Clutch Gaming’s Damonte on emotional win and making LCS playoffs

This pivotal weekend marked a significant milestone for Clutch Gaming’s competitive journey. Their decisive victory over Golden Guardians clinched their position in the LCS Summer Split playoffs, validating months of dedicated preparation.

The emotional outpouring on stage reflected the team’s rollercoaster season, with many analysts having dismissed their potential earlier in the competitive year. Now focused on their quarterfinal confrontation with Team SoloMid, WIN.gg conducted an exclusive interview with mid lane specialist Tanner “Damonte” Damonte about this transformative moment for the organization.

How would you characterize your current mindset following that crucial match? 

Damonte: Extremely positive. The entire squad is experiencing overwhelming joy and satisfaction.

Several team members displayed visible emotion on stage. What made this achievement particularly meaningful for the roster? 

Our season featured numerous fluctuations in performance and morale. The introduction of new coaching staff during the mid-season period initiated a complete transformation in our competitive approach.

Considering your team was previously viewed as middle-tier within the LCS ecosystem, what significance does playoff qualification hold? 

We embraced our underdog status throughout the competitive circuit. The lack of media attention surrounding our roster became an internal motivator. Broadcast segments highlighting projected playoff contenders featured elaborate presentations for other teams while overlooking our squad entirely. Achieving this milestone validates our persistent belief in our competitive capabilities.

You previously expressed confidence in your playoff prospects during earlier interviews. How does fulfilling these predictions impact team morale? 

Validating our internal expectations generates tremendous satisfaction. Every roster member anticipated reaching postseason competition. Our current focus shifts entirely toward overcoming TSM in the upcoming quarterfinal bracket.

Your first playoff opponent represents a familiar rivalry. Does avenging last year’s defeat carry special importance? 

Absolutely. Both myself and Huni experienced playoff elimination against TSM during our tenure with Echo Fox last competitive season. This matchup carries substantial narrative weight and competitive significance.

Do you believe your current roster possesses the necessary capabilities for playoff success?

Without question. Our team is currently performing at peak efficiency levels, while TSM appears to be trending in the opposite competitive direction.

Your team demonstrated exceptionally aggressive tactical approaches throughout the match. How did this distinctive playstyle evolve? 

This strategic framework has been a central component of our practice regimen throughout the entire competitive year. Recent weeks have witnessed perfect synchronization in execution and team coordination.

Does this aggressive methodology align with your personal competitive preferences? 

I naturally gravitate toward high-tempo, proactive gameplay structures. My competitive identity leans more toward mechanical execution proficiency rather than excessively calculated, systematic approaches.

Which specific moments from your Golden Guardians victory provided the greatest personal satisfaction? 

The collective experience of destroying the enemy nexus alongside my teammates created an unforgettable competitive memory. Our roster has developed profound interpersonal connections throughout recent training blocks. Sharing that decisive moment generated immense emotional fulfillment.

Which teams do you project reaching the championship finals? 

Team Liquid undoubtedly possesses the competitive pedigree to advance to finals. Our roster maintains legitimate championship aspirations as well. The current competitive landscape demonstrates remarkable parity among top contenders. We’re absolutely confident in advancing beyond the quarterfinal stage.

You previously mentioned wanting to honor Dignitas’ competitive legacy. Do you feel you’ve accomplished this objective during the current split? 

Definitely affirmative. We’re establishing a formidable foundation for Dignitas’ 2020 competitive campaign.

What post-victory celebrations has the team planned?  

We’ve scheduled a celebratory steak dinner in Beverly Hills to commemorate this significant achievement.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Clutch Gaming’s Damonte on emotional win and making LCS playoffs Clutch Gaming's emotional playoff journey and strategic insights from mid laner Damonte