On Thursday, after the closely contested opening match between Gentle Mates and FUT in the VALORANT VCT EMEA Stage 2, which saw FUT secure victory in overtime, Yusuf "Proxh" Emre Tunc talks about his transfer to M8 and how he has settled in. Despite winning the first map (Bind) and losing the second (Sunset), M8 couldn't finish the game at 12-6 and lost in overtime 16-14 on Lotus.

You just joined Gentle Mates. How do you feel about this new chapter after your first game?

Yusuf "Proxh" Emre Tunc: "I'm feeling good. It's a nice place to be, and I'm just excited for this new chapter with Gentle Mates.

What was missing to close the game on Lotus?

Proxh: On this last map, we just wanted to forget Sunset. It's 0-0 in our head. And yeah, we just go fight. We were just not closing out the advantages. It was close.

What was your first impression of the team environment when you joined?

Proxh: When I joined, I just felt like family. Everyone was so kind, like the workers were so good.

You won the BTC Turk Game Fest during the offseason, defeating Natus Vincere in the Grand Final. How did this victory help you prepare for the second split?

Proxh: We just take experience on stage, against a tier 1 team. It's rare to play against a tier 1 team that's not a Divisity tournament. It was nice, I gained some confidence.

What’s your main goal with Gentle Mates? Do you feel pressure to qualify for Champions and secure your spot?

Proxh: Qualifying for Champions is our only goal, now. Even after the loss today, we just have this big goal in front of us, going to the Champions. And yeah, there's always pressure, but it's how you deal with it.

What surprised you the most about playing with Gentle Mates compared to your previous experience in Challengers?

Proxh: The fan base. I like the fan base, they are so big and always supportive. Just a big thank you to you guys, you're amazing I received a lot of support on social media.

How is life in Berlin as a German player? Did you give your mates tips on living in Germany, or teach them some words in German?

Proxh: It's easier compared to my city. It's just way easier. There is just way more to do, like outside. It's just great. Yeah, like it. And for my team mate especially with Comeback (Berkcan Şentürk), because we are living together, I'm giving them some tips. But I didn't teach him anything, and my mates only know bad words!

Comeback doesn't speak English. How do you communicate with him? And what does he bring to the team?

Proxh: We're satisfied, just not with this match today. But Comeback, even if he doesn't have the best English skills, he understands most of the time. If not, I'm just translating, and yeah, with Comeback, it's just full firepower."