than I am currently. Unfortunately, my mental state isn’t optimal at the moment, if you catch my drift.”

When facing challenging situations as a competitor, what methods have been most effective for you? Since you’re still relatively new to the competitive scene, perhaps your brother has offered some guidance. However, I’m interested in understanding the strategies that help you overcome mental obstacles common among young talents at the beginning of their careers. Could you share the techniques you employ to navigate through difficult periods like these?

Absolutely, I’m giving it my all to stay occupied around the clock since the separation began. Even though we managed a 2-0 against NRG at the start of the split, I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feelings I had within. Truth be told, I believe I need to self-talk and rebuild the muscle memory I possessed during the previous split.

100T Sniper agrees on skirmish-heavy meta

In our recent conversation with G2 Mikyx and Fnatic coach Nightshare after the LEC playoffs, we delved into the current game meta with them. Both expressed a sense of balance precariously teetering due to the advent of AD solo laners and the reign of AP junglers. Are you observing this instability in the meta as well? What are your thoughts on it?

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of online gaming, I wholeheartedly agree with Mikyx and Nightshare’s insights. The games we play can often be a whirlwind of relentless combat, leaving little room for respite or strategic thinking. With so much fighting happening non-stop, it feels like one must always be on high alert, lest the enemy top laner snatches a single kill and snowballs their advantage into an unstoppable force. This constant pressure can make it challenging to truly enjoy the game and appreciate its strategic depth. It’s as if we’re caught in a never-ending battle for survival, where one misstep could mean defeat.

It seems quite challenging for them when their top, mid, and bot lanes are all playing the role of an Attack Damage Carry (ADC), doesn’t it? [Laughs] Exactly!

Are there any upcoming matches you’re excited about or planning to enjoy? Is there a particular event you’re planning to attend and have a good time at?

As a player, I’m currently more focused on understanding my game rather than facing opponents. It seems like I need some personal growth, which I’ve been striving for throughout this split. However, it’s crucial that we prioritize winning the upcoming series. The playoffs are on the line, and we can’t afford to overlook any challenge. We must take one series at a time, day by day, trusting the process all the while, hoping to secure victories for the next two weeks of LCS.

Sniper talks confidence, competence, and change

Could you share the main shifts in your mentality between the previous season and the current one that seem to be driving your success? I wonder if it’s about increased self-confidence, a change in how you approach your gameplay, or perhaps something else entirely. What has changed for you?

In the previous season, excluding the initial week of LCS, I was completely immersed. I made an effort to do so at least. This helped me concentrate better, analyze more thoroughly, and absorb what the coaches were teaching me. Being present helps reduce anxiety about the future. Even if there’s some anxiety, you know that there’s no need for worry and can just take things one step at a time. However, this season, I find myself overthinking. I constantly question things like, “What if I don’t play well tomorrow? I’m not feeling great in-game. What do I need to change?” This overthinking is a constant struggle for me, and despite my best efforts, I often fail to stay present.

Appreciate your openness. Towards the conclusion, we’ve prepared some casual, unrelated-to-pro-play questions for a bit of fun. Here’s the first one: Have you given Swarm a try yet?

As someone who has spent countless hours trying to master Swarm, I must admit that I am far from being a seasoned player. My comrade, Eyla, however, is an experienced and proficient Swarm player due to his extensive gameplay hours. He’s got the skills, bro.

100T Sniper is still a Riven lover at heart

As someone who has spent countless hours watching and playing League of Legends, I’ve had the pleasure of observing numerous professional players and coaches over the years. Their insights have always been fascinating, so when it comes to Arcane Season 3, I’m eager to hear their picks for regions and champions. Based on my experience, I believe I have a pretty solid guess as to what they might choose. Let me share my thoughts!

“Since you’ve said you think you might know, I want to hear your guess.”

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of Runeterra, I can confidently say that you are yearning for a tale that takes us back to the time of the broken blade, the blade that was once whole and powerful, yet now lies shattered, waiting to be reforged. I believe you’re longing for a compelling origin story of Riven, an Ionian warrior who hails from the enchanting land of Ionia. The narrative should delve into the complex history between Ionia and Noxus, two powerful nations that have been locked in a struggle for dominance.

Absolutely, you’ve hit the nail on the head! You’ve accurately summarized both the Riven story and the Irelia story, as well as referenced Ionia and the shattered weapon. In essence, you’ve covered everything we were discussing.

So I’m hearing you want to see Swain get his arm cut off no matter what.

“Yeah, exactly, exactly.”

Any words for fans to sign off with as you move on to next week?

As a seasoned coach with years of experience under my belt, I have learned that the ebb and flow of a game is unpredictable, and the final outcome often hinges on the ability to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. The current state of our team may not be what we had hoped for, but I am confident that we will rise above this challenge.