The Blue Wall reigns supreme and now sits at 5-1 in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) after Karmine Corp achieved its first-ever 3-0 week in the league. Tied for first place, the organization continues its ascent as it prepares to face Vitality, Fnatic, and BDS next week. In an exclusive interview, Vladimiros "Vladi" Kourtidis, the team's midlaner, discusses his recent improvements, pinpoints KC's goals, and shares his thoughts on the level of the league.

You dominated Team Heretics today and secured a playoff spot. How does it feel to take such a convincing win?

Vladimiros "Vladi" Kourtidis: "Obviously locking in playoffs feels good, but this team is capable of winning it all, as I’ve said before. So, it’s not like we’re satisfied—it's just a good first step. I wouldn’t say this game was a stomp. I think it should have been a 20–25-minute game, but some unfortunate fights happened. It ended up going to 35 minutes with me being 10-0, which is illegal. But yeah, overall, it was a good game. We had a little more fun than usual on stage.

Last year, you mentioned you weren’t happy with your early game. You've been training with Apples—how do you feel about your current level?

Vladi: Last year, I had some issues in lane. A lot of times, I wasn’t playing as confidently as I do now. But with the new roster, the way we mix together, and how we are both in and out of the game, I gained a lot of confidence. I also played a lot of in-houses during the off-season, which helped me improve my laning a lot. But I still have more work to do.

You've talked about proving yourself and aiming higher with Karmine Corp. Next week, you'll face Fnatic, another team tied for first. Are you planning to send Humanoid into retirement?

Vladi: I mean, we’ve scrimmed against Fnatic a lot. I think, as I’ve said, they’re the strongest team in the LEC right now besides us. But yeah, I’m confident in us. I don’t think they’re playing that well on stage—I don’t think we are either—but if we play our own game, we can easily beat them.

Do you have a message for Humanoid?

Vladi: I don’t want to be cocky, but just know that I’ll beat you.

You’ll also be facing Vitality and BDS next week. After securing KC’s first-ever 3-0 week, can we expect another one to close out the group stage?

Vladi: Yeah, obviously. I don’t think it’ll be a rough week. Vitality isn’t looking very strong, and BDS, even though they have good players on paper, isn’t either. I think the only tough match will be Fnatic, but we shouldn’t underestimate anyone. If we go in with the same mentality we have in scrims and play our game, I think it’s going to be an easy 3-0.

How do you feel about the current level of midlaners, and where do you rank yourself now after all your improvements?

Vladi: Midlane is weaker than last year. I don’t really know how to put it, but I’d say Humanoid, Caps, and Jojopyun are definitely at the top. I think it’s just them. Jackies is playing well too, but overall, the role got worse compared to last year. I don’t want to be cocky, but by the end of the year, I think I can easily be top 2 or 3.

Do you think you'll reach your full potential once your coaches finally let you play something other than Viktor and Corki?

Vladi: Yeah, this is an issue! I’m always getting Corki or Viktor. Please start banning Viktor—I don’t want to play this champ, it’s too boring. Unless, of course, something like today happens where I get two kills in the first minute. I got Lost Chapter at like four minutes; I think it might be a record. But yeah, I just want to play something fun.

You and Jackies both debuted last year and are now becoming staples of the LEC. What do you think of him and GIANTX? They’re the only team that has beaten you so far, but today they lost to G2 and looked shakier. Do you still see them as a strong team?

Vladi: They're definitely one of the top teams alongside G2, Fnatic, and Movistar KOI. I think we lost because we made some mistakes in the early levels, but yeah. Obviously, they have very good players—their bot lane is strong, Jackies has already shown he’s a good player, and Closer was my previous jungler, so I know he’s good. They also have a rookie top laner, and so far, he’s been performing really well.

Are there any other teams that you think could stand in Karmine Corp’s way, or do you think it’s a straightforward path to first place?

Vladi: Basically just the top teams I mentioned. They're teams that can be very strong with Fearless Draft because all of these teams have big champion pools. The weakest team out of the top contenders, in my opinion, is GX, because I think their champion pool isn’t the best, especially in the top lane.

What legacy do you want to leave in the LEC by the end of this year?

Vladi: Obviously, I want to prove that I’m one of the best midlaners in the league. I also want to qualify for international events, with the first target being First Stand. But yeah, the main goal is Worlds and to perform well there.

You solo killed Faker at the Red Bull League of Its Own already. Are there teams or players you'd want to face at First Stand?

Vladi: I don’t want to look too far ahead, but if we go international, I’d love to face Chovy and Knight. They’re both great players, and I could learn a lot from them.

If there was a zombie apocalypse tomorrow, who do you think in the team would die first?

Vladi: I’m not sure, but I’d say Caliste. [laughs]

Why is that?

Vladi: He just has very low IQ. He’s probably the lowest IQ in the team. Obviously, I’m the highest, then maybe Canna, but the rest of the team would probably die instantly.

What about in terms of physical strength?

Vladi: In terms of strength, Canna is number one. He’s the strongest on the team. I felt it yesterday when he hit me in the shoulder—I almost died.

Sheep Esports: I guess that punch gave you extra power because today you completely popped off.

Vladi: Yeah, it gave me powers. It gave me extra damage.

Do you have anything final you’d like to say to the Karmine Corp fans?

Vladi: Yeah, just a big thank you and keep supporting us. Everyone in the team appreciates the fans, and we’ll keep playing for you. Hopefully, we can qualify for every international event this year."