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Interview with SLY Grimm, Manager Solary for EVA

SLY Grimm Interview

Welcome and thank you for accepting this interview. Can you introduce yourself and your team briefly?

Hello, I’m Yann, also known as SLY.Grimm, manager of the EVA Solary team and father of SLY.GROM. I’ve been involved with this team since its very beginning and even acted as their sole sponsor for two years to help them grow and structure themselves. Today, I use my management experience to support the team, with a strong focus on guidance and development.

Can you describe your role and daily routine within the EVA scene?

My role is to manage the team on a daily basis, instill the values of high-level competition, and maintain a strong collective balance. It’s often work that happens behind the scenes, but it requires constant presence, attentive listening, and full commitment to the players.

What motivated you to join this team?

It all started with my son. I wanted to share a sporting activity with him. Since I’m not from the gaming generation and I’m aware of my physical limits, I naturally took on a managerial role within EVA. This allowed me to stay close to him while building a collective project.

What do you consider to be your greatest strength as a manager?

My main strength is adaptability. I don’t believe in a single management approach, because every player has different needs, motivations, and challenges. My goal is to create a trusted environment where everyone can grow while maintaining high standards. This involves listening, empowering individuals, and keeping a clear shared vision.

For those wondering, what are the differences between a manager and a coach?

The roles are complementary but distinct. A manager is responsible for performance and results, setting objectives, making decisions, and leading the team. A coach, on the other hand, focuses more on individual development, helping players improve through guidance, listening, and questioning. One drives results, the other develops potential.

How many hours per week do you usually work?

On average, I work around 60 hours per week, although this can vary depending on the period.

Do you think age is a factor in becoming a professional player?

Not significantly. Skills, training, and game understanding matter more. While certain predispositions can exist, age itself is not a decisive factor.

If you could change one thing about how young players are trained in esports, what would it be?

I would emphasize a more balanced approach. Training today is too focused on pure performance. It should include psychological support, physical preparation, and planning for life after esports. The goal is to develop players who can sustain long-term careers.

What made you want to get into esports?

My son was the trigger. Through him, I discovered this world and decided to fully commit to it.

What kind of educational path should someone follow to become a manager?

There isn’t a single path, but a background in management is a solid foundation, such as a Master’s degree or business school. However, practical experience and interpersonal skills are just as important.

Is there a player or team that inspires you in particular? Why?

My son is my main source of inspiration. He represents both motivation and a personal role model.

Outside of esports, what other activities or interests help you maintain balance?

I’m passionate about history and collect old books, maps, and manuscripts, mainly from the 16th to 18th centuries. This intellectual curiosity helps me maintain perspective and balance.

Do you think EVA will be accessible to everyone in the future?

EVA remains physically demanding, which naturally creates limitations. Players need strong physical condition, so accessibility will always have some boundaries, especially related to age.

If you had to describe your team in one word, what would it be?

Agile. The team is able to adapt quickly, stay united, and turn constraints into opportunities.

What is your favorite game outside of EVA, and why?

Chess, for its strategic and mental depth, which aligns with how I think.

Do you need to be a player to be a good manager?

No, it’s not necessary. What matters most are management skills, communication, and understanding how a team works.

How do you handle criticism, and what would you say to a player who is afraid to start because of it?

I approach criticism objectively, keeping what helps me improve and ignoring the rest. To a player, I would say that criticism does not define your value, and it’s important to take the leap because experience always teaches more than inaction.

What would you improve in EVA esports if you were in charge tomorrow?

I would focus on several areas, including broader talent detection, structured health support, greater transparency in governance, the creation of a federation, and better protection for players’ careers. The goal would be to build a more sustainable ecosystem.

How did you discover EVA and what made you stick with it?

I discovered EVA through social media and introduced it to my son. What stood out to me was the strategic and team-based dimension of the game. What truly hooked me was the opportunity to share a demanding and meaningful activity with him in a competitive environment built on teamwork and intelligence.

Any final message for the fans?

Thank you for your support and energy. If a sixty-year-old father can find his place in EVA esports, it proves that this scene goes beyond generations. Keep playing, believing, and sharing these moments. What matters most is not being the best, but never moving forward alone.

esport, SLY Grimm, Solary, EVA

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