OCE CS2 Team Spotlight: LarkoTako & LeLux Esports

Written by Joshua "OnlyJoshin" Warmington

LeLux Esports was one of the first teams to book their ticket to the next season of ECL by defeating Rebound in the grand final of ESEA Open Season 51. Now, the minnows have the tough task of taking on Oceania’s best.

DFRAG was joined by Mitchell “LarkoTaco” Douglas from LeLux to give us a general spotlight on the team and what they’re looking to achieve. 

How did it feel when your team won ESEA Open Season 51?

“After losing Season 49 final, the expectations were to get back into the grand final for the following season. We had some unfortunate roster mishaps and eventually we got our solid five and were able to get into some form during playoffs. 

“By the time we won, we were all happy with the result considering parts of our regular season were looking rather grim.”

What happened in Season 49 Open when you had to play 4v5 and forfeit relegations?

“By the time we had finished the grand final of Season 49, we didn’t know until Viridian mentioned it in his stream that there were relegations. I think up until that point we had played seven or eight Bo3s in about as many days, so we were pretty burnt out.

“We played the first game and due to other commitments and general burn out we decided it wasn’t in our best interests to continue playing the relegations.”

How did the team come together and when did you feel you could take it to ECL?

“Coffee, Kumo, and I had formed a core three that had been together for the better part of a year. Kasze and XC were added to the team during the early part of 2024; during Season 49 we weren’t sure about what stage of playoffs we could reach as we were unfamiliar with the competition, etc.

“After making the grand final, the consensus was that next season we should be aiming to make it back into the grand final and this time come out on top.”

What are the challenges for your team heading into a two Bo1 format compared to a Bo3 format?

“Probably just managing the veto as best as we can. Regardless, two maps get played so there isn’t a great deal [in] worrying about what maps we ‘have to let through.’”

Could you provide us a brief introduction of your team, their roles, and what they do outside of the game?

“Coffee is small site anchor and is currently studying at university. Kasze is big site anchor, and is an international student from China. XC plays rotator roles and is also finishing up his studies as an international student from China. I also have rotator roles and I am studying as well. Elfmelk, got number one on FACEIT for two hours before asap took it back.”

What are your team's biggest strengths and weaknesses?

“I feel the team has a decent idea of how we want to react to certain rounds, when we don’t, or we agree that we misplayed a scenario. Everyone is very good at communicating how or what we should do differently the next time we get into that scenario.”

What map would your team prefer to switch out of the map pool for Train?

“I think across the scene not that many teams enjoy Vertigo. The only reason we have it in our map pool is because we think the Inferno remake is just as bad. That said we would rather have Vertigo replaced by Train.

“However, Train doesn’t feel quite right yet but assuming some changes are made to the map we would all be content with it being reintroduced for Vertigo.”

Do you think your team can replicate Art of War into making it into the playoffs in the first season?

“With the introduction of Talon into ECL I think it would be hard to expect us to be the best new team in the league. Regardless of where we finish in the standings, the goal is to progressively improve over the course of the season and win as many games as possible during the process.”

Has there been any changes to your and your team's approach to CS2 since being promoted to ECL?

“In terms of meta, not really. We have a good idea of what we want to accomplish across the maps when we play them, and we know that there are lots of areas for improvement in the lead up to ECL. With the remaining time we have before the season starts, we want to improve on these areas as much as possible.”

Which team do you think will win ECL this season?

“FlyQuest are still favourites for me, it would be hard to imagine that they don’t also add a very high calibre player in place of aliStair.”

Do you think there'll be any surprises in ECL?

“I don’t think the actual teams will be surprised, but the average OCE CS2 viewer will probably be surprised with how strong the new Rooster roster performs over the next season.”

Here is the LeLux Esports squad for the start of 2025:

• Coffee (IGL)
• LarkoTaco
• Elfmelk
• XC
• Kasze