“Worlds games played THE part in promotion”: An interview with Fnatic Rhuckz

Following Fnatic’s narrow opening day setback against Team Vitality, we connected with newcomer Rúben “Rhuckz” Barbosa. The Portuguese support specialist recently earned promotion from Fnatic’s academy squad TQ to the premier LEC lineup following standout substitute showings during the previous season’s World Championship tournament.

WIN.gg: Your social media post highlighted an eight-year grind to reach the LEC, achieving this milestone at 26 years old. Does this demonstrate that career timing varies for every professional?

Rhuckz: Being 26 while debuting in the LEC—an age where most don’t get their first opportunity—actually provided additional motivation to persist. I firmly reject the notion that age negatively impacts competitive performance at this level. My objective was demonstrating, both personally and publicly, that consistent annual improvement and correct methodology trump chronological age entirely.

What specific factors secured your position on Fnatic’s main LEC roster? Did your Worlds substitute appearances fundamentally change your trajectory?

The World Championship matches essentially served as the decisive factor in my promotion. Before that international stage, I’d estimate my LEC chances at merely 1-2%, particularly since my Summer split represented my career’s poorest results period.

Coming from seven consecutive finals appearances with multiple victories, plus EU Masters finals the prior year, my prospects seemed minimal following last Summer’s disappointing outcomes. However, the Worlds opportunity genuinely transformed my career path and primarily explains my current position.

Did other organizations express interest following your Worlds performances?

I didn’t actively pursue alternative opportunities. With my academy contract nearing expiration, I renewed before the previous agreement concluded, eliminating market exploration possibilities.

You’ve advanced alongside Fnatic TQ coach Gonçalo “Crusher” Pinto Brandão. How significant has this continuity been for your adaptation?

Crusher’s deep understanding of my gameplay and personality facilitates smoother team integration and communication. Additionally, the Worlds experience proved invaluable since I spent approximately 20 days with these players, primarily the top lane contingent.

Living alongside them provided insights into their personalities, emotional patterns, and operational preferences. Generally, I only require adjustment to Rekkles as he’s the sole teammate I previously didn’t know. Collaboration with other roster members comes naturally given our extensive shared history.

How has developing synergy with Rekkles progressed during initial stages?

The collaboration has advanced positively thus far. His extensive competitive background ensures he consistently offers constructive, productive feedback. This dynamic proves beneficial since, despite my own professional experience, I continuously learn from veterans like him who’ve captured multiple LEC championships—always an advantageous situation.

Does partnering with Rekkles create additional pressure, or conversely provide confidence through his veteran presence?

Post-Worlds experience, particularly competing alongside Upset—widely regarded as Europe’s premier AD carry—eliminates that pressure sensation entirely. I perceive him simply as a lane partner who’ll significantly assist my LEC adaptation, believing we can mutually enhance each other’s performance.

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Regarding the Team Vitality defeat, what constructive elements can be extracted from moments where Fnatic controlled the game?

We executed strongly until the crucial Baron engagement where I overextended, inadvertently drawing my teammates into unfavorable positioning. Until that juncture, our map play demonstrated solid coordination, effectively leveraging strengths while protecting vulnerabilities. A single critical error essentially decided the outcome, though we can derive 90% positive aspects from this match versus the 10% that ultimately cost us victory. These indicators suggest we’re developing into a competitive squad.

Your upcoming schedule includes G2 Esports and KOI, completing a challenging Week 1 against three strong opponents. Do you prefer confronting elite teams immediately or would simpler initial matches better suit development?

Facing top competitors now versus later creates minimal difference strategically. Confronting them collectively in one week seems advantageous currently. Our performance level suggests we can defeat any opponent, though we’re equally capable of losing to anyone—this Vitality match demonstrated how singular mistakes dictate League of Legends outcomes.

Against G2 specifically, does additional motivation exist within the squad considering Wunder and Rekkles both share historical connections with the organization?

They certainly possess personal motivations, whereas my drive stems more from the historic G2-Fnatic rivalry I’ve closely observed during two academy years. I’m genuinely excited for this matchup since it promises explosive competitive action.

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