LFL, League of Talents [4/8] — Axelent: "I think we can bring it all home"
Cet article est aussi disponible en français.
After years of grinding through the minor ERLs and LFL Division 2, ADC Nicolas "Axelent" Petrusev sat down with RFT.GG right before playoffs in the LFL Spring Split — his very first in the league. He revisits the long mental struggle that came before this breakthrough, life inside the young TLN Pirates organization and his ambitions of reaching the LEC by 2027 or 2028.
You've been on the scene for six or seven years now, grinding through the minor ERLs and Division 2. This season was expected to be just another year in Div 2 for you. How does it feel to now be in the LFL, and especially to be fighting for a playoff spot in your very first split?
I mean, it feels amazing to start off with that. The initial fact is: I didn't join this team to be in Div 2. I knew that we could make it to the LFL. Otherwise, I was just gonna head to America, you know, and just hit the colleges. So it feels amazing. Feels like I finally have the chance to play where I belong. And I think I'm a lot better than most of ERL ADCs, so hopefully soon we'll reach the LEC part as well.
Loading comments...
You're reaching what could be your peak in the LFL—what does that say about your dedication and perseverance to finally make it here?
Honestly, a big part of it has to do with Djoko. But it was a very long mental struggle, let's say, kind of pushing through everything, like the RNG of ERLs. You don't know where you are, don't know what chances you'll have. After a very long time, Joko gave me another chance here, and I think he's very happy with it.
I remember you from when you played with supports like Zaremba or Wixo—you'd have standout performances, like going 7/0 on Draven against players like Caliste, yet you never got your shot in the LFL. Looking back, what do you think was holding you back?
Honestly, I never really knew why. I only assume it's because I used to be toxic when I was a kid. But I think that's pretty normal, to be a bit toxic when you're a kid. I was top 120 when I was 16 and I never really had the chance to go anywhere. But I always thought I was very good, and I think at one point I proved to myself that I was.
Something stood out to me this year—your laning stats seem pretty underwhelming. How do you explain that? Is it due to the champions, the meta, or simply how you've evolved as a player?
Since MHSC time in LFL Division 2, I'm completely the same. At best, I'm just faster at my decisions in game, which sometimes gives me more openings. But I still pick champions like Draven and things in scrims; they're just a bit deeper in fearless, which hopefully I will get to pick soon.
Heading into these playoffs, you're not the favorites on paper—but where do you see yourselves compared to the other teams and AD carries? And have you been able to scrim against top teams to prepare?
We've only played LEC teams so far the last two weeks, and we've beaten the bottom five of LEC. I think the top three LFL are genuinely a lot stronger than most of LEC. I would say we've only struggled so far versus G2 and GX. So I think we are very strong, and I believe we can win the whole tournament. It's just about being in good shape when we play the matches versus Galions and Solary, and I think we can bring it all home.
How are things at TLNP? It's still a relatively new organization that people don't know much about—what's your experience been like as a player there?
Let's say the only way to compare this organization is somewhere close to MSHC, which is pretty crazy, right? So big props to them. They kind of give us everything we need, quite literally any sort of support. Everything is totally on time, everyone is there at any time—it's as good as it gets.
You've already won the EBL, the HLL, and reached multiple LFL Division 2 podiums, all at just 21 years old. What are your medium-term goals now?
I want to win the LFL first, ideally. So I'm currently focused on going first in the LFL, and doing well in EMEA Masters of course. I'm kind of upset with the run I had last year with Phantasma. I think we were the best team if we were all locked in mentally. So I will change that this year, hopefully. And then I would like to think that in 2027 or 2028, I would be in the LEC.
Are you planning to represent your country at the ENC? I believe your former teammate Pesho is also Macedonian—so could we potentially see a reunion on the national team?
We are reuniting for the ENC with him. I will of course represent, because I think it's a big pride—a big honor to be able to play for my country. Even though we don't have a lot of players—I think currently it's only me and Fallen—it'll be a bit of a struggle, but, you know, I'm still just very honored to be able to play. Hopefully in the future we'll have a lot more players that I could play with, or maybe in the future even coach, help other people out.
tant que kcb sera en lfl malheuresement il ne gagnera rien mais bonhomme d'afficher de grande ambition