Vitality performed very confidently in the group stage. Do you think the team is ready to win the championship?
Before we actually lift the trophy, I won't think about winning the championship. We have already reached the semifinals. Of course, our goal is to win the championship, but before that, we still have some things to do. First, we need to win the upcoming semifinal.
In the group stage, you also defeated Mouz , and the last time you faced them was at EPL S19 in Malta. How do you think this match against MOUZ is different from the previous one?
There are certainly differences. I think we performed very poorly in Malta. The team was not in the game at all. MOUZ was leading us by the nose from start to finish. This time, we are better prepared, with more energy and more preparation. I am very happy to have won the match. We avenged our previous loss.
Did your psychologist contribute to this revenge?
Yes, we are also working hard to improve our mental resilience.
Who would you prefer to face in the semifinals?
I have no preference, but I think we are most likely to face FaZe. So far, everything is going well, but I also know that FaZe on stage is stronger than FaZe in the studio. Therefore, I think FaZe will make it to the semifinals.
FaZe made a stunning comeback against Liquid. Does such a FaZe make you a bit fearful?
No, because we have beaten them before, and we have defeated them multiple times. But I imagine that such a comeback will help them in their quarterfinal match.
FaZe's comeback against Liquid will definitely fill their game with passion. They might become more motivated. Therefore, we need to pay attention to that. Other than that, there's nothing special.
You get an extra day of rest before the semifinals. Is this an advantage over the quarterfinal teams?
Being in the semifinals has its pros and cons. The disadvantage is that the quarterfinal teams can warm up in the arena in advance. But everyone still prefers to make it to the semifinals. Including myself.
So as a team that goes directly to the semifinals, how do you prepare for the match?
First, we must play a lot of CS. Additionally, we have the advantage of preparation. Compared to other teams, we can prepare more. As long as we stay focused and maintain a good state, we can be well-prepared.
Including mentality?
Yes, mentality is very important in any game.
You have fallen short in the finals of major tournaments several times. Where do you think the problem lies? Are you ready to solve these problems this time?
The problems are not just one. We are working hard to solve these problems and find solutions. The team performed well last year, but this year we have been losing these matches. Now we are working hard on both mentality and gameplay. So I hope to have the opportunity to showcase our efforts in Cologne.
Do you miss the fan base from previous events? For example, the Vitality fans everywhere in and out of the Copenhagen arena.
Having fans at the matches is definitely a good thing. I think in some matches, it can be a bit boring without fans. It's like playing in the studio for one or two weeks, and even in the semifinals and finals, it's still in the same studio. In contrast, I prefer arena matches.
Do you want to participate in more group stage matches on stage? Or do you need to keep honing your skills in the studio and then sweep your opponents on stage?
This format is great. Take Cologne for example, having a studio in the opening stage is fine. For the participating teams and the event, it would be difficult to proceed if there was only one stage. Therefore, I think the balance of this competition is very good.
Starting in the studio and then moving to the stage from the quarterfinals is much better.
Is the studio environment more favorable for weaker teams? After all, they don't have much experience in big tournaments.
It depends. Some teams perform better in the studio, some perform better in the arena, and some are about the same. For example, FaZe performs better in the arena. Some teams perform better in the studio. It depends on the team itself.
