Los Ratones, the new League of Legends team formed by iconic streamers and veteran players, has taken the esports world by storm with their unexpected victory against T1, the reigning world champions, at Red Bull: League of Its Own. The team led by former professional player Caedrel is not merely about entertaining fans with its roster of misfits; it is on the path to proving itself as a legitimate competitor.
Thebausffs, one of the team’s most prominent players known for his unique playstyle, has ambitions beyond just being entertaining. After securing the win over T1, Thebausffs shared insights about his aspirations for Los Ratones and his commitment to proving doubters wrong. "I want to win Worlds with Los Ratones," he confidently declared.
Thebausffs has gained fame for his unconventional strategies, often jokingly referred to as 'inting' (intentional feeding). Despite this, he emphasizes the seriousness of his efforts. "At the end of the game, I thought I did all right even though the early game was a little bit rough. I think it proves the strategy is really good, yes," he stated, affirming the effectiveness of his approaches.
G2 Esports star Caps remains skeptical about Thebausffs' readiness for the LEC, but Thebausffs is undeterred. He believes Los Ratones has the potential not only to join the LEC but also to achieve great success on big stages. "We believe we can compete there now. We’re not going to play there next year, but we all believe and we all want to go there," he noted during his post-match reflections.
Despite the playful banter about being perceived as just 'meme players', the team has showcased its competitive edge, especially against formidable opponents like T1. Their victory was surprising yet symbolic of the growing interest around the team created by Caedrel. The excitement around Los Ratones goes beyond the game itself. The team's approach, which includes streaming scrims to engage viewers, reflects changing dynamics within the esports community. This strategy aims for transparency, allowing fans to witness the behind-the-scenes processes of forming competitive teams.
What sets Los Ratones apart is not just their victory, but their method of involving the community. Fans are witnessing the drafting strategies live, which helps demystify how teams prepare for competition. Caedrel’s model could be seen as subversive, breaking norms within esports by promoting openness rather than keeping strategies shrouded in secrecy.
The success of Los Ratones against T1 was not just about luck or casual play; it highlighted the skills and determination of the team. Each member, including Thebausffs, Rekkles, Nemesis, and newcomer Velja, contributes to this dynamic, showing resilience even when matches turn dicey. Los Ratones is characterized by the unwavering spirit of its players. Refusing to fold under pressure exemplifies what makes them exciting to watch—there’s always the chance to see something unexpected.
Reflecting on the strengths of the players, Thebausffs stated, "I wouldn’t call myself the superstar of the team. I want to show I can be counted on and not be seen as a liability. Each player shines, and I just want to fit well within this fantastic lineup." With Rekkles performing at levels reminiscent of his prime, Los Ratones looks set to maintain momentum.
While their first official competitive season is set to begin next January, anticipation is already building among fans and esports enthusiasts alike. Discussions on social media have steadily reflected growing excitement for what Los Ratones can bring to future tournaments. The narrative around the team embodies not just hope but fervor for innovation in the League of Legends scene.
Despite some analysts considering Los Ratones as merely ‘washed’ players, the response from the community showcases the roots of their interest. Fans are drawn to the unpredictability and chaotic charm of the team’s matches, contrasting sharply with the often curated narratives and predictable formats of major esports events. This addition of fresh personalities is needed, especially as newer players strive to capture the audience's attention.
The active dialogue around Los Ratones indicates they are more than just participants—they are changing the game. Caedrel’s vision of creating authentic, community-centered gameplay is effectively reviving the interest many fans had lost over time.
Los Ratones exemplifies innovation within the esports community, earning their spot on the global stage not just through talent, but through the commitment to engaging the community. Fans are hungry for more exciting competition, and with Los Ratones on the rise, it seems the scene is slowly being revitalized. Perhaps one day, Thebausffs and his team will secure their place among the elite teams, paving their way to the Worlds tournament, as they’ve envisioned.
With the promise of more exhilarating competitions on the horizon, the esports community stands at the threshold of watching Los Ratones evolve and compete. Their unpredictable play and engaging approach set them apart as they aim for success, promising to deliver something undeniably fresh and thrilling to both diehard fans and newcomers.
