In the leadup to the ESL MWC Challenge at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on the 4th of March, ESL Spain interviewed Carlos "ocelote" Rodríguez Santiago, manager and owner of Gamers2 and long-time resident of the esports scene. Despite having retired from professional gaming himself, he plans to expand Gamers2 with a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team as well as publish a book documenting his experiences in order to guide those who want to get into the world of the competitive gaming and shoutcasting themselves.

ESL: Hi Carlos (or, as you’re better known, ocelote). Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to speak with us - we know you’re working on a lot of projects right now! To begin with, why don’t you introduce yourself briefly and tell us who ocelote is outside Summoner's Rift?
ocelote: My name, even though some might not know it, is Carlos Rodríguez Santiago, one of the most Spanish names ever.

I consider myself an ambitious person. Really ambitious! I love spending time with my family, friends and a lovely lady called Rosalie.

I like reading books, waking up early, going to bed early, running, playing football (even if I’m not as good as I was when I was a child), playing paddle, taking a dip in the swimming pool, meditating... I have a really healthy life. I don't really go out and party, but when I do, I assure you it’s unforgettable. More than quantity, I have started to search for quality in my life.

I love to eat in restaurants, even if I’m alone (pasta and Asian food especially)! I don't care about dining alone - I like to sit and be comfortable with a book in my hands and someone serving me a tasty meal. I also like going to the cinema (also alone)!

I am a really sociable person (if you haven't noticed yet), but at the same time I know how to appreciate the moments I spend alone. This is important to me.

ESL: Now focusing on esports and the competitive scene, how were your beginnings in the competitive world? After competing in Counter-Strike, Day of Defeat, and begin your career in World of Warcraft, why you decide to continue with League of Legends?
ocelote: As I said before, I’m an ambitious person. When I’ve climbed to the top of something, I start to look elsewhere, and then I strive to be the best at that next thing time and time again.

I think I like to test myself. Well, that and in World of Warcraft was becoming a gorilla's game… (melee cleave for those who remember it ¬¬).

League of Legends seemed to be fresh. I liked it and I saw the opportunity to become the first legend in it, so I thought “why not?”

ESL: In your League of Legends esports career, what cheered you on to compete? How did you feel when SK offered you a place on their team with your partners in Dimegio?
ocelote: I was good at the game after playing only a short while. That was one of the reasons.
I felt I could be someone important in this industry, and League of Legends was a wonderful tool to get there. When I was asked to join SK Gaming, I knew I deserved it - it was just a matter of time to prove it.

ESL: This year you’ve been in the world of esports for more than six years, with four of those devoted to League of Legends, where you passed through teams such as Dimegio and SK Gaming before finally creating your own team with Gamers2. Which moment was so unforgettable that it will be in your memory forever? How did you feel?
ocelote: In total I’ve had eight years in the esports scene, if I’m not mistaken.

Some of my top moments:

• When I qualified for BlizzCon in World of Warcraft - I went crazy
• When we beat CLG EU in the gamescom finals
• When I created Gamers2

I felt differently when I experienced all of them, but the real turning point in my career was making Gamers2, and because of that I have this amazing love for the club, even it has only been active a bit.

ESL: Thank you for your time, ocelote!

We’re looking forward to see Gamers2 in action at the ESL MWC Challenge at the ESL Arena on the 4th of March - be sure to tune in to the stream with our Spanish casters Alejandro “Kuentin” Cotrina and Marc “RaRuM” Alsina if you can’t be there in person!

Tomorrow we’ll also be interviewing Enrique "xPeke" Cedeño Martínez, whose team Origen will going head to head with Gamers2 in the €15,000 tournament, in the leadup to the event, so stay tuned!