TL;DR
- Golden Guardians finished sixth in Spring Split but are rebuilding with renewed focus
- Mid-laner Damonte’s addition brings strong communication and selfless playstyle
- Team focuses on fundamentals after disappointing playoff performance against FlyQuest
- Closer’s shot-calling and micro skills differentiate him from other NA junglers
- Players target TSM and 100 Thieves as key rivals for Summer Split

After finishing sixth in the Spring Split and falling short during playoffs, Golden Guardians have implemented significant roster adjustments and strategic refinements. The organization is positioning itself for a substantial performance improvement in the upcoming LCS Summer Split, with players expressing renewed determination and clearer competitive objectives.
In an exclusive discussion with WIN.gg, key players Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell, Can “Closer” Çelik, and Victor “FBI” Huang detailed their ambitions for the season and identified specific opponents they’re targeting for victory.
How has the team’s practice regimen evolved during the offseason?
Hauntzer:Our scrimmage sessions have maintained strong momentum without significant procedural changes from our Spring Split approach. The consistency in our training environment has been crucial for maintaining competitive sharpness.
Closer:We’ve cultivated intense game-focused mentalities, though external circumstances occasionally create distractions that impact our preparation rhythm.
What specific advantages does Damonte bring to the team’s dynamic?
Closer:Damonte and I established friendship bonds previously, and I’ve observed his capabilities extensively in solo queue environments. Consistently, I’ve recognized his exceptional talent level. Collaborating on the same competitive roster generates positive synergy and enhanced team chemistry.
FBI:The integration process has been remarkably smooth. He demonstrates impressive mechanical skills while maintaining relaxed team interactions. His humorous personality seamlessly integrates with our existing team culture, generating substantial excitement about our collective potential.
How do you assess Damonte’s potential impact on your Summer Split performance?
Closer:His communication clarity and individual technical abilities stand out significantly. These attributes will undoubtedly elevate our team’s overall competitive level and strategic execution.
FBI:I anticipate his influence will be substantial. Damonte consistently demonstrates willingness to execute roaming maneuvers and sacrifice personal performance metrics for team success. This selfless approach creates strategic advantages that can be overwhelmingly powerful in competitive scenarios. I’m genuinely optimistic about our summer split trajectory and results projection.

What were the primary takeaways from your Spring Split experience?
Hauntzer:The conclusion felt particularly aggravating. Overall, it represented a suboptimal competitive period for our organization. A mid-split roster modification temporarily disrupted our momentum before we regained competitive footing. The collective experience fell short of our established standards and championship aspirations.
Our playoff showing against FlyQuest proved most disheartening. We possessed genuine victory opportunities but delivered underwhelming performances during critical moments.
FBI:I maintain considerable confidence in our capabilities. Last season we exceeded external predictions. However, I firmly believe we had capacity to advance significantly deeper into playoff contention. I’m anticipating demonstrating that untapped potential during the upcoming split.
Closer:I’m experiencing positive momentum. I’m eager to return to official competitive matches. While stage appearances might be limited, the competitive integrity of LCS remains. My ultimate objective is Worlds championship qualification.
What specific areas are you prioritizing for improvement this split?
Hauntzer:We’re concentrating intensely on core gameplay fundamentals. This includes refining our early game strategy formulation and developing more comprehensive match plans. Our Spring Split experiences provided valuable learning opportunities, and we’re adopting more flexible approaches to distributed carry responsibilities across roster positions.
Closer, you earned recognition as the second-ranked jungler during Spring Split. What distinguishes your approach from other North American jungle specialists?
Closer:Despite originating from a developing competitive region and maintaining rookie status, I maintain rigorous daily practice regimens. My micro-mechanical execution remains exceptionally strong. Upon joining the team, I assumed primary shot-calling responsibilities while managing our macro-strategic direction. This dual-role approach streamlines my personal decision-making processes. Strategic planning represents my most developed competitive skill. When orchestrating team movements and planning comprehensive strategies, I achieve optimal competitive performance levels.
Professional Insight: Successful team rebuilds typically require 4-6 weeks for full integration. Key indicators of effective roster changes include improved early game coordination (visible within 2-3 weeks) and enhanced objective control (measurable by week 4). Teams should focus on specific win conditions rather than attempting to master all strategic approaches simultaneously.
What fundamental distinctions exist between North American and Turkish jungle methodologies?
Closer:Competing in Turkey, I maintained clear superiority over regional opponents. Limited competitive challenges restricted improvement opportunities. We scheduled European team scrimmage sessions weekly, representing my sole chance to compete against elite players. Transitioning to North America provides daily opportunities to practice against world-class competition. This environment facilitates continuous learning and skill development.
Advanced Strategy Note: Regional jungle meta differences significantly impact playstyle adaptation. Turkish junglers often prioritize aggressive early game pressure, while NA specialists frequently emphasize objective control and late-game scaling. Understanding these distinctions helps players adapt more effectively when transitioning between competitive regions.
What are your evaluations of the recently reconstructed TSM roster configuration?
Hauntzer:They undoubtedly possess individually talented competitors. Their ultimate success depends entirely on team coordination development and strategic execution consistency.
Common Adaptation Challenges: Players transitioning between regions frequently struggle with communication standards, meta comprehension differences, and practice culture variations. Addressing these requires approximately 3-4 weeks of intensive adaptation work.
Which specific opponents generate the most anticipation for upcoming matches?

Hauntzer:I don’t experience particular excitement facing any single organization. However, I’m motivated to demonstrate my capabilities and validate our team’s competitive strength through consistent performance excellence.
Closer:I’m particularly eager to compete against TSM. Brokenblade represents a personal friend, and I’m determined to secure victory against his team.
FBI:Personally, I’m focusing on 100 Thieves. They roster Ryoma, another Oceanic compatriot and close acquaintance. We experienced defeats during our previous Spring Split encounters against their lineup.
Do you believe your current roster configuration can successfully challenge these opponents?
FBI:Absolutely. Without any uncertainty, we’re positioned to defeat Ryoma’s squad.
Closer:Certainly, without question.


Strategic Preparation Checklist: Teams targeting specific rivals should analyze previous match VODs (2-3 hours recommended), identify specific counter-strategies, and develop targeted practice regimens focusing on opponent-specific weaknesses.
Action Checklist
- Analyze Spring Split playoff VODs to identify strategic weaknesses (2-3 hours recommended)
- Develop early game fundamental drills focusing on objective control and lane coordination
- Create opponent-specific counter-strategies for TSM and 100 Thieves
- Implement communication improvement exercises for shot-calling development
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