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How is the preparation going for ESL One Cologne? Are you satisfied with the bootcamp so far?
We are working really hard to have a wider map pool that we master. Of course we are still at the very early stages of the team but we have already been able find some routines and strong rounds on various maps. I like the attitude we have during this bootcamp. Each time we’ve been facing a problem we would directly tackle it and try some new solutions. Today we acknowledge that we lack some tactical aspects, but if we use our strengths at the the right timing, we might surprise some teams.
Has the recent roster change had an impact on team synergy or have you guys been playing together long enough for it to have little to no effect?
Bringing on two new profiles always changes the dynamic of a team. As individuals we get along really well, which creates a very good atmosphere between us. Also we share a pretty common view of how we should play CS:GO. Right now we’re having a new wave of energy and I hope we can keep it alive for as long as possible.
Have you guys set any specific goals for the major, or is it more like you are going into it with a mindset that you shouldn’t think ahead of the next match?
Well it’s pretty clear that the major is the main objective. Even though we should also keep long term perspectives, we all want to achieve something great in Cologne. We’re considering each game as a challenge in itself and we’ll try to succeed in as many as possible. It is important for us to position ourselves directly against the very best teams in the world.
Facing Na`Vi and then fnatic to get a playoff spot on the first day is probably one of the most difficult paths we could have gotten.
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What do you think about the group draw? Could you guys have been a bit more lucky, or are you cool with the outcome?
Facing Na`Vi and then fnatic to get a playoff spot on the first day is probably one of the most difficult paths we could have gotten. Anyway, to be the best, you have to beat the best. I guess if we can’t qualify on the first day, those tough matches will at least help us charge on all cylinders for the second day!
Do you think that any team in your group is a clear favourite for advancing or does the Best of one system makes it really unpredictable?
Even though Na`Vi could legitimately beat fnatic in a bo1, the recent and stable results from fnatic clearly puts them as favorites. The bo1 format could be the only real threat for them.
The last time you met Natus Vincere at ESWC, the Ukrainian team took a very convincing win against you on de_mirage. Is there a possibility to see you guys play this map against them once again?
I can’t talk about the map strategies that we have, but I’d say no matter the past results, if we have worked on a map, we will be ready to play it against anyone!
What are your thoughts on the recent format changes? The community will not see a shortage in the number of the games. However, from the player’s perspective there must be some difference from the previous format?
I like the idea that everything gets scrambled after the first day. I think it’s better for the show as it creates more matchups and unpredictable outcomes. As a player I don’t really care. I guess the only risk is that you have to prepare for a wider range of teams to face. You have to create a more “universal” play style if you want to succeed in such a format, which is nice I guess.
Virtus.pro's Taz has recently taken to twitter, expressing that he is rather underwhelmed with majors and doesn't feel excited going into them. Can you relate to this?
To be very honest I am thrilled with basically 99.9% of the events I’m travelling to. But the Majors are still something special to me. I’ve also had some previous dramas with the Majors and I feel like it’s time to get some revenge!
There has been a lot of discussion on how Valve can improve CS:GO majors compared to DOTA 2’s The International. Do you think that increasing the prize pool would be the first step, or should it be something more on the technical side, like format and tournament’s concept?
The format of the season is pretty good right now. The only thing I would maybe change is to actually introduce differences in the value of tournaments. I could take the tennis circuit as an example, they have ATP 250, 500, 1000 and Grand Slam. I find this system very interesting as you can really use smaller tournaments as preparation for bigger ones etc. Then on the other hand, increasing the overall prize money would surely create more hype and a strong positive dynamic.
What is your comment on the new antidoping measures implemented by ESL? Will that have any significant impact on the players?
This is totally legitimate to me. Now we are in a position to win a lot of money. Of course we have to check if some players use drugs to improve their performances. I have no problem with that and I support this new rule. I just hope that all rules will be explained clearly.
Fnatic’s captain Pronax has stated a lot of times that Titan is one of the rare teams that he doesn’t like to play against, as Ex6TenZ is very good at making counterstrats to the Swedish team. Do you think that your team has the advantage over Fnatic in the group stage or will it be a fairly level matchup?
When you actually think that you have the advantage over fnatic, you’ve basically got something wrong. Even if we’re fairly able to adapt to their play style, they are the top dogs and we’re the challengers.
The only team who managed to beat Titan in an official match ever since you have added shox and SmithZz to the roster is eBettle. It might be the case that you and the Polish guys clash once again in a best-of-one match, do you guys feel more prepared now or is there still scope for surprise from their side?
I think we shouldn’t extrapolate so much from just one match. All we know is that they have very skilled individuals but I would be confident to face them once again. We both have a play style that isn’t really known at the moment so the surprises would go both ways.
RpK is on a good run right now and I want to see what shox will do under heavy pressure! I would look out for them. :)
The recent results show that there is no longer a gap between tier one and tier two teams, do you think that every team in Cologne can beat their opponents or are there still some weaker teams which are out of the race from the start?
I think when it comes to Major, bo3 playoffs and a lot of pressure, some teams will step up and show that they belong in the very “top class” category.
Which player from your team will most likely shine at this tournament?
RpK is on a good run right now and I want to see what shox will do under heavy pressure! I would look out for them. :)
Who do you think has the highest chance of taking the major title in Cologne?
I’d go for Fnatic.
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