A few weeks ago, Gabriel “Bwipo” Rau added a long-awaited LCS title to his list of accomplishments, solidifying his place as one of North America's top players. After his triumphs in Europe during his time with Fnatic, Bwipo has spent the past few years on a journey to prove himself in the LCS, finally claiming victory in Summer 2024. Now, FlyQuest's top laner is ready to make his mark on the global stage. Just hours before FLY's opening match against GAM Esports in the Swiss Stage, Bwipo spoke with Sheep Esports to reflect on his journey, his team's prospects, and his goals for Worlds.

You've been in North America for the past few years, and now you’re back in the LEC studio. How does it feel to be back here and competing in Berlin?

Gabriel “Bwipo” Rau: "It feels really good. The studio got a major upgrade, so I'm happy for the people who play here now, and I'm excited to play.

You're up against GAM, and I noticed you recently played with most of their roster in Champions Queue. How are you feeling about the match? Given the seeding, some might say it's an easy win, but with GAM's explosive playstyle, there's still a level of respect required, right?

Bwipo: Yeah, for sure. At the end of the day, it's a good way to test where we're at and how we handle stage nerves. While they are a team to be respected, they're also objectively one of the easiest teams to beat in the group stage. So, we're fortunate to have drawn them, and hopefully, we can use this opportunity to get a 1-0 start and gain some leeway.

FlyQuest won the LCS, but many still see Team Liquid as the NA team to watch at Worlds. How does that perception affect you and the team? Do you feel FlyQuest is the best team in NA?

Bwipo: I don't think we're the best team in NA. I just think we have more players who can be trusted to deliver great performances internationally. I don’t believe TL will be able to do that. I can see our players going above and beyond, and that's what I believe in right now. People can think whatever they like, but the fun of Worlds is proving yourself. You prove yourself, you prove your team. If you're bad, then you're bad, but you still have a chance. When you go on stage for that second or maybe last time, that's when it counts. That’s what makes Worlds so special—because you only get so many games. You can't keep showing up on stage for weeks or months as a bad team. You have one week to prove you're one of the best teams in the world, or you go home. That's what makes Worlds awesome.

You’ve talked openly about working with a therapist, which you’ve also mentioned on the LCS stream. How has that growth been for you as both a player and a person?

Bwipo: I think coming to terms with your flaws and finding solutions at a reasonable pace is what's most important. Never diminish your achievements and results while still understanding that you can do better. That’s been my focus. I've found a much healthier balance between what I can and cannot do, and I believe that being honest with myself and the people around me is the most important thing.

Speaking of being honest, how do you evaluate yourself right now, both as a player and as a person? Is there anything you think you’re still missing to take your game to the next level?

Bwipo: Without giving away too much, I think I'm a very unique player. Focusing on improving at meta picks and playing what everyone else does wouldn’t do me justice. I'm confident in what I can bring to my team, and I believe the way I do it is what makes me special.

Heading into the Swiss stage, what do you think about FlyQuest’s chances at Worlds? What’s the minimum goal you want to achieve?

Bwipo: Making it to quarters and getting past Swiss is the minimum for me. This is the standard I set with Fnatic in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and I’d like to maintain that standard. I want to bring it to NA and FlyQuest and build from there. We'll see how far we can go, but I’m very confident we can make a splash, and I’m excited to see what we can do on stage. Even if we don't have the best start, I'm confident we can pull it together and make it happen.

Last year, you mentioned that you chose to return to NA, even with offers from EU, because you felt like you had not achieved what you wanted yet. Now that you have won your first LCS title, do you feel like you have accomplished that goal, or is there more left for you?

Bwipo: I still have more goals I want to achieve. Putting NA on the international map with my team is something I want to achieve. TL has done a good job this year, but I'd like to establish the LCS as more than just a one-team region. I want to be part of that success internationally. Additionally, I want to help cultivate talent. I aim to bring passion to the league, and while I think I've done that in some ways, I believe I can do even more for the region. So I'd like to accomplish that before reevaluating where I want to end up.

You’ve talked a lot about the mentality of pro players on your stream and social media. Do you think we’re at a point where the West can compete with the East? If not, how long do you think it will take?

Bwipo: I think the formula was there in 2018, 2019, and 2020, but it has been lost over the years that I haven't been competing here. I don't know how or why, but I intend to bring it back.

Are there other teams that you respect for trying to bring that competitive spirit back?

Bwipo: I think G2 and Fnatic are trying their hardest, as always, and I have a lot of respect for them. I don't have much experience playing against the other European teams, so I'm not sure, but I hope they are giving it their all. Mad Lions seems like a team that's really trying hard. What else is going on in the Worlds from Europe? Is there anyone else?

For Worlds, that's the only three participants. I mean there's 100 Thieves technically as well. I don't know if you want to comment on their story.

Bwipo: No, I don't. I mean, they tried their best, but there was nothing there. I think everyone knew that—maybe except for themselves, but that’s fair.

Do you feel they just went to Worlds too early?

Bwipo: No, I just think they beat a dysfunctional team to make it to Worlds. I don’t believe they had the systems or dedication necessary to be one of the best teams in the world.

Are there any toplaners you’re especially looking forward to facing?

Bwipo: I’d like to face 369. We have a bit of history, and it’d be nice to continue that rivalry. I didn’t get the chance to play against him at MSI because we got knocked out early, which was unfortunate and disappointing. When I look at his jersey, I feel proud to have it, but I don't know if he feels the same way, and I’d like to change that this year.

How do you feel about the NA vs. EU debate that always comes up? What’s your take on the current level of each region?

Bwipo: I feel pretty confident in the LCS. I believe TL and FlyQuest are good contenders, and I think we can make a deep run. That said, I think Europe is much weaker than they used to be, and that’s based on my experience—just my opinion.

And finally, how has it been returning to Berlin and Europe in general after being in LA for so long?

Bwipo: It's been nice. It feels much closer to home. You step out the door and can walk around without it taking 40 minutes to reach the nearest place. I like the walkability of Europe; I've always liked it here. It is my home. It was nice coming back, and I’m motivated to do great things on home soil.

Any last words for your fans and supporters before we wrap up?

Bwipo: Hopefully, you guys can support us, and we intend to do great things here at Worlds. For me, it’s really important that the fans who watch me know they can expect great things from me and my team. That’s a standard I want to meet this time, unlike at MSI. I feel much better about our team right now than I did at MSI, and I think the results will reflect that."