JDC: BIG Aiming for Major Status at Esports World Cup

Jon "JDC" de Castro emphasized BIG's determination to prove themselves as a strong team, stating that the Esports World Cup is akin to a Major for them. "We want to prove that BIG is a good team and that we are here to play," he remarked following their qualification with a 2-1 win over Sashi.

This milestone marks BIG's second tournament this season, as they previously participated in the XSE Pro League in China, where they finished between 5th and 8th after a quarterfinal loss to PARIVISION. After a two-week break post-China, the team regrouped to prepare for the EWC qualifiers.

In an interview with HLTV, JDC mentioned that the EWC serves as a crucial test for BIG as they strive to ascend into the elite ranks of Counter-Strike. He remarked, "Yeah, let's be real here: we have been talking in BIG, publicly as well, that we need to take the next step." The team has enjoyed success in tier-two and tier-three tournaments, but they aim for higher aspirations in 2023.

Describing their qualification run, JDC noted that they began strongly, remaining unbeaten until their final match. He acknowledged the importance of respecting all opponents and how the cumulative fatigue from the day's matches can affect performance.

The competitive atmosphere was particularly lively during their last match, as friendly banter ensued with their opponents. JDC reflected, "It was a lot of friendly banter, but at the end of the day, we wanted to win really badly." He recalled an old-school Counter-Strike feeling during the event, reminiscent of his early days in the game.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, JDC expressed confidence, stating that the team's mindset was focused on their own play rather than worrying about opponents. He highlighted their capable roster and the need to perform consistently throughout their matches.

Reflecting on their preparation, he explained the value of their recent break, asserting that it contributed positively to their creativity and energy levels. JDC concluded by emphasizing the significance of the Esports World Cup, describing it as a major opportunity to validate their skills against top-tier teams. He stated, "Our expectations are game by game, but just win every game."