The esports scene is buzzing with predictions and trash talk as the LTA Sul League of Legends tournament heats up. Marcos “Cariok” Santos, a star player for paiN Gaming, recently opened up about his team and their rivals. He spoke in a laid-back interview with Rafaela Tomasi from Riot Games.
Cariok shed some light on why every stumble from paiN Gaming becomes such big news. He feels everything is amplified when you’re part of paiN. “When we play great, it’s amazing,” Cariok explained. “But when we play poorly, the criticism hits hard. It feels like everything is multiplied by 100 for us.” He believes this pressure is fair. Fans expect a lot from them, and the players expect a lot from themselves too. This intense spotlight makes any tough times for paiN Gaming much more visible.
Looking ahead to the LTA 2025 Cross Conference, paiN Gaming has already secured a spot. They join Vivo Keyd Stars in the competition, which is set to run from November 13 to 28. Cariok even offered a guess about the third team that might qualify. He sees FURIA as the frontrunner, believing they have the best chance. While RED Canids and LOUD could surprise everyone, Cariok thinks beating FURIA will be a tall order.
This Sunday, the 31st, paiN Gaming faces off against Vivo Keyd Stars. Cariok respects their upcoming opponent. “I think they are good; they’re playing the best right now,” he stated. “It will be fun to go against them.” He noted that Mireu joining their roster made Vivo Keyd Stars feel more complete and confident. Cariok feels that a win for paiN would put them back in the favorite spot, but he believes they will need to practice more to secure that victory.
When the conversation shifted to LOUD, Cariok offered a lighthearted jab. He simply said, “My rival is dead.” This comment comes as LOUD fights for survival in the lower bracket of the LTA Sul tournament. They play FURIA this Saturday, the 30th, at 1 PM. If LOUD manages to win, they will advance. Their next opponent would be either RED Canids or Leviatán, depending on the outcome of Friday’s game, the 29th.