In this interview, we had the chance to speak with XSET Ewok and discussed a range of topics, including Fortnite, Apex Legends, and more.
Soleil Wheeler has overcome a lot of challenges in his life as a gamer and content creator. Better known as Ewok, those who witnessed Fortnite at its peak popularity might remember this deaf streamer. He appeared in the Fortnite World Cup Celebrity Pro-Am and even enjoyed a stint as a professional player. Despite the odds, Ewok worked hard, built an audience, and flashed his skills as a Fortnite competitor.
Ewok first went pro as a member of FaZe Clan. Since then, Ewok parted ways with FaZe Clan and joined XSET—another recognizable esports organization.
Esports.gg had the chance to speak with XSET Ewok, who spoke about the early days of Fortnite, and his enjoyment of Apex Legends, and gave those struggling with depression and mental health issues some words of encouragement.
XSET Ewok talks start in Fortnite, favorite seasons, and more
Most people might recognize you as a prevalent figure in the Fortnite scene. What was it like to play Fortnite at its peak? What were some of your favorite seasons?
Ewok: “It was really enjoyable, I loved the game when it was at its peak and I would play for hours. My favorite seasons would be season 5 and season 7. Fortnite has definitely continued to evolve the way you can play the game, but honestly those seasons just felt the most exciting and fresh for me.”
Tell us about your experiences competing on the global stage in the Summer Block Party Celebrity Pro-Am and Fortnite World Cup Celebrity Pro-Am. How did it feel to be surrounded by some of the most well-known celebrities and figures in the Fortnite scene?
Ewok: “I was overwhelmed and nervous at first with thousands of people watching me play. It turned out to be an amazing time. When I met a lot of celebrities, I had to thank my younger-self who worked hard to get to the place where I am.”
What were some of your favorite moments from those days?
Ewok: “Playing with those professional players and celebrities was probably the most exciting moment overall. I was surprised at the level that even some of the celebrity amateur players were able to play. It just goes to show the amount of talent that Fortnite has truly yet to see across the board.”
Opinions on Fortnite since Chapter 2 and branching into Apex Legends
What is your opinion of Fortnite from Chapter 2 to the present day? Do you think the game has hit its peak?
Ewok: “It’s so much different from its peak. It definitely hit its peak way before Chapter 2. Like I mentioned, season 5 and 7 were the most exciting and refreshing moments of the game at least for me. While it’s still of course very fun to play, even at a competitive level, I’m still hoping for that same breath of fresh air some of the earlier versions of Fortnite were able to provide.”
You’ve recently branched into Apex Legends, which has garnered a massive following recently. What do enjoy most about the game and how does it compare to Fortnite?
Ewok: “I enjoy the different gameplay, such as different abilities and characters. The strategic element of the game is definitely something new for me. What I really enjoy is the variety the game provides in terms of the ways you can kit your weapon and how various team compositions can drastically change how your team has to play out a match.
It’s a bit difficult to fully compare Fortnite and Apex Legends. Sure, they’re both battle royales, but how you approach a fire fight in Apex is different in the sense you have to account for your team’s abilities, what’s useful and what ultimate you can burn to gain the upper hand on enemy teams. Fortnite is very dependent on your building mechanics and is just as important as your aim when it comes to winning.“
Ewok talks about going from FaZe Clan to XSET and gives advice to those struggling with depression
Switching gears a bit, can you tell us a bit about your time with FaZe Clan and how it ultimately came to an end?
Ewok: “FaZe Clan was great to me. They gave me so many opportunities that I would have never imagined getting without them. While I’m forever grateful to that org, I needed to start a new chapter in my life.”
You have recently joined XSET. What drew you to this organization and how did the partnership materialize?
Ewok: “The diversity, people and community is wonderful. They truly embody an inclusive gaming organization and that’s what I wanted to bring my own community to see. Everyone has been really great to me and I know we’ll have a ton of fun times together.”
What do you hope to accomplish as a member of XSET?
Ewok: “I wanted to give back to the community. But not just my original viewers. I myself represent a wide variety of communities and I want to make sure that people know my streams and XSET is a place where literally all are welcome.”
You have been transparent about your struggles with depression. What sort of advice would you offer to those with similar issues?
Ewok: “Keep going, we all are stronger than any of life's obstacles itself and you are impacting others by just being here.”
Do you have any long-term goals as it pertains to content creation and your position in the scene? If so, what are they?
Ewok: “Yes, content creation is my main plan. There's a lot of things I want to do and I hope everyone will enjoy what I have in store for them!”
Lastly, you can expect to see Ewok in future XSET videos, so be sure to check out the organization’s YouTube channel as well.
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