Following a disappointing performance at FISSURE Playground 1, where Wildcard were eliminated in the group stage after a 0–2 loss to FURIA, team leader Aran “Sonic” Groesbeek gave an in-depth interview to HLTV. The team showed promising signs against GamerLegion but ultimately lost four maps in a row and ended their run without a single series win.
Inside Perspective: Sonic on His Decision to Stay, Team Chaos, and the Future
During the interview, Sonic openly admitted that he had planned to leave Wildcard even before the Major:
“I was supposed to move to another team — I won’t say which one — but Wildcard asked me to stay and help keep the core together. At first, I was strongly against it, but we reached an agreement that I would help stabilize the roster.”
Following a roster shakeup that brought in young players Peeping and fr3nd, Groesbeek was forced to take on the in-game leader role:
“It was a massive amount of information for the newcomers. We had only played together for four days, with four players in new roles — it was a tough challenge.”
Regarding the match against FURIA, he said:
“They play aggressively. If your team isn’t cohesive, it’s incredibly hard to counter that. We weren’t ready.”
As for his own future, Sonic didn’t rule out the possibility of leaving:
“Yes, I might still leave. It’s very likely.”
Commentary: A Team in Crisis, but with Hope for the Future
This candid interview highlighted the internal instability within Wildcard. Sonic is an experienced player, but in this case, he’s more of a temporary savior. The team’s identity and the development of its young talents depend largely on him. However, his words about a likely departure in the near future raise questions — who will lead the project next?
Despite the short preparation period, Sonic did not criticize the new players. On the contrary, he acknowledged their potential and rapid adaptation, which offers some hope for the team’s growth:
“Peeping learns quickly, and fr3nd is a really nice guy — but he needs to better understand the risks that come with the AWP.”
What’s Next: Another Roster Shakeup or a Rally Around Sonic?
This interview could lead to two outcomes. On one hand, it sends a warning to the organization: if Wildcard fails to stabilize, it risks losing its temporary leader. On the other hand, Sonic’s honesty and openness might serve to rally the young squad around him — at least for a while. Especially if fr3nd gradually embraces the role of future team leader.
The season is just beginning for Wildcard, with North American qualifiers ahead. If the team wants to contend for Majors, it must quickly decide not only on its roster but also on the leader around whom it will build its future.
Source: hltv.org
