Before this, NaVi won the PGL Copenhagen Major and the Esports World Cup, and performed excellently in the BLAST Fall Groups. In this IEM Cologne tournament, NaVi easily advanced to the semifinals with three wins in three matches, losing only one map to the Portuguese dark horse SAW . Next, they will face Mouz .

In an interview with foreign media, iM shared his expectations for the IEM Cologne playoffs, how the team advanced, and his feelings before the big match, including the tense atmosphere on stage and tactics.

How does it feel to advance to the playoffs?

It feels great. This is my second time participating in the IEM Cologne tournament. The first time we lost in the decider match to Astralis . This is the second time. It's great that we advanced. This is one of the most legendary arenas in CS, right?

Before the BLAST.tv Paris Major, did you ever think you would play at the Lanxess Arena?

I only knew it was the biggest venue for CS matches. It's amazing, so I had to experience it because it's my first time, and I had to see it. (Before the BLAST.tv Paris Major) I didn't really think about it. I really wanted to be there in person. So I can't wait to experience it.

You have now accumulated a lot of experience in major tournaments. Do you still get nervous when you go on stage?

No, not at all. If I have any nervousness, it's only in the first two or three rounds, then I gradually get used to it.

If I see the audience and how they clap and cheer, I enjoy it. But actually, most of the time I'm just staring at my monitor, that's all.

Does getting three headshots make you feel better?

No, I don't need headshots to relieve tension. Basically, as I said, I just keep my eyes on the screen the whole time, nothing can distract me, even if someone touches my chair.

Many people say NaVi is in great form now, even better than when you won the Major. Do you feel that way in the team?

It's good for us that people have such comments, but I still think we have a lot of work to do. We see our mistakes, and we see other teams' mistakes. Basically, the team with the fewest mistakes will win in the end.

But obviously, we have great chemistry and synergy. That's our team's advantage. Also, it's good that everyone is getting back in form.

You have reached the semifinals. Do you think this gives you any advantage? Because no matter which team you face, they have already experienced a victory.

I think it's both an advantage and a disadvantage. The disadvantage is that they might be more experienced from the previous match and more comfortable on stage. They might not have a slow start, you could say.

But our advantage is that we can see how they perform on stage and prepare for it. We can also easily get on stage and feel the atmosphere without facing it in the first match. So, I think it has both pros and cons.

Finally, let's predict, who will be your opponent in the semifinals? (The interview was conducted before the quarterfinals, and currently MOUZ has defeated G2 to advance to the semifinals)

G2, but I kind of want to play against MOUZ because I want to face siuhy.

Natus Vincere will face Mouz at 01:00 AM on August 18th, and the winner will advance to the finals.